The Cinema and Media Arts department at Vanderbilt University is thrilled to host the third annual POINT OF VU Student Film Festival. This exciting platform is dedicated to celebrating the creativity, innovation, and unique perspectives of student filmmakers.

The POINT OF VU Student Film Fest, organized by students, aims to showcase short films created by university students from the Middle Tennessee region. It provides a competitive environment for emerging filmmakers to present their work, enhancing the quality of student films at each university and fostering connections.

Held each spring at Vanderbilt’s campus in Nashville, TN, the POINT OF VU Student Film Festival will feature competitive student film blocks, panel discussions, guest speakers, and networking opportunities.

Awards & Prizes

The winner of each category will be awarded a trophy and a prize.

Rules & Terms

University students from the MIDDLE TENNESSEE REGION are welcome to submit their short films!

-All entries should be from current students or recent graduates who have graduated within the last year. ***Students must submit student IDs from either the Director, Director of Photography, or Editor of the film. ***

-Students may submit only 1 film per category

-Films that have previously screened in other festivals or online are still eligible.

-Completed films only. No works-in-progress

-Films must be 20 minutes or less.

3 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Jordan Roberts

    The team behind The Great STAR Caper was honored to recieve the Cinemad’ore Award for Best Alternative Film this year! POINT OF VU was an amazing festival and so much fun to take part in. Everyone was extremely kind and the events held were great!

    April 2026
    Helpful
  • Vivian Sanghee Han

    It is such an honor to receive the Cinemad'ore for Best Fiction Film! This project is especially dear to me as it was my first independent film following my university assignments.

    Screening the film at POVU after graduation was incredibly meaningful. It provided a wonderful opportunity for my peers and the community at Vandy who missed my senior seminar screening to finally see the work on the big screen.

    I also have to mention how much I loved the awards and merch—the design was absolutely on point and so cute! Beyond that, the feedback I received from the festival was deeply encouraging. It has truly motivated me to keep pursuing filmmaking as I transition into my professional career. Thank you, POVU!

    April 2026
    Helpful
  • DAVID S. SMITH

    My students felt that the networking opportunities were fantastic, both with peers and Industry professionals.

    February 2026
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thank you, David! We loved having Columbia State be part of the festival this year, and we’re already looking forward to seeing you again next year.