Visualizing quality short films

PSU’s 5th Avenue Cinema, located conveniently on campus, is well known for its weekly showings of classic, modern and independent films for all the community to enjoy at extraordinarily low prices.

Why part ways with a Jackson to see yet another generic superhero movie shown in nauseating 3-D?

This Saturday, the student-run establishment will dedicate a few hours to showing off potential future Oscar winners in their annual Visuals Film Festival.

You can take Mr. Jackson out to the movies and watch local filmmakers show off their blossoming talent in 15 minutes or less.

The festival’s been around for more than a decade, showcasing the works of students, faculty and community members. Filmmakers may produce short films pertaining to the topic of their choosing. The only films that aren’t included are those of the pornographic variety. Other than that, the sky is the limit.

Film festivals are the epitome of cinema: A nonstop schedule of movies made by people who legitimately care about their art’s content. They allow people to be introduced to and experience deeper and more stimulating film culture outside of what mainstream Hollywood deems fit for public consumption.

Not only that, festivals get filmmakers’ work out there, and can get them a more genuine response than that of friends who say, “Yeah, I liked it.”

According to 5th Avenue Cinema Coordinator (and Vanguard writer) Matt Ellis, this year’s submissions have mostly been from student filmmakers, when in previous years there had been more contributions from community members and local filmmakers. The festival will make for an excellent opportunity to see the artistic inner workings of your Portland State peers.

Though there are the weekly regulars, mostly composed of students, the festival is simply another way to bring in a broader scope of audience—regulars, friends of filmmakers, amateur film enthusiasts, et cetera.

Following the screenings, the audience will vote on their personal favorite, at which point they will be awarded free pizza for supporting local artists.

While folks are noshing on a slice, the film committee will vote on the staff’s favorite film, an honor that will be awarded the same evening.

After everything has been checked and double-checked, there will be two awards given out, one for the audience favorite and one for the staff favorite. Winners will receive passes to a local theater or art house. Previous winners have received prizes including movie passes and a lower-level yearlong membership to the Hollywood Theatre and Northwest Film Center.

The 5th Avenue Cinema is staffed primarily by Portland State’s Film Committee. They are the ones who choose the incredibly diverse lineup of movies that are shown every term.

Visuals is the only film festival that’s put on directly by the cinema right now, and
Ellis said that while the committee is hoping to include more events in its schedule similar to this one, there is currently a lack of funds to do so.

The cinema prides itself on being a nonprofit. As mentioned earlier, tickets and popcorn are free for PSU students and only three dollars for community members.

Sure, there are countless amusing activities happening on campus at any point in time. But 5th Avenue Cinema’s Visuals Film Festival is free and features local artists and original work from other PSU students.

Ellis warned that this a popular event here on campus and seats in the theater tend to fill up fast. He advised any prospective attendees to get there early and claim their territory.

Once settled, enjoy the popcorn, pizza and student-helmed short films on the big screen.