By Rebecca Wyatt, OU Web Writer

Lights, camera, action — entries for OU’s first ever Grizz Dance Film Festival are due Monday, Nov. 7. The student-produced, 10-minute short films are eligible to win cash prizes and first place wins lunch with director Spike Lee.

“The film festival is an opportunity to showcase student talent,” said Dana Chrisman, director of public relations for the Honors College Student Association.

A panel of four student judges and five faculty judges will select the top three movies to be recognized during an awards ceremony Nov. 18 from 8-10 p.m. in the Oakland Center Banquet Rooms. 

One of the student judges, Josh Corbin, produced a movie, “Trespass,” that premiered at the Landmark Main Art Theatre in Royal Oak this summer.

“It’s going to be fun to see what other students at Oakland University are doing and get to know others who are interested in filmmaking,” Corbin said.

The Student Choice Award will be selected by student ballot. The movies will be shown Friday, Nov. 18, from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. in the Oakland Center Fireside Lounge. Students must bring a valid student ID to vote for their favorite.

Grizz Dance winners will receive $500 and up to five people can have lunch with Spike Lee when he visits campus in January for a lecture. Second place will receive $250, third place $150 and the Student Choice Award winner will receive $100.

The contest is open to all students, beginners to advanced film producers. The Student Technology Center provides digital video cameras that students can check out for 48 hours to capture their video, and mentors in the STC can help students learn the tools they need to produce a movie.

“This contest will show students what they can do with the software and the tools the university provides,” Corbin said.

Corbin, along with Tim Atwood of Student Video Productions, are hoping the Grizz Dance brings out all student filmmakers and are looking to start a student filmmakers organization during the winter semester. Those interested in joining can contact Corbin at shontis@aol.com.

The Grizz Dance Film Festival is hosted by the Honors College Student Association and Student Video Productions and is sponsored by the Division of Student Affairs, Center for Multicultural Initiatives, WXOU, Student Program Board, Center for Student Activities and The Oakland Post.

Applications are available from the Honors College Student Association Web site. Submit completed entries to The Honors College, 112 Vandenberg Hall. For more information, e-mail grizzdance@gmail.com.