Campus MovieFest (CMF) is the world’s largest student film festival. Students are given Apple laptops for free for one week, and using the editing software Final Cut Pro, are challenged to create one 5-minute film. Free technical support is also provided. Both the University of Tampa (UT) and the University of South Florida (USF) will be screening films this February.

After entering their film, students can win awards that include Best Comedy, Best Drama, and Best Film. On top of awards, students stand to win awesome prizes ranging anywhere from gift cards to Apple laptops. Students whose films are chosen will have the opportunity to compete at the Campus MovieFest Southern Regional Grand Finale. This event will be held on March 27, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. The only requirement to sign up is that your team leader is currently affiliated with the University, which means student, faculty, or staff. That means that even if you don’t attend one of these Universities, you can still participate if you know someone who does and is willing to work with you.

If you’re a UT student, or know someone who goes to UT, and you want to get involved, head to the Vaughn lobby between 12 and 5 pm on February 2. All films are due at the same location on between 2 and 6 pm on February 8.

If you want to participate through USF, go to room 3707 at the Marshall Center between 12 and 5 pm on February 9. Films are due at that location between 2 and 6 pm on February 15.

Student films will be screened at UT on February 18 at the Vaughn center lobby starting at 8 pm. USF will be screening on February 24 the at the Oval center beginning at 7:30 pm.

For further information head to http://www.campusmoviefest.com.