Makona Film Festival Partners with McMurry Honors Program, TRIO Program, and Batman for Ticket Launch

The Makona Film Festival is back for its fourth year, and tickets are officially on sale. The student-led festival, hosted by the men of Makona, will occur on March 4, 2025, at The Historic Grace Museum in downtown Abilene. This year, the festival is expanding its reach, bringing in more films, a larger audience, and an even bigger awards ceremony celebrating student and community filmmaking.

The Makona Short Film Festival believes quality film experiences should be accessible to anyone regardless of financial status. That’s why they are thankful that the McMurry Honors Program and TRIO Program have stepped in to provide an incredible benefit for students, covering the cost of tickets for all of their members who would like to attend the festival.

Their support helps offset costs and ensures that even more students can participate in the festival experience. Their commitment to enriching students’ educational, cultural, and entertainable opportunities is appreciated, and we have some student voices who we spoke to about Honors and TRIO’s involvement:

“As a student of McMurry’s Honors College, I greatly appreciate the opportunity to attend Makona’s annual film fest, thanks to our Honors administrators who have sponsored my classmates and my admissions to such a profound student-led event. Being in attendance at this event this past year, I am excited to see the new films that our peers have made. I am also very excited to see that there is a change in venue, as it will now be hosted at the Grace, which should allow for some great scenery!” Marcos Salcedo said.

“TRIO is always there trying to support their students, and this time it’s by helping us enjoy a student life experience. I’m so glad they are willing to pay for our tickets to attend the Makona Fraternity Film Fest without it taking a toll on our bank accounts.” Bethany Guzman said.

Meanwhile, campus life took a dramatic turn when Batman and the Joker were spotted around the café and campus center, drawing students’ attention. The Joker was spotted vandalizing Makona Film Fest handouts last Thursday in the Mabee cafeteria before being apprehended by a cowled crusader on the lawn. Unfortunately, the Joker escaped quickly and began running amuck the campus center! The spectacle finally ended when Batman and a student team of Makona Fraternity pledges apprehended the Joker, bringing the order back to McMurry. Rumor has it that the dark knight will be watching the films from the rooftop on March 4…

For students outside of the Honors College or TRIO, the festival is still offering affordable ticket options: Student pre-sale tickets are $7 and door price is $10. General Admission pre-sale tickets are $15 and door price is $20.

Students who qualify for the Honors College or TRIO ticket sponsorship can check with their program administrators and emails for details on how to reserve their free ticket. All other students and attendees can purchase tickets through https://www.join.mcm.edu/mkafilm.

For more information on submissions, rules, and lots more info, visit https://filmfreeway.com/MakonaFilmFestival-78

What sets the Makona Film Festival apart is its student-driven nature. The festival allows students, alumni, and Abilene-area filmmakers to showcase their work and gain recognition in a professional screening environment. The festival’s signature Zappy Awards will return this year, with over $1000 in scheduled prizes across categories like Best Film, Audience Choice, Best Cinematography, and Best Trailer. With ticket sales officially open and the submission deadline, February 28, approaching, the festival is building momentum for what’s expected to be its most successful year yet. Whether you’re attending to watch the films, support student filmmakers, or participate in the growing McMurry arts scene, the Makona Film Festival is shaping up to be an event you don’t want to miss. So, will you join us at McMurry’s grandest night of film?