Makona Film Fest Goes Global

This year’s Makona Film Fest was a fun suit and tie event, bringing together students, alumni
and even inviting several international films for a night of fun. With a diverse selection of films,
expanded participation, and a new venue, the event showcased the power of collaboration on
campus.

One of the key figures behind this year’s festival was A. McKinney, whose background in tech
event management and logistics played a crucial role in bringing the event to life. Contributing
his skills to elevate Makona Film Fest, McKinney took on the challenge of coordinating
logistics, securing funding, and building connections with the community.

Organizing a festival on this scale comes with its share of challenges. The street in front of the
Paramount was under construction, so the decision was made early on to host the event at the
Grace Museum. Staffing issues arose but were overcome with the support of organizations such
as SAGA and the English Club. Additional assistance came from TRIO, and the Honors Society,
providing tickets to students, RSL, which provided assistance to students who needed formal
wear, and MSG, who contributed funding.

The response from attendees was overwhelmingly positive, the festival featured a greater number
of films, more prizes, increased participation, and an expanded venue, all of which contributed to
a fun and exciting experience for both filmmakers and audiences.
Looking ahead, the vision for future Makona Film Fests is even more ambitious. Organizers
hope to attract more films, provide an engaging atmosphere, and secure additional revenue
through sponsorships. There is also a push to involve more student organizations like from Greek
life, building on the success of groups like Kiva, whose Thunderbirds submission was a standout
of the festival.

While managing such an event is undoubtedly stressful, many of this year’s organizers, including
McKinney, are eager to continue contributing in the future. The success of Makona Film Fest
2024 demonstrates the power of teamwork, adaptability, and dedication to the arts, ensuring that
the tradition will continue to grow and thrive for years to come