New Orleans Film Festival features work from UNO students, alumni

The University of New Orleans (UNO) has finalized its selection of three UNO students and 10 alumni films for the 27th annual New Orleans Film Festival.

The New Orleans Film Society will show the films at various venues in New Orleans Oct. 12-22.

This year's record-breaking number of submissions made the selection especially competitive. UNO undergraduate Jon Wood's "Plaquemines" -- as well as graduate students Max Fisk's "Heart Break-In" and Paul Punzo's "Comedy Rising" -- were selected for the festival. Wood and alumni Aaron Rushin were producers of the feature film, "A Quiet Storm." Rushin is on the staff of UNO's Department of Film and Theatre.

Also selected for the festival were alumni R. Todd Campbell, who directed a music video, "This Idea of Us," and a documentary short, "Hollis Treasures," while Eric Gremillion directed an animated short called “The Tale of Elisha Bowman."

Short narrative films were directed or co-directed by Alex Aaron, Alaina Boyett, Jason Buch, Paul Catalanotto, Aaron Davis and Trenton Mynatt. A second feature film, "People," was directed by Shane McGooey.

The UNO Department of Film and Theatre has the only accredited film and theater program in New Orleans. It is a member of the National Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST).