The Napier Student Film Festival

Introduction

In this Brighter Beacon article, we explore the Napier Student Film Festival and the reasons why you should go.

Notice: This article is not sponsored, endorsed, nor influenced by the event's host.

What is the Napier Student Film Festival?

The Napier Student Film Festival (NSFF) is a 3-day festival dedicated to short films produced by student filmmakers. This festival is hosted by the Edinburgh Napier Students' Association (ENSA) , lasts from Wednesday, 13th to Friday, 15th November 2024, and open to the public and free of charge for all events.

On that Wednesday, the Opening Night starts at 6pm at the Riady Theatre at Craiglockhart Campus, Edinburgh Napier University. The festival will end with an Awards Ceremony held in the Glassroom, Merchiston Campus at 7pm on the mentioned Friday to celebrate winners in a variety of categories.

ENSA Announcement: https://www.napierstudents.com/ents/napierstudentfilmfestival/

Festival's Instagram Profile: https://www.instagram.com/napierfilmfest24/

Programme of Events: https://edinburghnapier.native.fm/event/napier-student-film-festival-2024/239720

In terms of the films, ENSA received over 200+ short films from 43 countries and shortlisted 25 films from different universities in 15 countries.

Shortlisted Films: https://www.napierstudents.com/ents/napierstudentfilmfestival/shorlisted_films/

Why Should You Go to the Napier Student Film Festival?

Virtually all of our readers are members of the University of Edinburgh. However, our university affiliation should not create a superficial barrier in participating social events hosted by other universities, especially when they are open to the public and free.

If Napier students are able to take part in our Students' Association events due to the recent partnership, it is fair we — as neighbourly students — should support their students' union.

As of now, Bintang D. is the only Edinburgh University student who is keen on going to the Napier Student Film Festival and actively promoting this festival in his university. Therefore, here are several additional reasons to go to the film festival:

1. It is the only film festival dedicated to students in Scotland. While the Edinburgh University's King's Buildings Student Film Festival is in development hell since February 2024, ENSA has made the big step forward in this space. We cannot be petty that we did not get here first. Hence for our enthusiasts, the Napier Student Film Festival is the only place in Scotland for now to explore student-made cinema.
2. Besides the student film showcases, there are other events such as workshops, masterclasses, panel discussions, and Q&A sessions. These events are for students to learn from industry professionals regarding the many aspects of filmmaking, the current trends, and challenges.
3. You can meet new people from Napier students to potential collaborators. When the festival is open to the public, there will be plenty of like-minded individuals waiting for you to connect with them.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Napier Student Film Festival offers a unique and valuable opportunity for all students, not just those from Edinburgh Napier University, to celebrate and connect through the art of film. It is a rare chance in Scotland to experience a film festival focused exclusively on student filmmakers, showcasing talent from across the globe. With its open invitation to the public, free entry, and lineup of events ranging from screenings to industry-led workshops, this festival is not just about watching films — it is about fostering creativity, learning, and community among students and future filmmakers. Whether you are a film enthusiast, a budding filmmaker, or simply curious, the Napier Student Film Festival is well worth attending.