Backlight is a University of Georgia film festival, providing UGA students the chance to showcase their filmmaking talents to the Athens community. Backlight simulates a competitive, festival environment with a student mixer, red carpet event, film screening, panel, and awards ceremony featuring UGA Professors and media entertainment professionals from across the country.

Backlight was founded to provide UGA students of all majors a chance to utilize and advance their media skills in a real-world environment. Backlight’s mission is to foster innovation and creativity within the UGA community by promoting and highlighting the work of aspiring filmmakers. Backlight aims to provide a platform for community recognition that illuminates the talent of young filmmakers and encourages student creation, communication, and collaboration.

Backlight will be held in April 2023

Filmmakers

We welcome all UGA students to submit their films into either of our two categories: short form (under 7 minutes) and mid-length (7-25 minutes). All submissions are due by February 20th at 11:59pm.

View our submissions terms and conditions: BLSFF Terms and Conditions.pdf – Google Drive

Submit your short film here.

Journalists

Students can apply to report on or photograph the event and interview filmmakers on the red carpet to create quality work that can be used for future internships and employment opportunities.

Photo and Video journalists may apply to report at Backlight in the Spring!

For any additional questions please contact us at backlightfilmfestival@gmail.com