SHSU film program looks to grow with speaker series, TIFN collaboration

The Sam Houston State University film department is working on joining with the Texas Independent Film Network along with other associations to get the SHSU students and program out there.

According to Tom Garrett, an associate film professor, the TIFN is a part of Austin Film Society’s ‘Education and Outreach’ arm.

TIFN takes a different Texas-made independent feature film on a circuit across the state each month. According to Garrett, Texas is home to a thriving independent film community that TIFN strives to promote their efforts by taking the best films Texas has to offer and putting them on the road.

In every town TIFN visits, they partner with the most respected film organizations to help get the word out and attract audiences.

“This association is one of many bridges we hope to build and make connects regionally, domestically and internationally with film and media organizations which will get our SHSU students and program out there,” Garrett said.

Along with working on joining different film associations the film department is also organizing a speaker series.

The first speaker is Susan Kirr, producer of Tree of Life, Spring Breakers and many more. Kirr will be on campus Friday from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. in the Mass Communications building Studio A.

Other planned speakers are Martha Coolidge, director and first female president of Directors Guild of America; Bill Perkins, Houston film producer; Rod Lurie, director, writer and producer; Vince Gilligan, creator, writer and producer; and John Avildsen, director who will be doing a week long workshop.

For more information about the film classes that SHSU offers visit the Mass Communication department in room 123.