WFA tackles horror film

by Emma Palasak

The Washburn Filmmakers Association (WFA) provides an opportunity for all students to be a part of a community of similar interests and passions.

While the Filmmakers Association has not been around for long, the organization has grown quickly. Anna Fifer, president of WFA, attributed the group’s success to their welcoming attitude and opportunities for students.

“We encourage all students, even outside of Mass Media, to join. We watch and discuss films and work together on individual projects. We’ve had some great guest speakers and have more planned this semester. It’s like taking a free class with your friends,” Fifer said.

Adin Replogle, vice president of WFA, reemphasized the inclusivity and benefits of being a part of the association. He brought up Matthew Nyquist’s many contributions, including his connection to Hollywood. Award winning producer of several films including “Judas and the Black Messiah” and “Space Jam: A New Legacy,” Sev Ohanian, spoke to members via Zoom last spring because of this connection.

According to Fifer, the Department of Mass Media is growing fast at Washburn, and within it, film and video is the quickest growing concentration. Throughout last semester, WFA spent time reorganizing and preparing for growth in accordance with Mass Media’s increasing popularity. The WIFI Film Festival has been a part of this, attracting attention to and honoring local filmmakers.

“The film festival is the reason I came to Washburn,” said Replogle, who won an Ivy Pruss Screenwriting Award and the Best Film by a Kansas High Svchool Student in 2021 for his film presented at WIFI.

photo courtesy of Anna Fifer (front row, from left) Malachi Lewis, Morgan Edgett, Anna Fifer, Ciera Haner, Christa Nioce; (back row) Jerron Meritt, Derek Blanchard, Matt Nyquist, Westen Smith, Adin Replogle, David Craft, Josue Tavares, Wesley Ekstrand

WFA shoots a film of its own every year, and the goal is to shoot and edit it in a year’s time. The timeline is challenging, as those familiar with the film industry can attest, but the growing association finds it to be more manageable with enough hands. This year’s film is titled “Never Fear the Night,” and is intended to be finished in Fall 2023.

PayMe Checking

get real money back with every purchase

Federally insured by NCUA comfedcu.org