The 35th Annual Big Muddy Film Festival

MISSION & OBJECTIVE
The Big Muddy Film Festival celebrates the innovative works of emerging and established filmmakers and media artists. Big Muddy is dedicated to encouraging grassroots filmmaking in local communities, and to bringing independent film to the rural midwest.

ABOUT THE FESTIVAL
The Big Muddy Film Festival, based at Southern Illinois University Carbondale has become one of the best-respected, wholly independent, community-focused film festivals. In its 35th year, Big Muddy is among the oldest student-organized film festivals in the United States.

The Festival provides cash awards to the best works in competition in the categories of experimental, documentary, narrative, and animation. The program is juried by three artists or critics of national and international recognition. Past Jurors have included Barbara Hammer, Naomi Uman, Jim Jarmusch, Kerry Laitala, James Benning, Tomonari Nishikawa, and Sasha Waters-Freyer.

A panel of local activists awards The John Michaels Memorial Film Award, which honors films that address themes of peace, justice, community action, human rights, and environmental conservation.

As always, votes from the audience determine the Audience Choice Award.