Event

About Montage Film Festival 2024

The Fifth Annual Montage Film Festival is IU's annual celebration of student-produced films. Submitted films are viewed and judged by IU alumni and awarded in several categories, including Best in Show, Best Cinematography, and Best Acting or Performance. Montage is a collaboration between IU Cinema and The Media School.

Any film screened at IU Cinema may contain content that viewers find sensitive or upsetting. Visit our Audience Advisories page to learn more.

Anniversary (2024, 4 min) | Directed by Logan James Sett

A couple on their anniversary, faced with impending doom, choose to spend their final moments together going through their anniversary gifts.

Ghosts of Hope (2024, 12 min) | Directed by Melanie Taylor

Kate journeys with her best friend, Ruth, back home to visit family outside a small midwest town called Hope, Indiana. There are only three problems: the town is full of complicated memories, Kate doesn't want to revisit it, and her best friend accidentally drives right through it. With instilled courage by Ruth, the two embark on a quest to defeat the town (in their own way).

Goblin Mode (2024, 4 min) | Directed by Graham Hastings

A disheveled musician gets visited by a magic goblin who has the power to grant him three wishes.

A Lady in Waiting (2024, 11 min) | Directed by Maeve Panich

A young woman in 1810s England must hide her secret relationship with her maid from her fiancé.

The Mind's Eye (2024, 4 min) | Directed by Carolyn Elizabeth Marshall

At her brother's 21st birthday party, Sarah discovers something about herself.

Robbed Blind (2024, 3 min) | Directed by Caleb Good

A blind bar pianist, Donte, stays after hours at work to wait out the rain. However, his connection to white-collar crime has severe consequences when a young bagman breaks into the establishment to make high demands.

Straw Man (2024, 13 min) | Directed by Simon Mayer

A collegiate debate duo’s relationship is tested in the hour leading up to the final round of the National Debate Tournament.

The Taken: Part 1 (2024, 11 min) | Directed by Myla Tissandier

When a family outing turns into a nightmare as his loved ones are abducted before his eyes, Adrian, a devoted husband and father, embarks on a relentless mission to rescue them. Fueled by desperation and determination, he channels the courage of action movie heroes as he battles through a series of intense fight scenes inspired by iconic action films of the past. From gritty hand-to-hand combat to adrenaline-pumping car chases, Adrian's unwavering resolve is put to the ultimate test. Will his determination be enough to overcome the odds and reunite with his loved ones, or will he be forced to confront the harsh realities of his mission? The Taken is a pulse-pounding short film that explores the lengths a father will go to protect his family in the face of adversity.

A Talk with Tom Busey: Owen's Story (2024, 8 min) | Directed by Johelisa Santana

Director Johelisa Santana has known IU psychology professor and researcher Tom Busey since she was a freshman. As part of a class project, she was given a roll of 35mm film to take photos that, when compiled together, tell a story. Initially meant to be about how he met his wife, when Johelisa arrived for the interview, Tom asked if he could instead talk about his son Owen, who took his own life three years ago. After the completion of the film, Tom allows her to share Owen's story with others. Includes discussions regarding suicide and suicidal ideation.

Touch (2024, 9 min) | Directed by Marc Rittner

After being struck by a car, a young woman must walk home alone through the dark city night. Things become sinister once she begins to suspect a dark figure following her, which ultimately guides her to existential revelations.

Unbearable (2024, 9 min) | Directed by Ryan E. Lo

Two friends find themselves in a tragic accident that begins to divide them.

The Veil (2024, 8 min) | Directed by Jackson Maracle

When Hugo ventures into the college social scene, he unexpectedly finds himself drawn to a man at a party. However, a sudden panic attack sends him spiraling, triggering him to question his identity. As tensions rise and his sense of belonging is challenged, Hugo must confront an unexpected altercation, forcing him to wrestle with his readiness of social life.