Film festivals
Experience the magic of storytelling
The College of Letters, Arts and Social Sciences (CLASS) invites you to immerse yourself in the art of storytelling through our annual film festivals. These aren’t just screenings — they’re dynamic, inclusive experiences that celebrate the emotional, intellectual and social power of cinema.
From showcasing student creativity to welcoming regional and national submissions from amateur and independent filmmakers, our events highlight fresh, authentic voices and spark meaningful dialogue. Explore innovative films, engage with creators and join a community passionate about the cinematic arts. Whether you’re a filmmaker, film lover or simply curious, there’s something for everyone.
Festival passes and tickets
KINO Short Film Festival — a showcase of creative vision
The KINO Short Film Festival is held every spring in Moscow, Idaho, at the historic Kenworthy Performing Arts Centre. Hosted by the School of Journalism and Mass Media (JAMM) in the College of Letters, Arts and Social Sciences, the festival is a destination event that highlights the talent and vision of regional and national filmmakers alongside the creative work of University of Idaho students. Filmmakers from across the country and other PNW film schools descend on the beautiful community of Moscow Idaho to share their work and learn from experts in cultivated workshops.
Each year, advanced students in the Film and Television program write, direct and produce original short films as their final capstone experience. These student projects span a wide variety of genres and themes, and KINO offers a professional platform to showcase their work to a public audience.
Originally founded in 2001 by former U of I faculty member Hans Rosenwinkel, KINO expanded in 2016 to accept work created in or by independent and amateur filmmakers from Idaho, Oregon, Montana, Alaska and Washington. The festival features films 10 minutes or shorter and includes both juried and audience-voted awards. All films must be produced within the past two years and submitted by filmmakers with ties to the Pacific Northwest.
Festival highlights
- Screenings of original short films and documentaries.
- Panel discussions with filmmakers and industry professionals.
- Audience choice awards for student and independent film.
- Professional workshops for visiting filmmakers.
- Filmmaker receptions and networking events.
Fall48 Short Film Festival — create. collaborate. compete.
The Fall48 Short Film Festival is a high-energy, weekend-long filmmaking challenge. In just 48 hours, teams race to write, shoot and edit a short film — from scratch. Whether you're a first-time filmmaker or a seasoned storyteller, Fall48 is an opportunity to test your skills and make movie magic under pressure.
Hosted every fall semester, the competition culminates in a public screening and awards presentation where participants debut their work in front of a live audience. Fall48 fosters creative collaboration and often kickstarts lasting connections within the filmmaking community.
How it works
- Teams receive a prompt, with a genre, character, line of dialogue and a prop requirement.
- Create, shoot and edit your film within 48 hours.
- Screenings and awards celebrate the results of this creative sprint.
Be part of the story
With creativity and support of both student filmmakers and the local community, CLASS film festivals thrive. Independent and student filmmakers are invited to submit original short films to be screened as part of our annual events, offering valuable exposure and an opportunity to connect with engaged audiences. Community members can support the festivals by attending screenings, sharing the experience with others and donating to ensure these events continue to grow and showcase diverse storytelling. Your support helps cultivate a thriving arts community on campus and beyond.
Have questions?
For more information about CLASS film festivals, contact us at rmeeuf@uidaho.edu.