By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS
FLORENCE, Ala. — Filmmakers, students, and film enthusiasts gathered in Florence as the 29th annual George Lindsey University of North Alabama Film Festival brought three days of screenings, discussions, and live events to North Alabama.
Hosted by the University of North Alabama (UNA), the festival featured independent films, student productions, and special screenings across several downtown Florence venues. The event continues to hold a unique place in Alabama’s arts scene as the state’s oldest film festival, a distinction university leaders say underscores its long-standing cultural impact.
The festival was founded in 1998 by actor and UNA graduate George Lindsey, best known for his role as Goober Pyle on The Andy Griffith Show. Since its inception, the festival has celebrated Lindsey’s passion for storytelling while nurturing the next generation of filmmakers.
Michelle Rupe Eubanks, executive director of University Media and Public Relations, said the festival plays an important role in supporting student artists while strengthening the community.
“The festival provides a wonderful opportunity to share the great work coming from our student filmmakers in Cinematic Arts and Theatre department through the Schools of the Arts,” Eubanks said. “Our community and the state are better off for having this festival take place, and we look forward to many more years to come.”
Student and alumni productions remained a central focus of the program, with several screenings highlighting projects created by UNA filmmakers alongside independent films from across the region.
Festival events also gave audiences the opportunity to meet filmmakers through post-screening discussions and community gatherings.
University leaders say the festival continues to grow while remaining true to its mission of connecting film, education, and community in North Alabama.