NIU’s School of Theatre and Dance hosted its third annual 72-hour film festival at 7 p.m. Sunday in the Stevens Building. 

The 72-hour film festival is an event, founded by BA theatre studies major Chance Lira, where artists and creatives combine their talents to write, shoot and edit films all within 72 hours.

This year’s event carried the theme of “Battle of The Ages,” where each film was set during a different era, all the way from the medieval ages to the 2000s. The participating students worked to craft films that matched the aesthetics and feel of their time. 

There were six films shown during the event, five of which were made in the 72-hour time frame and the final one being a short film of Lira’s own making titled “Bottled Up.”

The five films made in under 72 hours were called “Medieval Times,” “Sift,” “Roaring Baddies,” “Routine” and “Chopsticks.”

Each film was met with laughter and glee from the audience as the productions of collaborative creatives culminated in a series of unique films that all provided flavors of humor and intrigue for spectators to enjoy. 

After the showing was over, there was an award ceremony with trophies given out based on the opinions of the fans in attendance, who gave their input via Google form. The films were also critiqued by a panel of judges, who gave their opinions via scorecard. 

Every film took home an award but “Medieval Times,” a parody film of a famous “Victorious” episode set during the Middle Ages, and “Roaring Baddies,” a 1920s-based reality show drama, seemed to be the fan favorites.

Both films took home the most trophies including the people’s choice award for “Medieval Times” and the best director award for “Roaring Baddies.” 

Aliyah Siehoff, a sophomore English major, was in attendance for the festival and enjoyed the experience. 

“It was a lot of fun,” Siefoff said. “The movies were really creative, and it was funny to see everything people came up with, especially in such a short time.”

Lira expressed gratitude for the success of the event and for everyone who came through for it. 

“Thank you to everyone that came out,” Lira said. “I very much appreciate everyone that came in, supported, participated and all around was there for the films and the festival.” 

Despite his impending graduation this semester, Lira hopes to see his event continue in the SOTD in the coming years.

“I hope that I made something here that will last for the next people. I hope they continue this for years to come,” Lira said.