Discover Film & TV at Oakwood University

The Oakwood University Film & Television (FTV) program is where creativity meets purpose. Our students develop skills in directing, cinematography, editing, and storytelling—preparing them for careers in film, television, and digital media. Experience the passion, innovation, and impact of our program in the video below!

📽 https://tinyurl.com/ytpuc8h5

Alumni and Current Student Work

📽 https://tinyurl.com/4ex8u9tn

FTV 2022-2024 Awards

The Oakwood University Department of Communication’s Film and Television (FTV) program has received national and international recognition for its student films, documentaries, and broadcast projects. From 2022 to 2024, FTV students have won top awards at prestigious festivals, including the Lignum Vitae Film Festival, Sonscreen Film Festival, Black Focus Film Festival, HBCU First Look Film Festival, and Society of Adventist Communicators Conference. Notable films such as The Man Who Killed Jim Crow, The Question, Pics, and This Time, It’s Personal have been recognized for their storytelling, cinematography, direction, and post-production excellence. These achievements highlight the program’s dedication to developing emerging filmmakers and storytellers who make an impact in the industry.

FTV 2022-2024 Awards:

2022 Lignum Vitae Film Festival (LVFF) at Northern Caribbean University

• Best Documentary Film- “The Man Who Killed Jim Crow”
• Best Picture- “The Man Who Killed Jim Crow”
• Best Cinematography- “Georges’ Watch”
• Best Script- “The Man Who Killed Jim Crow”
• Best Overall Picture- “The Man Who Killed Jim Crow”
• Best Overall Post-Production- “The Man Who Killed Jim Crow”
• Best Producer- Fitzroy Powell for “The Man Who Killed Jim Crow”
• Best Director- “The Man Who Killed Jim Crow”

2022 Black Focus Film Festival at the University of Alabama in Birmingham

• Best Documentary Film- “The Man Who Killed Jim Crow”

2023 HBCU Power Film Festival at Morehouse College in Atlanta

• Best Student Narrative- “The Question”

2023 Black Focus Film Festival at the University of Alabama in Birmingham

• Best Picture- “The Question”
• Audience Choice- “The Question”

2023 Lignum Vitae Film Festival (LVFF) at Northern Caribbean University

• Best Overall Picture- “The Man Who Kill Jim Crow”
• Best Silent Film- “ET T-Shirt”
• Best Commercial- “Gorgeous”
• Christian Lawson
• Princess Aja Knight
• Dylan Lafontant
• Best Actor- Irvin ‘Pax’ Fordham “The Question”
• Best Overall Post Production- Fitzroy Powell “The Question”
• Best Director- Willie ‘Trey’ Davis III “The Question”
• Best Cinematography- Rachele Shoats “The Question” 

2023 Sonscreen Film Festival (North American Division) at Loma Linda

• Best Art/ Experimental Short- “Nina’s Song” 
• Best Narrative Short Honorable Mention- “The Question”
• Best Narrative Short Official Selection- “Demie”
• Best Documentary Official Selection- “Both Sides of the Fence”
• Best Narrative Short Official Selection- “Stay”
• Best Narrative Short Official Selection- “Wear the Shirt”

2023 Society of Adventist Communicators Conference

• Best Student Broadcast Project- “Temperature Check- Oakwood University”
• Hannah Browning
• Lexus Ward
• Mckenna Cameron
• Irvin ‘Pax’ Fordham
• Jordan Braithwaite
• Khari Person
• Jayden Mabena
• Best Student Documentary Honorable Mention- “Both Sides of the Fence”
• Hannah Browning
• Fitzroy Powell
• Trinia Blackmon

2023 Green Room Film Festival at Oakwood University

• Best Cinematography- Fitzroy Powell “Both Sides of The Fence”
• Best Commercial- “Jaguar Gorgeous”
• Best Director- Samlyne Georges “Nina’s Song”
• Best Original Screenplay- Ayitey Aryee“5 Death”
• Best Overall Post-Production- Fitzroy Powell “The Question”
• Best Producer- Hannah Browning “Nina’s Song”
• Best Short Film- “The Question”
• The Green Room Award- “Doggy Date

2023 HBCU First Look Film Festival at Howard University in D.C.

• Best Short Film Honorable Mention- “Stay”
• Best Short Film Finalist- “Wear the Shirt”
• Best Short Finalist- “The Question”
• Best Documentary Film Honorable Mention- “The Man Who Kill Jim Crow”

2023 Black Film Festival Atlanta in Atlanta (OFFICIAL SELECTION) 

• Best Short Film- “The Question”

2024 Green Room Film Festival at Oakwood University

• Best Short Film- “Pics”
• Best Director- Hannah Browning “Pics”
• Best Cinematography- Irvin ‘Pax’ Fordham “Pics”
• Best Overall Post Production- Khari Dixon “This Time, It’s Personal”

2024 Sonscreen Film Festival in California (OFFICIAL SELECTIONS)

• Best Art/ Experimental Short- “Addicted” 
• Best Narrative Short- “This Time, It’s Personal”

2024 Sonscreen Film Festival in California

• Best Art/ Experimental Short- “Words Have Power”
• Best Narrative Short- “Pics”
• Jury Award: Best Archival Research– “The Man Who Killed Jim Crow”

2024 Queen City Film Festival in New Jersey (OFFICIAL SELECTION) 

• Best Narrative Short- “Pics”
• Best Art/ Experimental Short- “Words Have Power”

2024 Black Film Festival Atlanta in Atlanta (OFFICIAL SELECTION) 

• Best Short Film- “Pics”
• Best Documentary– “The Man Who Killed Jim Crow”

2024 HBCU First Look Film Festival at Howard University in D.C. (OFFICIAL SELECTION)

• Best Short Film– “Pics”
• Best Short Film– “Words Have Power”
• Best Short Film- “This Time, It’s Personal”
• Best Short Film- “Alone”

2024 Society of Adventist Communicators Conference

• Best Student Broadcast Project- “An Ode to Black- Oakwood University”
• Eliana Dean
• Tamar Poole
• Alexa Vanterpool
• Cameron Kinard
• Kalen McCottry
• Dewayne Cole
• Daymarelis Lozano
• Isaiah Price
• Jaden Hinds
• Melaina Goodridge

• Best Short Film (Student) Honorable Mention- “This Time, It’s Personal”
• Aja Knight
• Paulette Gates
• Christian Lawson
• Khari Dixon
• Nya Bowman
• Khorisee Joseph
• Patrick Minor, Jr.
• Osias Morales Ruiz
• Dylan Lafontant
• Hannah Browning

FTV in Action: A Visual Journey

Experience the creativity, passion, and hard work of our Film & Television students through photos that capture behind-the-scenes moments, award-winning projects, and industry experiences.

1. The specific and primary purpose is to provide a vehicle through which communication students may enhance their skills and experience by completing practical projects, and working with professional and semi-professional communicators and organizations.
2. The general purpose is to actively promote the highest standards of communication creativity, performance, education and research.

Club Objectives

1. To increase the skill level of members, through the use of projects (Inside Oakwood, Commercials, Public Relations) so members will be able to have experience in there area of interest
2. To develop a sense of comradeship between Communication majors and minors
3. To make the club more visible in the community and throughout campus (ie, community service activities, participation in preliminaries at Prayer Meeting, etc.)
4. To provide networking outlets to secure internships and jobs after graduation.
5. To establish a system of mentoring

Membership

Members – Any major or minor regularly enrolled at Oakwood University who maintains a minimum of 2.0 GPA – Dues ~ $10 per semester, $18 per year

Club Officer – Any student member is nomination as a club officer who:

1. Meets the University’s eligibility of a 2.5 GPA
2. Is a communication major or minor and
3. Is a dues-paying club member

Officer Positions – president, president-elect (vice president), secretary, treasurer, chaplain, and public relations officer.  Appointed officers are: assistant secretary and assistant public relations officer

Textbook Scholarship

Eligibility Criteria –  the club will give 3 textbook scholarships in the form of $75 bookstore vouchers.  Applicants must:

1. Be a registered member of the club for at least one semester;
2. Have dues paid currently
3. Have met club meeting attendance requirements (two unexcused absences allowed)
4. Have the application turned in by the deadline

The Department of Communication at Oakwood University offers students valuable internship opportunities to gain practical experience in various fields. These internships are designed to complement academic learning and prepare students for successful careers in communication.

1. Public Relations Intern

   – Assist with media relations, event planning, and content creation for local non-profits.

   – Gain experience in crafting press releases and managing social media accounts.

2. Broadcast Journalism Intern

   – Engage in hands-on experience with audio and video production for campus radio and television stations.

   – Participate in news gathering, editing, and on-air reporting.

   – Write articles, conduct interviews, and report on campus events for the university’s newspaper or online publication.

   – Work on multimedia storytelling projects.

3. Social Media Intern

   – Help manage and create content for various social media platforms.

   – Analyze engagement metrics and assist in developing social media strategies.

4. Corporate Communication Intern

   – Collaborate with corporate teams to assist in internal communications, employee engagement, and branding initiatives.

   – Support the development of communication strategies and presentations.

5. Film and TV Production Intern

   – Assist with pre-production, shooting, and post-production for film and television projects.

   – Gain hands-on experience with equipment and editing software.

6. Graphic Design Intern

   – Work on creating visual content for marketing materials, websites, and social media.

   – Collaborate with teams to develop branding and promotional strategies.

7. Photography Intern

   – Capture images for events, publications, and promotional materials.

   – Assist in editing and organizing a photography portfolio for university projects.

Application Process

Students interested in internships should contact the Department of Communication for more information on available positions, application deadlines, and eligibility requirements. Internships can be tailored to fit students’ academic and career goals, providing a pathway to enhance their skills and professional network.

List of Internships

• Students in the department of communication are responsible for finding their own internships.
• HBCU IN LA, an industry leading internship program, offers internships within the entertainment industry. This is a highly competitive program.

https://eicop.org/

Student Organizations

1. NAOUBJ

The National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) at Oakwood University is a student chapter of the national organization dedicated to supporting Black journalists and media professionals. It aims to foster the development and advancement of students interested in journalism and media careers.

Mission and Goals

NABJ’s mission includes:

• Promoting diversity in journalism and media industries.
• Providing resources, mentorship, and professional development for aspiring journalists.
• Advocating for fair representation and coverage of Black communities in the media.

Members of NABJ at Oakwood University can participate in various activities, including:

• Workshops and Panels: Educational sessions on journalism practices, media ethics, and industry trends.
• Networking Events: Opportunities to connect with professionals, alumni, and fellow students in the field.
• Internship Opportunities: Assistance in finding internships and job placements within the journalism field.
• Community Engagement: Projects that focus on issues affecting the local and broader community, promoting media literacy and awareness.

Membership

Membership is open to all students at Oakwood University who have an interest in journalism, media, and communications. Joining NABJ provides access to valuable resources, networking opportunities, and the chance to engage with the journalism community.

For more information about NABJ at Oakwood University, students can reach out to the Department of Communication or check the organization’s social media channels.

1. Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA)

The Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) at Oakwood University is a student organization dedicated to fostering the education and professional development of students interested in the field of public relations.

Mission and Goals

PRSSA aims to:

– Provide students with opportunities to learn about public relations through workshops, guest speakers, and networking events.

– Encourage practical experience through internships and hands-on projects.

– Promote ethical standards and best practices in the field of communication.

Activities and Opportunities

Members of PRSSA engage in various activities, including:

– Workshops and Seminars: Covering topics such as media relations, crisis communication, and digital marketing.

– Networking Events: Connecting with industry professionals and alumni to explore career opportunities.

– Community Service Projects: Applying public relations skills to benefit local organizations and initiatives.

– Competitions: Participating in national PRSSA competitions to showcase skills and gain recognition.

Membership

Membership is open to all Oakwood University students interested in public relations and communication. Joining PRSSA provides valuable resources, mentorship, and a chance to build a professional network.

For more information about joining or participating in PRSSA at Oakwood University, students can reach out to the Department of Communication or visit the organization’s social media pages.

1. IIIOaks Studios

IIIOaks Studios is a creative multimedia production studio at Oakwood University that serves as a hub for students interested in various aspects of film, television, and digital media production. The studio is designed to provide hands-on experience and equip students with the skills needed for successful careers in the creative industries.

Mission and Goals

IIIOaks Studios aims to:

• Foster creativity and innovation among students in multimedia production.
• Provide practical experience with industry-standard equipment and technology.
• Encourage collaboration on projects that promote storytelling and artistic expression.

Facilities and Resources

IIIOaks Studios is equipped with:

• Production Equipment: High-quality cameras, lighting, and sound equipment for film and video projects.
• Editing Suites: Software and tools for video editing, sound design, and post-production work.
• Studio Space: Dedicated areas for shooting, rehearsals, and creative collaboration.

Activities and Opportunities

Students involved with IIIOaks Studios can participate in:

• Film and Video Projects: Collaborating on short films, documentaries, and promotional videos.
• Workshops and Training: Learning about production techniques, scriptwriting, and post-production processes.
• Screenings and Showcases: Presenting completed projects to the university community and beyond.

Membership and Involvement

Participation in IIIOaks Studios is open to all Oakwood University students interested in film, television, and digital media. It provides a unique opportunity to gain practical experience, build a portfolio, and connect with peers who share similar interests.

For more information about IIIOaks Studios and how to get involved, students can contact the Department of Communication or visit the studio’s official pages.

Apply Today!

Are you thinking about applying to Oakwood University soon? Here’s a quick guide on everything you need to do to get into the Department of Communication.