The Makona Film Festival returns for its fourth year on March 4, 2025, at The Grace Museum, bringing free film submissions for students, discounted ticket pricing, and expanded local business partnerships to make the event more accessible than ever. The Festival’s doors open at 5:30, with film screenings beginning at 6:30 in the evening.
Founded by McMurry alumni and Men of Makona, Noah Wagner’23 and Jordan Mackey’23, the festival was created to provide an outlet for filmmakers at McMurry and beyond—giving students the chance to tell stories, connect with the community, and experience the excitement of a professional film festival.
“McMurry has a small film department, and as two of the few film minors in all of the school, Jordan and I really wanted to give people a chance to create,” said Noah Wagner, festival co-founder. “We wanted them to tell stories they hadn’t had the chance to tell, to have fun, and to experience that moment of stepping onto a red carpet.”
Thanks to partnerships with McMurry University’s Honors College and TRIO program, students in these programs will have fully covered tickets, ensuring even greater accessibility.
“People go to college to learn how to be doctors, lawyers, or teachers, but that doesn’t mean that’s all they have to be,” said Jordan Mackey, festival co-founder. “We wanted to make filmmaking an achievable passion. A lot of people feel overwhelmed by the idea of making a movie on their own, so we created something that gives them a goal, a structure, and an audience.”
Current Festival Director Aiden McKinney reinforced this mission:
“We want to make sure that any student with a story to tell can share it without worrying about submission fees,” McKinney said. “We’re also working to ensure that every student has the opportunity to experience the festival, whether they’re submitting a film or attending as part of the audience.”
Aspiring high school and college filmmakers can submit their short films at no cost and compete for awards.
Submission Guidelines:
• Film Length: 3–15 minutes (including credits)
• Theme: “Cult Classics” is an inspiration, but all genres are welcome
• Format: .MP4 or .MOV
• Rating: PG-13 or lower
• Subtitles: Required for non-English dialogue
• Deadline: February 28, 2025
• How to Submit: FilmFreeway – Makona Film Festival
“Ideas are the most important thing humans have,” Wagner said. “Getting them out into a medium of any kind is what truly keeps the world spinning.”
With expanded sponsorships and community support, the festival is offering discounted tickets for students to ensure broader access.
Ticket Pricing:
• High School & College Students:
• Pre-Sale: $7
• At the Door: $10
• McMurry Honors College & TRIO Students: FREE (covered by their respective programs)
• General Admission (Non-Students):
• Pre-Sale: $15
• At the Door: $20
Tickets can be purchased online at McMurry’s ticket portal/https://www.join.mcm.edu/mkafilm or at the door for a premium(student ID required for door student discount).
