William Penn University Student Wins Film Festival Award

05/04/2022

(OSKALOOSA, Iowa)— Noah Lindauer, ’25 recently won “Best Undergraduate Documentary” at the Wildcat Spirit Student Film Festival at Wayne State College in Wayne, Nebraska. Noah, a New Media major at William Penn University, enjoyed the day-long festival which included workshops with sessions on filmmaking and acting, as well as screening the selected films. “It was absolutely incredible to see my first film project on the big screen. Seeing the audience share laughs, have deep concentration and interest, and share great vibes with my creation was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had with filmmaking,” says Lindauer.

Attraction: Small Town Iowa, is the film Noah presented. It was also a finalist at the Spello International Film Festival in March. In addition, it is currently entered in a UK-based festival, First-Time Filmmaker Sessions at Pinewood Studios and will be featured in a film festival at the Bridge View Center in Ottumwa later this month.

Noah is grateful to his classmates that helped with the documentary, which highlights several attractions around Iowa including The Gothic House in Eldon, Amana Colonies, and The Grotto of the Redemption in West Bend.  William Penn Students served in all aspects of the documentary; Courtney Jackson and Caleb Seguin hosted the various segments around the state. This work was done as a special New Media Division Practicum project, which allowed students to create a short film to be featured on KDSM FOX 17 Des Moines. William Penn University supports real-world experiences for students, this project, guided by staff members, Max Leonida and Jeff Caplan, allowed students to create every aspect of a short film from concept to production to editing.