The 29th annual George Lindsey UNA Film Festival brought filmmakers and audiences to Florence this month for three days of screenings, discussion and live events.

The University of North Alabama hosted the festival across several downtown venues. Organizers featured independent films, student productions and special screenings throughout the weekend.

The festival remains the oldest film festival in Alabama. University officials say that distinction continues to give the event statewide importance.

Michelle Rupe Eubanks, executive director of University Media and Public Relations, said the festival strengthens both the university and the region.

“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.”

Actor and UNA graduate George Lindsey founded the festival in 1998. He remains closely tied to its identity through the university’s continued celebration of his legacy.

Student and alumni work remained central to this year’s program. Several screenings highlighted projects created by UNA filmmakers, alongside independent films from outside Alabama.

Eubanks said the festival’s long history continues to set it apart.

“The George Lindsey UNA Film Festival is the oldest film festival Alabama, and that is something about which UNA is deeply proud,” she said. “It highlights the strong partnership we have with UNA graduate George Lindsey through this event as well as our incredibly talented student and alumni filmmakers.”

Festival events also gave audiences direct access to filmmakers through post-screening interviews and community gatherings.

Many attendees returned for multiple screenings during the weekend. Others came to support local filmmakers and student productions.

UNA leaders say the festival continues to grow while keeping its original mission intact: connecting film, education and community in North Alabama.