The Virginia Student Film Festival establishes a prestigious annual event celebrating the creativity, talent, and dedication of student filmmakers across the nation. Taking place on April 6th, 2025, at the historic Paramount Theater in Charlottesville, the festival provided a platform to showcase over 15 short films, each under 20 minutes, during two screening blocks. The evening culminated in an award ceremony with live music, performances by UVA artistic organizations, and the presentation of 7 awards with cash prizes, including $1,000 for Best Picture. By offering a unique and immersive experience, the festival highlights the impact of student films, inspires the next generation of creators, and fosters a vibrant, collaborative, artistic community at UVA and beyond. Sponsored by The Jefferson Trust and the UVA Student Council. Supported by UVA Arts & The Office of the Provost and Vice Provost for the Arts. Endorsed by the Virginia Film Office and the UVA Arts Council: Enriching the Arts on Grounds.

Keep up with the VSFF by following their Instagram at instagram.com/vastudentfilmfest/ . Check out the winner for Best Picture, directed by Natalia Melnikova at youtube.com/watch?v=0sGVSVmdTtY . Sound on Grounds works in collaboration with WTJU’s Virginia Audio Collective. Check out more Sound on Grounds podcasts at virginiaaudio.com . The Pilot Projects’ show cover was designed by UVA alum Carina Velocci. All music used in this episode was written and recorded by Jason Evans Groth.

Pilot Projects is a new show created by the University of Virginia’s Sound on Grounds team. Sound on Grounds, and all of the projects featured in Pilot Projects are sponsored by the Jefferson Trust.

The Jefferson Trust makes grants to innovative ideas that enrich the University of Virginia and the student experience. Founded in 2006, the Trust has awarded over $16 million to 382 trustee-selected projects across Grounds. Any student, faculty, or staff member may apply for funding, with grants typically ranging between $1,000 and $300,000. Grants have been made to every school; and many University organizations, centers, or institutes have received grants. To learn more about the Jefferson Trust and their upcoming grant cycle, visit jeffersontrust.org . Sound on Grounds works in collaboration with WTJU’s Virginia Audio Collective. Check out more Sound on Grounds podcasts at virginiaaudio.com . The Pilot Projects’ show cover was designed by UVA alum Carina Velocci. All music used in this episode was written and recorded by Jason Evans Groth.