PHOTO GALLERY: 5th Annual Backlight Student Film Festival

Over a week ago, the Backlight Student Film Festival took center stage at the Morton Theatre and Live Wire Athens.

From March 28-29, student filmmakers across Georgia came together in celebration of their achievements.

From the red carpet to the awards ceremony, here are photos from Sunday’s events captured by Rylee Sosebee, Nina Dolensky and edited by Caroline Newbern.

Members of the Backlight Film Festival team appear on the red carpet at Live Wire Athens. (Photo by Nina Dolensky)

Madison McKinley, an anchor with Grady Nightshift, interviews attendees on the red carpet, later screened as part of the inaugural live-streamed show. (Photo by Rylee Sosebee)

Sam Morgan, the director, writer, editor, cinematographer, sound editor, and production designer of "I Love You, Bro," accepts the audience choice award at the Morton Theatre. (Photo by Rylee Sosebee)

Donning a fashionable hat and scarf, sponsor Leslie Spornberger Jones of Leslie Jones Law, appears on the red carpet. (Photo by Nina Dolensky)

Pamela von Seelen, a student in the entertainment reporting capstone class, works behind the scenes on the red carpet during the fifth annual Backlight Student Film Festival. (Photo by Rylee Sosebee)

Camden Flinn, the president of the Backlight Film Festival, poses for a photo with his parents after the awards ceremony. (Photo by Rylee Sosebee)

Shad McMillan of Grady Nightshift interviews red carpet attendees during the fifth annual Backlight Student Film Festival. (Photo by Rylee Sosebee)

From left to right, Eniola Badejo and Leah Perry host the awards ceremony at the Morton Theatre. (Photo by Rylee Sosebee)

Clarice Henry, a fashion anchor with Grady Nightshift, shares style insights on the red carpet at Live Wire Athens. (Photo by Rylee Sosebee)

From left to right, voice actress LK Workmon, actress Susanna Poston and director, writer and editor Aidan Ventimiglia, all of "Duck, Duck" pose for a photo on the red carpet. (Photo by Nina Dolensky)

Marie McBride of "Made with Love" accepts the award for best production design on Sunday, March 29, 2026. (Photo by Nina Dolensky)

Before the awards ceremony, members of the Backlight Film Festival Team wave to the camera on the red carpet at Live Wire Athens. (Photo by Nina Dolensky)