Students, faculty, staff: Create a short video documentary (or mockumentary, if you prefer) and enter the library’s Free Range Video Contest. Registration closes March 22, and entries are due April 2.

The Studio in the Hodges Library Commons is sponsoring the contest. Pioneering documentary maker John Grierson defined the documentary as “the creative interpretation of actuality.” That quote inspired the theme of this year’s contest — The Compelling Real.

The video contest is open to all members of the UT community — students, faculty, and staff. Entrants can borrow a camera and get technical help in the Studio.

A panel of faculty, students, and library staff judges the entries. A video screening and awards ceremony will be held in April. During the screening, the audience will get a chance to vote live for the audience favorite.

The Studio started the Free Range Video Contest in 2005. Over the years, contest themes have varied, from issues of national importance (such as the 2008 Presidential campaign) to topics that reflect campus initiatives (such as UT’s “Make Orange Green” and “Civility” campaigns). Thanks to the Studio, everyone on campus has access to the tools needed to participate in the video contest.

The Studio is open until midnight, six nights a week, so there are plenty of hours for filmmakers to perfect their craft. However, the registration deadline is fast approaching!

Contest details are available at s.lib.utk.edu/freerange. Questions? Call the Studio at 974-6396.