GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. — Colorado Mesa University’s annual celebration of student creativity, Mavalon, returns for its fifth edition this evening with a dynamic showcase of short films, photography, and animation. The event, which has become a highlight on the Grand Valley cultural calendar, will feature 28 student-produced short films across a range of genres — from horror and comedy to documentary and experimental works.
The Mavalon Film Festival kicks off at 6 p.m. on May 14th at the historic Avalon Theatre, with free admission and an open invitation to the public.
“This is certainly a professional film festival,” said Evan Curtis, Professor of Film and Animation at CMU. “The quality increases every year because we always end up with a few films that just elevate the level of quality in the class.”
From Classroom to Big Screen
The festival represents a culmination of months of production, writing, editing, and design work from students in film, animation, and photography programs. For many, it’s their first opportunity to see their work projected in a theatrical setting — a milestone that underscores the real-world emphasis of CMU’s visual arts curriculum.
“You start from scratch, and you put your whole heart and soul into it,” said Jacob Saisi, a film student at CMU. “But the reward of finishing it and seeing it up on the big screen at the Mavalon — it makes it all worth it.”
Curtis echoed the sentiment, noting how transformative it is for students to experience the validation and energy of a live audience.
“My favorite part of Mavalon is seeing the students dress up and celebrate their work coming to fruition,” he said.
A Community Showcase, Not Just Campus Art
While hosted by Colorado Mesa University, Mavalon has expanded beyond the campus into a true community event. Organizers emphasize that it’s open to anyone — not just students or families.
“It’s not just a campus event for students — it is for everyone,” Curtis said.
Previous editions of Mavalon have attracted local artists, educators, filmmakers, and curious residents from across the Grand Valley. With rising interest in film and digital media in the Western Slope, Mavalon is increasingly viewed as a launching pad for emerging regional talent.
An Evolving Platform for Young Storytellers
Held in the Avalon Theatre, one of Grand Junction’s premier performance venues, Mavalon offers students an experience that closely mirrors the dynamics of professional film festivals.
Over the years, Mavalon has grown in both scope and ambition, as CMU’s film and animation departments expand. The rise of streaming platforms, YouTube filmmaking, and independent content creation has further fueled student interest in cinematic storytelling.
This year’s festival is expected to draw a record number of attendees, and CMU staff hope the buzz continues to build in future editions.
