Sprite Films to Unveil 2014 Class of Talented Student Filmmakers & Original Short Films

The Call for scripts was issued and students from 23 colleges and universities across the country responded. The limelight now shines on the finalists. Today, Sprite Films debuts the original short films of six finalists who have demonstrated a passionate pursuit of self-expression in filmmaking. New to the program in 2014 is Sprite Films ambassador and mentor, actor Michael B. Jordan, who will meet the students and offer advice based on his first-hand experience working in Hollywood.

"Sprite is all about refreshing fans that thirst for more and our partnership with Michael B. Jordan underscores our commitment for connecting opportunity with experience," said Kimberly Paige, Associate Vice President, Sprite Brands, Coca-Cola North America. "Sprite Films is back to cast a nationwide spotlight on student filmmakers who showcase bold creativity and a relentless Passion to tell their stories through film."

Public online viewing and voting of the short films is live at Sprite.com/films through May 15. Movie fans will select the student winner of the Fan Favorite Award through their online votes. A group of film industry experts, including Jordan, will crown the Green Ribbon Panel winner. The opportunity to work on a Sprite brand project with an agency affiliated with The Coca-Cola Company will be awarded to the Green Ribbon Panel winner.

"What's a dream without action or a talent without a stage to set it free?" said Jordan. "Each year Sprite Films finds student filmmakers who have it - the fearlessness and dedication to pursue their Passion for film - and supports them to grow their dreams on a national platform. I'm lending my support by meeting with the student finalists to share my story as an actor and what I have learned from my mentors."

The Filmmakers

The six student finalists are in Las Vegas through March 28 at CinemaCon - the annual gathering of the motion picture theater community - to attend film studio workshops and presentations. The filmmakers also will have the opportunity to engage in one-on-one conversations with Jordan to discuss their film projects and future plans in the industry. The six short films will be presented for The First Time today at a CinemaCon luncheon attended by film industry and movie theater influentials.

The creative group of student filmmakers selected to create a short film from script-to-screen in the 2014 Sprite Films program includes the following:

College/University		Short Film Title		*Director/Writer		Producer
Columbia College Chicago		"Thirsty Enough"		Robert Forney		Mark Winters
University of North Carolina, School of the Arts		"Because We Have To"		Lucian Murphree		Char-Lay Douglas
The School of Visual Arts		"Wall of Inspiration"		Angel Cardenas		Henrik Hanson
The Art Institute of Charlotte		"Fresh"		John Kofonow		Bertrum Williams
University of California, Los Angeles		"What We Need"		Merlin Camozzi		Rick Perry
Savannah College of Art and Design		"See Your Dreams"		Olivia Riley Day		Akmyrat Tuyliyev
*Indicates the student finalists in the position to win a trip to AFI FEST 2014, the American Film Institute's (AFI) film festival and/or the opportunity to work on a Sprite brand project with an agency affiliated with The Coca-Cola Company.

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