About Campus MovieFest

The History of CMF

Originally created by four students at Emory University in 2001, and now the world's largest student film and music festival, CMF is the only event of its kind to provide Apple laptops, Panasonic HD camcorders, and training all for free to students around the globe. Students at participating colleges and universities have one week to create their own short movies, with each school hosting red carpet finales to showcase its top movies. The best of the best moved on to compete against hundreds of other top shorts at Campus MovieFest in Hollywood.

All the movies are five minutes or less, and use music created by the students themselves or contributed by thousands of independent artists. Awards are presented for Best Picture, Best Comedy, Best Drama, the Elfenworks Social Justice Award, CMF 3D, and many special CMF Golden Tripod Awards. Over the past ten years, students have earned over $2 million in prizing and cash. Thousands of past movies are available for viewing online at campusmoviefest.com, as well as in-flight on Virgin America, on mobile phones, and at the Short Film Corner at the Cannes Film Festival.

The CMF Family

David Roemer is Co-founder and CEO of Ideas United, the creators of the world's largest student film festival, Campus MovieFest (CMF). David and his team started CMF as students at Emory University in Atlanta in 2001. He now oversees the long-term strategy for CMF to make sure the next 10 years of CMF are even more incredible than the first 10 years, including generating partnerships with industry leading companies, nonprofits, and individuals to offer students unforgettable opportunities. His previous experience includes working for Apple's marketing team for many years, advising various companies and nonprofits in the US and UK, and playing a bit of golf before CMF took over his life. Everyone else listed on this page no longer lets David make movies, and yes, he is bitter about that because he was quite proud of the one he made about students who were sitting in CMF massage chairs.

Dan is the Co-Founder and President of CMF, and helped to create the event eight years ago while majoring in Business at Emory University. He oversees daily operations and supervises the involvement of CMF at every school. Dan is excited to see CMF continue expanding to all U.S. states and numerous countries worldwide. He believes that everyone has a story and wants to give students the means to share their stories with the world. When he's not working at CMF (which isn't often), Dan is playing and watching sports such as hockey, soccer, and basketball, traveling, and hanging out with his wife.

Ajay helped kick-off Campus MovieFest back in 2001, as a Biology student at Emory University, and has been involved with the festival ever since. He also has an MPH degree in Global Enviornmental Health from Rollins School of Public Health. Ajay has experience in teaching and advising college and master's students in the US, India, and Nepal. While in India and Nepal, Ajay worked with students on documentary filmmaking. In September of 2007, Ajay traveled to the Rasuwa District and Kathmandu in Nepal to write, direct, and edit a short documentary called "Indoor Health Pollution - A Global Health Concern," about indoor air quality in Nepal to raise awareness of indoor air pollution and its role in human health. When he's not working on CMF related projects, Ajay enjoys photography and travel.

Vijay has been involved with CMF since he helped bring it to life whilestudying Marketing & Decision Information Analysis and Studio Arts at Emory University. Currently, Vijay is focusing on resources and general logistics for CMF, ensuring that everyone has what they need when they need it, so each CMF tour runs smoothly. Vijay also keeps the CMF fleet of trucks in tip-top condition, steps-in as a Tour Manager when needed, participates heavily in CMF show production, and makes sure the team has everything needed production wise at CMF regional finales. He enjoys figuring out how to implement cool new technology in the production of CMF shows and finding new ways to make CMF events spectacular. Vijay is also a pretty good photographer. When he's not working with CMF, Vijay likes to relax, golf, beat Dan at ping pong, and hang out with his wife and dogs.

Abe has been with CMF since 2004 and before that studied Cinema and Physics at Denison University in Granville, Ohio. He also had the luxury of watching every single film created during his first four years at CMF. Abe oversees all the production work at CMF including the CMF Finales, Video Blogs & CMF'er Wedding Videos. His previous experience includes producing the OHHS Tech Expo in 1998 with David Roemer and he tries to help with a little of everything. When he's not up to his ears in cameras and laptops, Abe is busy emailing Dan & David while sitting on the couch next to his lovely wife, Meagan.

Megan has been with CMF since 2007 and before that received her BFA in graphic design from Georgia State University. She singularly holds down the CMF Los Angeles office. In her free time she likes to craft, read YA novels, and watch vampire tv shows.

Brandon has been involved in higher education leadership development and organization advisement for eight years prior to joining CMF. Having studied Educational Leadership with a concentration in Higher Education at Central Connecticut State University, Brandon spent his first two years in the Constitution State. His next six years were spent at The University of Tampa where he met the CMF team and played a major role in bringing CMF to UT for the first time. Brandon has been with CMF for two years. He loves most sports including college football and basketball. Brandon enjoys spending his free time with his family.

Michael got his first introduction to CMF by attending an info session as an Emory U Freshman in the Fall of 2001. Michael went on to compete and win best picture at CMFs 2nd ever red carpet event in the Spring of 2002. He continued to help organize the Atlanta CMF events as a student and in 2005 graduated with a bachelor of arts in business administrations. After spending a year traveling to Australia and China he joined back up with the CMF team full time. In 2008, Michael took some time to study at the London School of Economics where he earned a Masters degree in Media and Communications. Upon his return from London, Michael has lead the launch of IU Productions, the Distinguished Filmmakers Network, and College Battle of the Bands. When Michael's not doing all things CMF, he relaxes by taking photographs, running, hitting the links, and enjoying the great outdoors. Michael is known as Mikey to the CMF team and is also a professional speed walker holding 4 individual records and 2 team records worldwide.

Jessica made several short films and music videos as a film major at Emerson College, and also has a background in theater and live award show production. Jessica was the first Campus Ambassador at Emerson and played an instrumental role in bringing CMF to the campus. On a daily basis, she coordinates communication between CMF partners, as well as organizes CMF workshops and industry relations for IGF. Before joining Campus MovieFest, Jessica worked at Type A Films where she read lots of scripts, and helped with production and development of feature films. Jessica grew up in New Mexico where she once fell in a cactus - she does not recommend doing that. In Jessica's limited free time she likes to spend time with friends, watch movies, read, and chill with her awesome dog Riley.

Matt's background is in sport instruction, earning his BS in Physical & Health Education and Business Administration at West Virginia University. Throughout college, Matt worked as a kayaking, climbing and kite-boarding instructor and guide. He is a sponsored Adventure Triathlete, was recognized as Climber 2008/09 "American Adventure Sports," and placed 2nd qualifying for Nationals in the 2008 Yough Xtreme 50 mile adventure race. In addition to the activities listed above, Matt likes to pass the time biking, backpacking, running, wakeboarding, golfing, playing tennis, reading, taking photographs, cooking and spending time with his puppy. Matt aspires to create short adventure sports films and to capture inspiring action photographs while helping to draw a diverse group of student filmmakers to CMF. Perhaps there will be a "Best Action" category in the near future.

Matt came to CMF from Albuquerque, New Mexico where he was a production assistant on the television series "Breaking Bad" and before that received his B.A. in Cinematic Arts from the University of New Mexico. Matt also founded a video production company and produced works that have screened at the Santa Fe Film Festival and on the Independent Film Channel. In addition, Matt co-founded and directed a short film festival, Wild Bill's Crazy Film Festival, and a summer filmmaking camp, the Junior Filmmaker Academy. When not touring the country for CMF Matt enjoys going on hikes with his wife, cooking quesadillas and watching "Rugrats" re-runs on Netflix.

Nathan came to CMF from Columbus, Ohio with a B.S. in Marketing and Communications from Mount Vernon Nazarene University and has worked with companies including Southwest Airlines and the Dallas Mavericks. He continues to pursue his dreams of being an entrepreneur as he is passionate about coffee, social justice issues, advertising, and aesthetically pleasing spaces. Nathan first began creating his own films in 9th grade and has collected over 230,000 views via YouTube. While touring across the country for CMF, Nathan is often found jumping out of planes, free-style rapping, critiquing local cafes, and yelling at cows alongside the road with a simple life philosophy always in mind: "live the dream".

CMF as a Promotions Manager for the company's first International Tour, throughout Mexico, in the fall of 2010. Growing up in Latin America helped Ann and the team navigate their way south of the border. Hailing from Michigan State University where she studied marketing and advertising, Ann went on to lead the promotional efforts for the East Coast Satellite Tour in the spring of 2011. She now lives out of a suitcase year-round, and when she's not traveling for work, she likes to travel for vacation. At a young age, Ann watched 'Newsies' and fell in love with musicals. She has just discovered Bollywood and will probably be starting up CMF in India within the year.

Diane is a music industry vet with over a decade of successfully working with record labels and musicians from around the world. She officially joined CMF in 2011, bringing with her an enthusiasm for creative endeavors and years of experience in marketing, PR and promotions. She received her B.A. in Mass Communications with an emphasis in public relations from California State University, East Bay and is currently planning on pursuing a Master’s. In her spare time Diane trains and has competed in Muay Thai kickboxing, loves to play in the dirt and can’t get enough of Ethiopian food.

Logan's history with CMF started way back in '06 as a student at the University of Georgia - while there she studied journalism participated in 2 student films that she will neither divulge or ever live down within the CMF family. Never the less, she fell in love with the experience and the organization and thus CMF was stuck in the back of her mind while she gained experience in the marketing / promotions industry around Atlanta. Until one day when she found her way into the central staff where her love of storytelling and marketing were finally merged into a superpower of awesome movie promotional love. She now works as a Promotional Manager, traveling the country and encouraging students to participate and tell their story through CMF. When not promoting for CMF, you'll find Logan reading Harry Potter books, with her family in Augusta, or listening to some indie band in little 5. If you see her, buy her a PBR.

CMF first met Aaron while he was a student at NYU. He was a campus ambassador for two years before graduating in 2009, at which point he joined CMF as an Assistant Tour Manager. After a few months on the NorCal tour, he became Tour Manager for Florida, New York, New Jersey and Chicago. Last fall he also lead the CMF team through Monterrey, Guadalajara and Mexico City for the first-ever CMF Mexico. Nowadays, however, Aaron lives in New York City and works on special projects like the Arnold Sports Film Festival, CMF 3D and the International Grand Finale. When he's not doing that, he likes to eat, drink and meander without cause.

Evan won the CMF Best Picture award for a project he created while at The University of Georgia, where he studied Telecommunication Arts, Journalism, and Film. He is a recipient of the Poo Industries Lifetime Achievement Award for creating films over several years and making a lasting impact on CMF. One of Evan's short films screened at the Cannes Film Festival. Evan has been creating (and inspiring) short films since high school. He has enjoyed watching CMF grow from its humble beginnings to blossom into the impressive program it has become today. Evan enjoys keeping that youthful spirit of CMF alive, and keeping CMF focused on important day-to-day operations. He spends his leisure time working on film projects and entering online video contests, watching awesome movies and TV shows, and of course, causing trouble.

J.R. got involved with CMF because they were looking for someone who could edit video, speak Spanish, and could edit video in Spanish to serve as Video Manager for the first ever CMF Mexico Tour. By a great stroke of luck, she just happened to fulfill those requirements. J.R. studied both filmmaking and Spanish at the University of Southern California. She has produced, directed, edited, written, or sound designed films and videos in both English and Spanish, some of which have screened in festivals like Outfest: The Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Film Festival, The Arnold Sports Film Festival, and Shriekfest. She enjoys short walks on the beach, appreciates the acting in Drive Angry 3-D, and eats way too much Korean BBQ.

Ramsey has been a filmmaker in the Atlanta area for the past seven years. He received his undergraduate from Florida State University's Film School, and has continued his passion for filmmaking in working with Campus MovieFest. His favorite part at CMF is working with the students to help them tell their story, and to share his passion and art for filmmaking. When Ramsey isn't at CMF or producing films, he can be found hiking with his trusty dog Gabe, working on a farm, or cooking in the kitchen.

Vikas is mysteriously bound to CMF, and CMF to him. While five-yearing it at the University of Georgia - picking up a Bachelor of Arts in Music, a secondary in Mass Communication, and certificate in Music Business - Vikas decided to spend his free time studying and making films, rather than resting up or going on dates. After participating in and rocking Campus MovieFest for four years, he and his team received the first CMF Poo Industries Lifetime Achievement Award. Growing weary of local film set catering, Vikas joined CMF's traveling staff as a Video Manager in late 2009, helping students around the nation make films and lose sleep. Currently, he is a Project Manager for CMF's Distinguished Filmmakers Network, as well as a freelancing photographer, music composer, recording engineer, and videographer. After clocking out for the day, Vikas can be found playing one of a half-dozen instruments in his home studio, making funny videos with Poo Industries (they still exist), watching Braves baseball, and still not going on any dates...

Sarah came to CMF in February as part of the stellar social media team. She is also part of the promotions team for College Battle of the Bands. Prior to joining the CMF family, she was living in Los Angeles doing social media and online sales for TOMS Shoes. She attended school at College of Charleston and Florence University of the Arts in Italy, before settling down and graduating from University of Georgia w/ a degree in Advertising. She loves working with passionate young filmmakers and musicians who share inspiring stories every day. Sarah also enjoys writing, traveling, sports, red wine, and long moonlit walks on the beach.

Ashley tweeted her way onto CMF's social media team, which permanently earned her the nickname, at-shley. She helps oversee CMF's social media presence and manages CMF's Twitter account. When Ashley isn't working for CMF, she studies advertising and psychology at the University of Georgia. Ashley likes to get away from all that is social by watching 90s movies on VHS and collecting vinyl LPs. She's on a mission to collect every Sufjan Stevens LP by the end of summer.

Ryan loves digital media, and has experienced success with iTunes and Youtube marketing strategies. A musician working on his third studio album, he's performed over 300 times from Atlanta to New York City. His first encounter with the CMF crew was College Battle of the Bands, when he participated in the Southeast regional finale in 2009. Since then he was president of Georgia State University's programming board, acting as the liaison between CMF and the university for the 2010 and 2011 tour dates. He owns a small company, and does social media consulting for several organizations. When not mashing his keyboard, Ryan enjoys sleeping in and Mexican food.

Susie joined the CMF team during her fifth year at Northeastern University where she is studying communications and entertainment business. She will be graduating in May 2012. During college Susie has had many opportunities to work hands on in the entertainment industry from being a part of the Music and Entertainment Industry Student Association, to working as a booking agent in the Boston area. As well as professional experience she spent the first half of 2010 living in Spain and traveling Europe, and the second half of 2011 seeing our own beautiful country while on tour with CMF. Susie’s plans for the future are to keep working in a field she enjoys and to continue exploring planet Earth!

Ben joined the CMF team as an "Co-op" through Northeastern University where he studies Cinema Studies and English. CMF proved to be a perfect fit for Ben, who loves the job's blend of video and adventure. Originally from the backwoods of Vermont, Ben found a love for all things video when tasked with making his own 5 minute film in high school, a thrilling and horribly produced recreation of the Boston Massacre. Since then he's been shooting and editing slightly better produced videos on a range of topics. In his off time, Ben enjoys watching Michael Bay movies, eating 72oz steaks and taking delightful hikes through the woods. In the future, Ben plans on making it through his last two semesters of school then moving back in with his parents, where he will most likely waste away his life watching Jurassic Park or Independence Day for the millionth time on TBS.

Juhi Pikale is a Junior at Northeastern University Majoring in Communication Studies and minoring in Production. She randomly stumbled upon CMF while searching for co-ops at northeastern, and ended her search right there. Before CMF, Juhi has been involved with internships in advertising(agency and commercial production). She has also volunteered at a non profit that deals with giving vocational training to youth in slum areas in Mumbai, India. In her free time, Juhi enjoys make short films,commercials,stealing street signs,rescuing dogs and traveling the world. Yes, she is multi talented.