BCTC Filmmaking Students Volunteer at Twelve Lions Film Festival, Meet Lexington Native and Hollywood Star Michael Shannon
Published on Sep 30, 2025
Lexington, KY – This past weekend, Filmmaking students from Bluegrass Community & Technical College
(BCTC) had the unique opportunity to volunteer at the Twelve Lions Film Festival, a four-day celebration of independent cinema held at the historic Kentucky Theatre
in downtown Lexington.
The festival, which ran from September 25–28, featured over 60 films from 15 countries, along with workshops, panels, and networking events designed to support emerging filmmakers and deepen appreciation for the art of cinema. BCTC students assisted with event logistics, guest coordination, and technical support, gaining valuable hands-on experience in a professional film festival setting.
One of the highlights for students was meeting Michael Shannon, a two-time Academy Award nominee and Lexington native, who returned to his hometown to host a free master class on film directing. Shannon also premiered his directorial debut, Eric LaRue, at the festival. The film, adapted from Brett Neveu’s 2002 play, stars Judy Greer, Alison Pill, and Alexander Skarsgård.
Shannon is widely known for his roles in critically acclaimed films such as Revolutionary Road (2008), 99 Homes (2014), and The Shape of Water (2017), which won the Academy Award for Best Picture. His return to Lexington and engagement with aspiring filmmakers was a memorable moment for BCTC students, many of whom cited the experience as “inspiring” and “career-affirming.” [Wikipedia]
“We’re proud of Professor Stephanie Fitch and our students for stepping up and representing BCTC at such a prestigious event,” said Dr. Greg Feeney, BCTC President. “Opportunities like this connect classroom learning to real-world experience and help build the next generation of Kentucky filmmakers and support the growth of filmmaking in Kentucky.”
For more information about BCTC’s Filmmaking program, visit BCTC Filmmaking or contact Stephanie.fitch@kctcs.edu.
