Sam Houston State University (SHSU) hosts the Heatwave Media & Film Festival, an annual juried event organized by the Department of Mass Communication. This festival provides a platform for SHSU students, other Texas college students, Texas independent filmmakers, and even US and international filmmakers to showcase their short films and creative media works. Additionally, SHSU also organizes the Mass Communication Common Reader Film Festival, which highlights student filmmakers whose work is often centered around a specific book.