They laughed, they cried, they were on the edge of their seats as an impressive collection of films were shown to a live audience at OCC’s annual Student Film Festival.
The diverse array of films provided exciting story telling of a successful year for OCC students and faculty in Cinematic Arts. Following the screening, winners were announced in the five filmmaking categories. The Fesitval was held at College’s Smith Theater at the Orchard Ridge Campus.
Jack Cronin, OCC Cinematic Arts faculty member enthusiastically noted that, after a COVID-19 hiatus, the annual festival and award winners did not disappoint.
“We had an incredibly wide range of amazing films in this year’s festival,” Cronin says. “Our students are working in numerous different genres, including comedy, drama, horror, documentary, experimental, and personal essay forms. It’s incredible to see so many different filmic voices represented.”
In case you missed it or want to relive the experience, all films are featured on OCC’s YouTube Channel.
Award Winners
While award winners share the experience and recognition are the true prize, each participant is gifted with a filmmaking gift ranging from an audio recorder to a light kit and action camera to celebrate their achievement.
Best Film: “Film Student” by Nicholas Haverty
Haverty’s film portrays both a humorous and a serious approach to unpacking the pitfalls
and triumphs of the creative process, intended to be relatable to fellow film students
in the program. Havery, a Cinematic Arts student, said the experience was one of those grand life
moments. “You pinch yourself and look around, you see family, friends, strangers and
fellow students laughing, crying and sharing ideas in a forum and with a medium we're
all passionate about. That's what college should be, firing on all cylinders, inspiring
and bringing people together.”
Best Writing: “Dream” by Haizhen Zhan
In Dream, a student working in the theatre had a stage dream. While working, he imagined
himself performing a wonderful Shakespeare play - "Macbeth.” Zhan, who is studying Photographic Technology, said that being exposed to filmmaking
opened new artistic doors. "My goal in the future is to have a bakery shop
and shoot promotional videos to increase exposure of my brand."
Best Editing: Birding With Brian” by Ben Filler
Filler, who recently graduated from OCC with a concentration in Cinematic Arts and
will be studying Journalism and Media Production at University of Michigan-Dearborn,
won for his editing skills in his short documentary profile about a birder named Brian.
Filler said he was thrilled with the positive audience reception seeing his film on the big screen. “There are some spectacular films/filmmakers coming out
of this year’s Cinematic Arts program. I hope I will get a chance to work with some
of them in future endeavors.”
Best Cinematography: “The Last Love Letter” by Nikalas Kimbrough
Kimbrough’s art and technology skills impressed the judges for his portrayal of a
man dealing with the loss of a relationship and the memories he must move on from.
Kimbrough, who is studying Cinematic Arts, expressed appreciation for his first award
as a filmmaker. “Filmmaking is my passion and I hope to continue to create visuals
that are authentic and beautiful.”
Best Actor: Tessa Gibson.
Judges deemed Gibson’s performance in Chanteal Matthews’ comedy/horror film “Trapped”
as a standout where she “masterfully portrays Alexis, the comedically sardonic hostage
who offhandedly mocks her kidnapper.” Gibson, an OCC Theatre student, said she took great pleasure in the role. “Horror
movies are my favorite and getting to be in one was awesome! Such a wonderful experience.”
Festival participation an important part of filmmaking
Cronin emphasizes the OCC Student Film Festival provides a public outlet for the amazing work that students created throughout the year.
“By being part of this festival, students get to exhibit their films outside of the classroom and experience what it’s like for a live audience to respond to their work,” he said. “As a filmmaker, you learn a lot about your own film by seeing it with an audience.”
Cronin adds that the festival not only provides a stage for the films but also creates a dynamic and engaging atmosphere for students and the audience. “Attendees can participate in Q&A sessions with the filmmakers, gaining insights into the creative process, inspiration, and the challenges faced during production.”
For further information visit Cinematic Arts Program at OCC.
About OCC
Oakland Community College offers nearly 100 degrees and certificates programs with the resources students need to be successful and advance our community. As a top transfer institution, OCC offers one of the state’s most affordable tuition rates and flexibility in scheduling with face-to-face and online options. The College is nationally recognized for its high-demand career training with expert faculty in their fields. More than 1 million students have enrolled in the College since it opened in 1965. Learn more at oaklandcc.edu.
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