Youth filmmakers get a taste of Hollywood
By Contributor
This year’s Under 19 Film Festival, presented by the Rossland Council for Arts and Culture, had a Hollywood feel and hometown representation. Over 100 people came out to Rossland’s Miners’ Hall to check out the great films by talented young film makers from all over the West Kootenays. While the fest had some adult help it was almost entirely run by youth.
Young MCs Kaela Zimmer and Sara Lapointe kept the crowd in touch with what was going on, and young musicians Brogan Pastro, playing two songs on the piano and “Andrea Cheung, singing “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” kept the crowd entertained while the audience choice awards ballots were being tallied.
Winners for each category took home gift certificates from Sound West Audio Video in Trail where they will be able to purchase items at a discount. Winner of the Columbia Basin Trust Awards for Best Drama film was Kirk Vieira’s rap video Confused and Best Animation went to Hanna Racette for Keep Your Promises. The Kootenay Association for Science and Technology Best Documentary Award went to Antonia Sullivan for her research on who has the best fries on Baker St Best on Baker: Fries. The winner of the Regional District of Kootenay Boundary Categories, “Making a Case for Recycling” and “Positive Change: Promoting Green and Sustainable Living” were, Coast Phillips-Brunelle for Slocan Recyling and Josh Norman Sustainability respectively.
Mitchel Lenarduzzi was the clear winner of the afternoon. He cleaned up in three categories, the Columbia Power Corporation Award for Judge’s Choice and both Nelson and District Credit Union sponsored awards, for Best Sports and Adventure as well as the Audience Choice Award. For this Mitchel received a $200 cash prize. Thanks again to all our wonderful sponsors, without them this event would not be possible.
For more information on next year’s U-19 festival and other Rossland Council for Arts and Culture events visit their website or email them.
