One short day to create, plan and execute a film? “No problem,” said participants of this year’s 24-hour FilmFest. Rules were posted Friday at midnight, giving ACU students until midnight of Saturday to turn in a completed film of any genre and any time length. Each film had to visibly include three control elements from a list locations, character names, props and dialogue.
Only three entries successfully made the deadline. Pages, Rick & Cookie and Unit 24 are now available for viewing at http://acufilmfest.tumblr.com. Students and faculty members are allowed one vote for their favorite film, and voting will close at 5 p.m. this Friday.
We’ve viewed the films, and after a grimace, a chuckle and a misty eye or two, we would like to place our collective vote for Pages. Here are the reasons why:
1. Although it is short and simple (or perhaps because it is short and simple), Pages keeps its viewers engaged and intrigued.
2. Tight and consistent camera shots frame the entirety of the film but do not fail to inform viewers about the setting locations. The variations in videography are also not only well contrived, they are executed in order to support the film’s overall meaning.
3. We would also like to applaud the film director’s decision to keep dialogue to a minimum; not only does this element remain consistent with Pages’ overarching simplicity, but it reduces the probability for any sound or acting blunders. Additionally, the background music is neither overpowering nor unnoticeable, but fits the necessity in each scene’s rhythm.
All of the above technical aspects work to support a truly creative film built around enjoying the simple things in life. There is a natural flow to Pages that we would be hard pressed to find in many other student created films, let alone those created in the span of one short day.
We would like to commend all of those who contributed to the FilmFest. Many people obviously put a lot of hard work into the creation and production of the featured videos, and we would like to thank you for the opportunity to view and enjoy your dedication.
