Organizers of the Southern Missouri Amateur Short Film Festival called the Nov. 30 event a “success” and said they hope it eventually becomes an annual event.

“This festival was a huge success. We had many wonderful submissions and attendees, but what really made this event successful in my eyes was that we all had the opportunity to hear each other’s stories through this creative medium,” said Hannah Salvesen, theater and events coordinator with the University/Community Programs (U/CP) Department at Missouri State University-West Plains (MSU-WP). The U/CP Department sponsored the festival.

In its first year, the event encouraged area auteurs to submit a one- to three-minute film in one of three categories – drama, comedy or documentary – that would be judged on the story told, not the production quality. The top film in each category received an award.

Salvesen said filmmakers ranging in age from nine and above submitted a wide range of films for each genre. Participants included not only MSU-WP faculty, staff and students, but also a number of community members.

The winners

Top prize in the documentary category went to Crockett W. Oaks III, business and support services director at MSU-WP. His film chronicled the history of the Sadie Brown Cemetery north of West Plains.

First place in comedy category went to Tray Whitsell, West Plains, whose entry “Aloha Samurai” received perfect score from all the judges. Salvesen said the comedy category was the most competitive due to the number of entries.

“Tray’s film was exemplary, and I hope he chooses to submit it to a few more festivals and pull in some more awards,” Salvesen said.

A notable runner up in the comedy category was a film titled “The School Project” submitted by Laina Beth Richardson, Salvesen said. The piece utilized dolls, comedic voice overs and impressive motion graphics to great effect.

Eric Willis, Overland Park, Kansas, took top honors in the drama category with an impressive abstract piece on global warming. Willis was unable to attend the Nov. 30 premiere event.

Many of the other entrants, however, attended the premiere and award ceremony, and all were recognized on stage for their impressive creative efforts, Salvesen said.

The entries were judged by MSU-WP Director of University Communications Ian Camejo, William and Virginia Darr Honors Program Director Alex Pinnon and Professor of English Dr. Phillip Howerton.

For more information about the festival, call 417-255-7966 or visit WP.MissouriState.edu/UCP.