 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
|
ChicagoFilm.com lent a hand to Maia Entertainment on their inaugural Really Short Film Festival.
We're proud to announce our choices for Best Picture and mucho mucho mas:
The Go Shorty Awards
It was a jam-packed house at the Abbey Pub on Good Friday for this year’s first Annual Really Short Film Festival, brought to you by the fine folks at Maia Entertainment, mainly Rick Ramirez and the fabulous Sarah Dyer, who stayed out of the spotlight for most of the eve but busted some serious ass to put things together.
We had a smashing good time thanks to a rowdy crowd of local filmmakers, film fans and lots of folk of the rowdy beer drinking sort.
Speaking of which, the festival's Audience Favorite Award went to "30 Pack and a Camera," the story of "two men searching for truth and proper etiquette through 30 beers, 8 hours and 1 camera." Written (and we use the term loosely), directed, produced and consumed by Kevin Bruce and Chad Larys, the film was a little bit like "Strange Brew" or Jackass only way, way, way dumber.
And finally, relishing delayed gratification as we do, ChicagoFilm.com is proud to present our Go Shorty! Awards for the first Annual Really Short Film Festival.
Many mammoth thanks to Maia Entertainment, the filmmakers, Image Union and the Abbey Pub. Hope to see everyone again next year. |
|
 |
|
The Real Shorty Award:
"Rules of the Game"
Okay, so truth be told, the best film of the fest had a budget
that most probably exceeded all of the other films' combined.
Marton Varo Jr.'s "Rules of the Game" brought star power in Bruce Davison
and Evan Ellingson, production value from L.A. and a superior
soundtrack to boot. Highly competent,
highly entertaining stuff from an up and coming director
with glaringly obvious talent, but not really in the spirit
of the locally focused low/no-budget festival. You probably
got jipped Marton, but we're psyched to see your first feature "Confessions."
The Shorty on Wheels Award:
"Brother Scooter Max"
In "Brother Scooter Max," Joe LaRocco's mentally disturbed sandwich-board wearing street preacher on wheels was the festival's acting highlight. Particularly when the action went improv onto the streets of Chicago, there was a little manic magic in the air. Love to see more of from LaRocco and Brother Scooter Max.
|
|
The Go Shorty Award for Best Picture:
"Sold" by Michael W. Meyer
Written, directed and shot by Meyer, this neo-Faustian tale of a pencil salesman's bargain w/Beelzebub was well-written, well-shot and downright funny. With exquisite faux-noir lighting and dialogue, this was easily the fest’s most technically proficient local entry and an effort that bodes well for a promising future. Michael W. Meyer, we say to you "Go Shorty – it is indeed your birthday."
The Shortest Shorty Award:
Baby Skylar in "Kid Proof"
My god, can kids really eat light bulbs and live? Is there a special entry in the Guiness Book of World Record for that kind of thing? And Jeez Louise, slow down already kid, you’ve only just begun, and look at you, you’re already winning awards.
The Shorty Needs a Budget Awards:
"The Dirty Immigrants: Stunt Cock"
Interspersed throughout the fest were shorts from improv troop The Dirty Immigrants. Several of their spots were funny, but "Stunt Cock," with it's rather um...explosive...money shot was easily as funny as anything on MadTV or even the early days of Living Color. Somebody needs to toss these kids a budget and see what they can really do.
John Harrigan, "Portugese Bend"
Also showing similar promise was "Portugese Bend," the John Harigan directed video. Great music, great concept, sweet execution. As hyper-critical CCC Events Director Mike McNamara pointed out, if only it had all been shot on film or HD.
|
|
|
|
|
