2008 Woodie Awards
Film Festival Brings Hollywood to the Heart of the Valley
Festival screens work from suprising young talent to the Valley.
Marco Elorreaga
Issue date: 3/22/06 Section: Valley Life
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With nearly 600 film submissions from every genre and age group, the 3rd annual San Fernando Valley International Film Festival kicked off in North Hollywood Friday at the Beverly Garland Hotel with a diverse group of artists who all carried the same love, hope and dream of being filmmakers.
"I'm excited," said Alexis Van Hurkman, director of "Four Weeks, Four Hours." "It has taken four years to make this film. If you work on a project that long, you start to wonder if anyone will ever see it."
Along with Hurkman, many have labored intensely to be part of the film festival-it will continue next weekend from March 24-26 with free screenings and seminars-in hopes of winning the prestigious President's Award along with other awards in their respective categories.
The film festival has garnered the reputation of being a big break for many talented artists, who are searching for their way into Hollywood, by giving a great opportunity for writers and filmmakers to demonstrate their talent to the public and industry members.
Among the many categories are feature films, short films, student and junior films (18 and under), and music videos-making the SFVIFF one of the only film festivals that accepts music videos in its competition.
"You will see one music video which is amazing by the Kids of Widney High," said President Randy Salter. "It is made entirely by special-ed kids. They're disabled, physically challenged, emotionally challenged and they put together a rap video, which is amazing. It's their second film. It's hysterical to watch and these kids had such a good time doing it."
Many of the films deal with fresh ideas and topics that span from a suicidal love story in "Max and Grace" to intricate conspiracy plots in "Ten 'til Noon," but some of the most surprising films are developing in the junior competition.
"I remember being 13 years old," said Salter. "All I wanted was a super-8 film recorder to make films and I made a lot of them, but the incredible thing about our junior competition is that the quality of the filmmaking is incredible."
"I'm excited," said Alexis Van Hurkman, director of "Four Weeks, Four Hours." "It has taken four years to make this film. If you work on a project that long, you start to wonder if anyone will ever see it."
Along with Hurkman, many have labored intensely to be part of the film festival-it will continue next weekend from March 24-26 with free screenings and seminars-in hopes of winning the prestigious President's Award along with other awards in their respective categories.
The film festival has garnered the reputation of being a big break for many talented artists, who are searching for their way into Hollywood, by giving a great opportunity for writers and filmmakers to demonstrate their talent to the public and industry members.
Among the many categories are feature films, short films, student and junior films (18 and under), and music videos-making the SFVIFF one of the only film festivals that accepts music videos in its competition.
"You will see one music video which is amazing by the Kids of Widney High," said President Randy Salter. "It is made entirely by special-ed kids. They're disabled, physically challenged, emotionally challenged and they put together a rap video, which is amazing. It's their second film. It's hysterical to watch and these kids had such a good time doing it."
Many of the films deal with fresh ideas and topics that span from a suicidal love story in "Max and Grace" to intricate conspiracy plots in "Ten 'til Noon," but some of the most surprising films are developing in the junior competition.
"I remember being 13 years old," said Salter. "All I wanted was a super-8 film recorder to make films and I made a lot of them, but the incredible thing about our junior competition is that the quality of the filmmaking is incredible."
