Humber Polytechnic's inaugural Current Cut Film Festival was a resounding success with more than 60 films submitted for consideration and awards given out to those judged the best.
The two-day celebration of emerging filmmakers was presented in collaboration with NBCUniversal and provided a platform for student filmmakers and recent graduates to showcase their creative storytelling and cinematography. During the event, it was also announced that NBCUniversal has extended their support for this important initiative at Humber.
The first day of the festival included a reception and screening held at the Lakeshore Campus' BMO Innovation Commons with speeches by Guillermo Acosta, senior dean, Faculty of Media, Creative Arts, and Design and Gina Antonacci, senior vice-president, Academic.
Film festival judge Kazik Radwanski, an accomplished filmmaker and professor in Humber's Bachelor of Film and Media Production program, also spoke.
The afternoon concluded with a screening of the seven films shortlisted for the Audience Choice Award and attendees voting for the top two selections.
On the second day of the festival, the Official Selections representing all five categories were screened in the Humber Cultural Hub Recital Hall. Winners were announced as part of the evening program.
"The kickoff to Humber Polytechnic's inaugural Current Cut Film Festival was a great success," said Current Cut Film Festival Director Ebyan Bihi. "The enthusiasm and talent showcased by our student filmmakers, combined with the overwhelming support from Humber and the community, have made this a truly memorable event. With NBCUniversal's generous support, we look forward to building on this momentum and creating an even more impactful festival next year."
The winners are:
Best Director presented by DGC Ontario ($5,000 cash reward to 1st place winner)
1st Place: For Vaani by Pragati Kaushal
2nd Place: Mirror by Faith Montoya
Best Documentary ($1,000 cash reward to 1st place winner)
1st Place: One Night on Opeongo by Sam Leslie
2nd Place: Las Caras de Rico Rico (The Faces of Rico Rico) by Alejandro Gutiérrez
Best Alumnus ($1,000 cash reward to 1st place winner)
1st Place: In The Red by Tae Sax
2nd Place: Faceless by Assel Akhmetova
Best Innovation in a Story ($1,000 cash reward to 1st place winner)
1st Place: The Field by Davis Homenuck
2nd Place: It Lurks in the Lamplight by Carrera Stern
Audience Choice Award presented by NBCUniversal ($5,000 cash reward to 1st place winner)
1st Place: One Night on Opeongo by Leslie
2nd Place: Driven by Darius James
Leslie's film One Night on Opeongo won both the Audience Choice Award and Best Documentary.
Those interested in finding out more can visit the Current Cut Film Festival webpage.
