UFFyc Announces 2019 Awards
From March 27 - 30, the 2019 Underexposed Film Festival yc, presented by Morton & Gettys, welcomed filmmakers and movie lovers to Plowden Auditorium and Dina’s Place on the campus of Winthrop University in Old Town Rock Hill, SC. This year’s festival showcased the best in independent filmmaking from around the world, allowing audiences to take a trip around the world without leaving their seat!
The 2019 UFFyc included films that are eligible to be nominated for Academy Awards in 2019, and films that have been collecting accolades far and wide. Almost Everything won the 2019 Student Academy Awards 2018 (Silver Student Oscar - Narrative - International Film Schools). All These Creatures won the Cannes Film Festival (Palme d'Or – Short Film) in 2018. Thus far, five films that screened at the 2019 UFFyc are Oscar-qualifying films, eligible to be nominated for Academy Awards in 2020: All Inclusive, All These Creatures, Icebergs, Obon, and Souls of Totality.
Thanks to the 2019 jurors for their time and consideration: Rob Adler (iVote, You Too?), Allan Arkush (Rock ‘n Roll High School, A Series of Unfortunate Events, The Temptations), Meghann Artes (Sesame Street), Coretta Bedsole, Katherine Dudley (Shorter University, The Perfect Selfie, Scavenger Hunt, The Bet), Laura Rinaldi Dufresne (Winthrop University), Dick Feury (The Family, Satisfaction, Reckless, Ghost Whisperer), John Gallen (Daddy, Maverick, The Crazy Ones), Carol Green [Heathers (TV), American Horror Story, Franklin & Bash, The Tempations], Cashell Horgan (Ancient Lights, The Clockmaker’s Dream, Paddy), Daniella Koffler (Compartments), John LeBlanc [Madonna: Truth or Dare, Cocoon, The Parent Trap (1998), Dog Down!], Michael Rivers, Terry Roueche, Karen Stock (Winthrop University), David White (Single. Parents. Collection.), John T. Williams (Jilava, Black Train is Coming).
Reflecting on the films screened at the 2019 festival, Karen Collins, Festival Director, notes that short film keeps the industry humming. Making short films gives new talent a chance to hone their skills and find their style. Short films also allow for experimentation and new and creative storytelling, which then feeds into mainstream filmmaking. Put bluntly, short film is the foundation of the Hollywood empire.
Ten awards were presented to Official Selections in 2019 - the Grand Jury Prize; the best of each category: animation, documentary, experimental, and narrative; Cinema Carolina - awarded to the best independent film made in North or South Carolina regardless of category, content, or subject; Woman to Watch (best female director); Best Student Film | Collegiate; Best Student Film | High School; and the Terry Roueche Audience Choice Award.
Grand Jury Award
Prizes: $750, Final Draft Software courtesy of Final Draft, and Cinematiq DCP Transfer Software courtesy of Cinematiq
Novela Picaresca
Narrative | 2017 | 24 min. 58 sec.
Official Selection
Suggested Rating | G
Country | Japan
Language | Japanese
Producer | Kenji Qurata, Ikami Hanako
Director | Kenji Qurata
Writer | Kenji Qurata
Sound | Mogi Yusuki
Cast | Hirosawa So, Yuki Takashi
[Short Shorts Film Festival & Asia | Asiana International Short Film Festival]
Yoko wishes to become the “bad kid” but she is trapped in her little book store. One day, she falls in love with a phrase written by a novelist, and starts to plan a very innocent and mindless crime, which becomes an everyday prank towards a joyful life. | more info
Best Animated Film
Prizes: $200 and Toon Boom Animation Software courtesy of Toon Boom
The Call
Animation | 2018 | 10 min.
Official Selection
Suggested Rating | PG
Country | Romania
Language | Romanian, English
Producer | Anca Damian
Director | Anca Damian
Writer | Anca Damian
Cast | Vlad Ivanov, Jean Marc Barr
[Annecy Animation Film Festival | World France | Toronto IFFF | Animator Festival - Second Prize ]
A phone call, a bathroom and a woman are at the intersection of the worlds. | more info
Best Documentary Film
Prizes: $200 and Samsung Gear 360 Camera courtesy of Samsung
All Inclusive
Documentary | 2017 | 10 min.
Official Selection
Suggested Rating | G
Country | Switzerland
Language | Silent
Producer | Stella Händler
Director | Corina Schwingruber Ilić
Writer | Corina Schwingruber Ilić
[Venice Film Festival]
Under the spell of mass entertainment on the high seas. | more info
Best Experimental Film