The Second Annual Kate Regan Short Film Festival hit the campus with a gale force last night much like its namesake did on the University of Portland community. In front of a standing room only crowd, five filmmakers reeled in accolades, applause, and awards for their “Best in Category” entries. From this set of top notch videos, “Reasoning with my Depression” by Gabriela Riegos was selected as best of all earning its maker a grand prize of $1,000 for being both best in the “Narrative” category and best in the entire film festival.
Riegos told the audience she made the video for herself, using the format to explore the idea of having both sides of her brain dialogue with each other. She said she never expected it would be a festival show piece. But the powerful message, dramatic music, and impactful style made a big impression on the panel of judges, who had a tough call to make among the impressive entries received this year.
Cassie Sheridan earned the top spot in the Documentary category for breathtaking footage of a summer aboard a fishing boat in Alaska in “Life Aboard the Sea Prince.” Hunter Crawford’s “A Walk Through Video Games” won the Humor category and made the audience laugh with its spoof on popular video games. Thomas Dempsey’s study abroad experience in Nicaragua brought rich imagery back to the Bluff rising to the top of the International category with “Nicaragua Immersion.” Jason Smith’s 3-D stop motion video “Scorned by Fate” was voted Best in Animation for its fascinating coordination of light and sound.
The festival celebrated the artistry of 33 participants this year, including submissions from faculty, students, and staff. True to the vision of its founder Kate Regan, the festival provides a supportive space for members of the campus community to share their joy in making visual stories, especially their experiences with other cultures and lands. In addition to the incredible display of storytelling talent, festival goers were also treated to never-before-seen footage shot by Kate Regan herself and edited by Kate’s niece, Lauren Gaskill, who is also a filmmaker and has been an instructor in the Spanish department at UP for the spring semester. The big screen debut of the first ever 24 Hour Film a-Thon film was another unique offering that brought together faculty, staff, and students in a creative, collaborative exchange.
The Wall of Stars Virtual Scavenger Hunt amazed participants as they used phones and tablets to find movie clues embedded virtually in the laminated stars hanging on the wall outside the Executive Boardroom of the Commons. A photo booth with fun props greeted festival goers and movie trivia kept the audience engaged until emcee Andrea Castanette opened the program.
Planning for next year’s film festival will get underway soon so watch this space for details as they emerge.