I was recently quoted as saying I lacked a sense of community. I might know my friends well enough through social media channels (or even used one of those channels to meet up for a round of drinks). I might even read friends’ blog posts and provide feedback. But how significant is that bond without local community, past the internet and its myriad of digital substance? This question has been eating at me for some time, though I hadn’t been able to voice it properly.
Last week, I walked into Houston’s 48 hour Film Project Awards ceremony with the intent to shake hands with acquaintances, meet new faces, and represent ikan as a sponsor of the festival. This year, we’re honoring the winners with a Offset Flyweight DSLR rig for the grand prize, a VH8 field monitor for 1st runner up, and a Trekker gear bag for 2nd runner up. It was in the midst of this event, however, that the universe gave me the stimulus to answer my own question—an answer that had been staring me in the face this whole time.
I gained my first sense of competitive camaraderie on a 48 Hour set. We threw ourselves under the bus of an adrenaline-fueled short film for an entire weekend, potentially capable of finding its way to Cannes and jump-starting our names and careers in the industry. It could be argued that if my experience weren’t so fulfilling, I’d never realize how much my position at ikan could benefit Houston’s community of filmmakers—and filmmakers worldwide—by providing them tools to grow their talents and spread their inspiration.
The winner and runners up used their skills and resources to make films which won the hearts and minds of the judges and the audience. although there were several criteria to decide the, each employed strong stories with compelling characters, creative locations usage, and quality cinematography. The winner from each regional competition goes on the screen at Filmapalooza next year and, if they make the cut, they’re featured in Cannes Film Festival’s Short Film Corner. Two years ago, “Cold War,” a 48 Hour short produced and directed by Houston’s very own Wayne Slated, achieved that very prestige. Wayne has used the momentum in producing his latest, “Patriot Act.” These stakes are real, my friend.
This year, Tercar Cinema Productions may have the potential to make it to Cannes. Their cleanly shot “Analog” tells the story of two high school seniors whose love for antiquity leads them to love each other. A mix of great set design, functional antique devices, and a subtle sense of style made for a short film that was delightfully uncommon for festival submissions. The most riveting part, however, was their acceptance speech. Simple and straightforward, the director thanked everyone involved and the community as a whole for their support and positive energy. We wish them the best moving forward!
This year’s 48 HFP was no exception to the genius and culture that makes Houston filmmaking so much fun. With a motley cast of characters (both on and off camera) the 46 teams who successfully completed their own films and proved to have the very same passion that reminds me of the hunger which prompted my own filmmaking career. After finishing up their own projects, some teams intermingled with newcomers and rival crews to help improve their end products, as well. Actions like these exemplify the mutual appreciation of the artistic process behind a 48 Hour Film Project.
After the event, I realized that I did have a community and, in my love for it, two years ago I decided to give back. How? By sponsoring the event through ikan with gear that could further our future endeavors.
Cheers to you all who participated and congratulations! For our highlights on all the teams, their achievements, and audience awards, check our Facebook Album.
You can also learn more about48 Hour Film Project in Houston by checking out their official site or their Facebook.
If you’ve had the chance to better your film community or want to find ways of getting more involved, leave us a comment below.