Student filmmakers Angelo Chavez and Ronja Jansz, of Santa Monica College’s new Film Production Program, have respectively won a prestigious “Award of Excellence: Short Film” and an “Award of Merit: Use of Film for Social Change” from the international Best Shorts Film Competition.
The awards were given for Angelo Chavez’s sci-fi black comedy RACHEL 9000, featuring Alana Kerr and Carey Fox, and Ronja Jansz’s drama ANNABEL LEE, featuring Frank Perry.
Both films were produced in the Film 33 advanced directing class at Santa Monica College.
“Both Ronja and Angelo have made sensitive, thought provoking films that are explorations of gender identity bias roles,” said Salvador Carrasco, head of SMC’s film production program. “At SMC, we pride ourselves in making original, well-crafted films that have something meaningful to say, and both ANNABEL LEE and RACHEL 9000 are great examples of this. We are thrilled that the Best Shorts Competition has acknowledged our students’ hard work and talent.”
The Best Shorts Competition recognizes film, television, videography and new media professionals who demonstrate exceptional achievement in craft and creativity, and those who produce standout entertainment or contribute to profound social change.
Entries are judged by professionals in the film and television industry. Information about Best Shorts and a list of recent winners can be found at www.bestshorts.net.
In winning a Best Shorts Award, SMC joins the ranks of other high-profile winners of this internationally respected award including The Weinstein Company for Market Hours and Oscar winning production Mr. Hublot from Laurent Witz from Luxembourg.
Rick Prickett, who chairs The Best Shorts Competition, had this to say about the latest winners: “Best Shorts is not an easy award to win. Entries are received from around the world from powerhouse companies to remarkable new talent.
The Best Shorts Competition helps set the standard for craft and creativity. The judges were pleased with the exceptional high quality of entries. The goal of Best Shorts is to help winners achieve the recognition they deserve.”
To see more about the film production program at SMC, visit the program’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/SMCFilm.
