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LMU film festival crowns animated film as Best Picture

Posted on November 3, 2011
by Brandon Cudequest

Anyone who follows film award ceremonies would be shocked to know that last Saturday, Oct. 29, a documentary and animated short received a majority of the attention and applause at the School of Film and Television's (SFTV) annual Film Outside the Frame festival. The event showcases the best student projects from the past year as voted on by a board of faculty and industry professionals. This year, the voters proved that documentaries and animated shorts are just as powerful of mediums as dramatic shorts, when "Sounds like a Story" and "Photographs" took home three awards each. The two films fought tough competition from other student works about soldiers, sleazy motels and CGI shadows.

"I was a deer in headlights. There were so many people to thank. The film has been rewarding since day one of shooting, and it continues to be," film production graduate Molly McVie said of her win. McVie's documentary "Sounds Like A Story" was about the lives of Fleetwood Mac's sound technicians. The film won awards in the Sound Design, Editing and Documentary categories.

The highest honors of the night - recognition in the Animation, Best Director and Best Picture categories - were split between Christina Manrique, ‘11, and Brendan Clogher's, ‘10, "Photographs." "We are [grateful] that an animation film won Best Picture. We worked really hard for this and are happy to be here," Manrique said. Clogher summed up the night by saying, "Film school is a community. Whether you win, receive a nomination or come to support, you are rooting for your own team."

Though the night was extremely competitive, the environment was anything but hostile. "I just want people to see my film because a lot of people put effort into making it what it is. Surround yourself with the best to get the best," senior production major Nicolas Litonjua said. His film "Call to Arms" received the Student Choice Award. Junior recording arts major Claire Morison reflected similar sentiments: "Everyone who is here tonight is super talented. It was just an honor to the nominee."

Film Outside the Frame placed a large emphasis on community by honoring past alumni's accomplishments alongside current students' work. "What you will see tonight is a calling card for when students go out into the field. The strength of our program is reflected in our alumni," SFTV Dean Steve Ujlaki said in his opening remarks.

Alumnus Francie Calfo, ‘89, received the Outstanding Achievement in Television Award. After graduating from LMU with a degree in communication studies, Calfo has helped bring shows like "Lost," "Grey's Anatomy" and "Ugly Betty" to television sets. Francis Lawrence, ‘91, who has shot music videos for many pop stars and directed "Water for Elephants," "I Am Legend" and "Constantine," received the Distinguished Alumni Award. "After 20 years, I can see the school is overflowing with opportunity. The tools that are available allow students to start their careers now. Write as much as you can, film every day and build a reel," Lawrence encouraged.

2011 Winners: Film Outside the Frame Festival

Cub Award

Arden Tse,

"Soup"

Silver Lion

Adam Lee,

"Mirror Motel"

Golden Lion

Ryan Latchmansingh,

"Where the Sun Sets"

Cinematography

Jacob Braafladt,

"Shadowplay"

Animation

Christina Manrique & Brendan Clogher, "Photographs"

Student Choice Award

Nicolas Litonjua,

"Call to Arms"

Editing Award

Molly McVie,

"Sounds Like A Story"

Documentary

Molly McVie,

"Sounds Like A Story"

Production Design

Kate Rhamey,

"The Mirror Motel"

Screenplay or Teleplay

Colleen Marshall,

"Peace of Glass"

Director

Christina Manrique & Brendan Clogher, "Photographs"

Best Picture

Christina Manrique & Brendan Clogher, "Photographs"