FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 5, 2023

RICHMOND FILM NETWORK ANNOUNCES WINNERS IN DEBUT SHORT FILM SERIES

Season Standouts Drawn from 44 Official Selections

RICHMOND, VA (July 5, 2023) - The Richmond Film Network announces 13 winners in its first season of its Short Film Series that screened a total of 44 films and provided a platform for independent filmmakers from 7 countries and 11 states to showcase their work.

The Series launched in November 2022, ran seven consecutive months (with the exception of March), culminated in June, and presented an impressive array of short films from talented filmmakers across the globe. Each event was held mid-month on a Wednesday night at Bow Tie Movieland at Boulevard Square. Screenings consisted of 5-8 films that were followed by a moderated filmmaker Q&A and a networking social.

“Our event recognizes and celebrates the artistry and creativity of the short film, which we hold in the highest regard and believe is only limited in its run time,” said Founder Lisa Giles. “Even more, we celebrate the filmmaker. Our post-screening talkback is such an integral part of our evening—the intimate engagement where we get to know the filmmakers. We’ve had some memorable moments in that segment where filmmakers let audiences in by displaying their vulnerability, their charm, and their genius.”

The Series attracted high quality submissions and captivated audiences with its diverse selection of films. Six represented the LGBT community, nine were directed by women, and 16 were by creators of color.

After careful consideration and deliberation by an esteemed panel of judges, the winners of the Short Film Series were revealed:

  • Best Supporting Actress: Susan Macke Miller, Compassionate Caren in the Big, Bad World [TV]. Directed by Dean Shortland, Brentwood TN. Caren is a middle-aged control freak who isn’t feeling accepted in the world around her anymore.

  • Best Actress: Faith Murphy, Compassionate Caren in the Big, Bad World [TV]. Directed by Dean Shortland, Brentwood TN. Caren is a middle-aged control freak who isn’t feeling accepted in the world around her anymore.

  • Best Supporting Actor: Emre Ocal, Fatih the Conqueror [Comedy]. Directed by Onur Yagiz, France/Turkey. Fatih wants to get married and has his sights set on Ipek, much to her surprise!

  • Best Actor: Thomas Curel, Fatih the Conqueror [Comedy]. Directed by Onur Yagiz, France/Turkey - Fatih wants to get married and has his sights set on Ipek, much to her surprise!

  • Best Score: Arturo Cardelus, InTime [Drama]. Directed by Gabriel De Santiago, Los Angeles CA. A deaf writer must conquer his fears if dancing with the girl of his dreams should ever become a reality.

  • Production Design: Ligia Gonzalez, How to Hack Birth Control [TV]. Directed by Sassy Mohen, Los Angeles CA. This satire comedy series takes on everything that sex-ed never told you!

  • Screenplay: Chimera [SciFi]. Written and directed by Andrew Lee Ryan, Los Angeles CA. Set in a not too distant future small town, a VR life simulation junkie goes on a mission in reality to get a new dopamine game cartridge before she goes through happiness withdrawal.

  • Best Cinematography: Troy Ruff, Loved [Thriller]. Directed by David Joseph Higgins, Asbury Park NJ. A crazed plumber risks his career and prison when he finds his wife in bed with another man.

  • Best Editing: How to Hack Birth Control [TV]. Edited and directed by Sassy Mohen, Los Angeles CA. This satire comedy seres takes on everything that sex ed never told you!

  • Best Director: Azwan Badruzaman, Farmer Ed [Horror], Los Angeles CA. An isolated farmer makes a shocking discovery on his land and unlocks its mysteries unbeknownst to his wife.

  • Best DMV Film: Safe Word [LGBT]. Directed by Christopher Cunetto, Washington DC. An emotionally stunted masochist must confront his self-loathing after his dom reinterprets the rules of their game.

  • Best International Film: Thou Shalt Dance [Animation]. Directed by Abtin Yaghmaian, Tehran Iran. On a normal day, a normal man finds an abnormal solution for his problem.

  • Film: InTime [Drama]. Directed by Gabriel De Santiago, Los Angeles CA. A deaf writer must conquer his fears if dancing with the girl of his drams should ever become a reality.

    "We are delighted to honor the exceptional talent and innovation demonstrated by the winners of the Short Film Series," said Giles. “We congratulate them on their outstanding achievements and look forward to seeing what they do next."

For more information about the Short Film Series and to learn more about the winning films and filmmakers, contact The Richmond Film Network richmondfilmnetwork@gmail.com (e-mail) www.richmondfilmnetwork.org (web) or 804.719.1772 (phone).

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About the Richmond Film Network

The Richmond Film Network connects visual media creators to facilitate collaboration on unique projects so members of the community can tell their stories, showcase their skills and build their portfolios. Programs include its flagship Short Film Series and the Screenwriters’ Lab, with others in development.

About the Short Film Series

The Short Film Series is an experience that brings together innovative, independent storytellers and discerning audiences for its monthly program of short films, compelling moderated filmmaker Q&As, and meaningful networking in one of the "Best Places to Live and Work as a MovieMaker" [MovieMaker Magazine]. This program supports and strengthens Richmond’s creative community by delivering original stories that are relevant to the present moment, and celebrating the art and craft of film on a consistent, predictable basis. Domestic and international submissions from women, BIPOC, LGBT, and Virginia/DMV are especially encouraged.