HypeFest, a unique festival held July 30-31, 2005, at the CineSpace in Hollywood to unite and showcase independent filmmakers with commercial communities, concluded its weekend-long screenings and festivities with an awards show and party sponsored by the Tucson Film Office. The festival showcased approximately 75 original short-subject works from filmmakers around the world.
MADGA, by Chel White, received STASH MAGAZINE'S Animation Award, which honored the best-animated project.
The Style Council Award, which recognizes a project for its unique style and visual panache, was given to FLOAT (MY ELECTRIC STARGIRL), The Atomic Swindlers music video directed by Joel Trussell. Honorable Mention went to RAINY DAY FUN FOR CHILDREN AGES 6 AND UP, from director Jake Portman. The D.I.Y. Award, presented to a compelling project created on a limited budget, went to CONVERSATIONS, directed by Ben Rock while Honorable Mention went to WAKING DREAMS, by John Daschbach.
Projects voted most popular by attending audiences were CASHBACK, from director Sean Ellis, which received the Audience Award for Saturday, and 6 FT. IN 7 MIN., by director Rafael del Toro, which garnered the Audience Award for July 31.
All award winners received a cheer-inspired HypeFest trophy and assorted prizes from production and post-production supplier Moviola, DVD MAGAZINE STASH, entertainment business software provider Media Services, indie music store Amoeba Music, Agua Spa at the Mondrian Hotel, Hollywood restaurants Kabuki and Kung Pao Kitty, AMP Filmworks rentals for advanced media production, the Writers Store and publisher Michael Wiese Prods.
Additionally, select HypeFest films will be showcased on an upcoming PASTE MAGAZINE DVD and have the opportunity to be highlighted on the web-based distribution site Big Film Shorts.
For a complete list of films, sponsors and event information, please visit the festival website at www.hypefest.com.
"Every year we are energized and excited by the original content being produced by filmmakers of all backgrounds," says Jessie Nagel, festivalco-director. "This year was no exception it was a pleasure and a privilege to have the opportunity to expose audiences to some of the exceptional projects and the talent behind them."
HypeFest (www.hypefest.com) offers a platform for filmmakers to promote their work to the commercial industry. Screening shorts, commercials, promos and music videos in all genres, HypeFest also hosts a screenwriting contest.
