23 March 2009
Two students from the School of Information Technology and Computing won awards for their short films in ACU FilmFest 2009: Anonymous. "Your Destiny," directed by Sandra Amstutz, sophomore information technology major from La Feria, Texas, earned Best Independent Short Film. Jacob Kitts, freshman information technology major from Round Rock, Texas, earned the title Best Sound Designer for his film, "Fantasy Fight," which also won the award for Best Action Short.
The annual ACU FilmFest, inaugurated in 2004, allows students a unique opportunity to direct and produce their own short films, to submit their films to viewing audiences, and to receive feedback from professionals in the music and movie industries. Says Amstutz about her experience,
"I have produced a few other short films, but this was this was the first time I went through the full process of filmmaking. Normally I just did films by myself and made decisions as I went. This time I wrote out a full script, had a production schedule, found qualified actors, and had a crew to help me.
"I learned the importance of pre-production. I did more pre-production on this film than I ever had before and it still really wasn't enough. Next year I am going to start earlier and do a lot more planning."
Congratulations to Sandra and Jacob! We look forward to seeing more of your work in the future!
