The First Saturday in May   *Co-winner, Best Documentary; winner, HBO Films Producer Award
USA, 2006, 90 min., documentary, Beta SP
Directors: John Hennegan, Brad Hennegan
Producers: John Hennegan, Brad Hennegan

Forty thousand horses are born each year. Only 20 will eventually make it to the gate in the Kentucky Derby. It's racing's holy grail — every horsemen's ultimate goal — but the path is long and unpredictable. Euphoria and heartbreak abound. But when you are a racetracker, you are prepared for everything. Follow six horses — including the mighty Barbaro — as they jockey for position along the 2006 Kentucky Derby trail. From Hot Springs, Ark., to Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, you're along for the ride with the men and women that make the sport of king's tick.

My First Guitar
USA, United Kingdom, 2007, 80 min., documentary, Beta SP
Director: Nick Mead
Producers: Kristan Andrews, Nick Mead
Cast: Bill Wyman, Brian Wilson, Les Paul, Nancy Wilson, Peter Frampton

My First Guitar explores what it means to hold a guitar in your hand and strum a chord for the first time. The power and passion of music is revealed through stories about first guitars, early beginnings and discovering oneself through music. Intimate interviews and performances are captured with guitarists from a wide selection of genres including folk, blues, rock 'n' roll, heavy metal and jazz. Though the styles may be different, all of these artists have found their voice through the guitar.

New Urban Cowboy: The Labors of Michael E. Arth
USA, 2007, 99 min., documentary, Beta SP
Director: Michael E. Arth
Producers: Golden Apples Media

Armed only with big ideas and determination, artist/urban designer/developer Michael E. Arth saved a crime-ridden Florida neighborhood from a date with the wrecking ball. Reborn as the Garden District, it is now a living laboratory demonstrating Michael's "New Pedestrianism," an ecological and pedestrian-friendly vision for new towns and neighborhoods. Take a trip into the wild frontier of real estate in this inspiring and educational documentary that answers the question:  "What can one person do about the world's problems?"

The Singing Revolution   *Co-winner, Best Documentary; winner, Diane Passage Jury Award
USA, 2006, 96 min., documentary, Beta SP
Directors: James Tusty, Maureen Castle Tusty
Producers: Mike Majoros, James Tusty, Maureen Castle Tusty
Cast: Linda Hunt (voiceover)

Most people don't think about singing when thinking about revolutions. But in Estonia song was the weapon of choice between 1986 and 1991 when Estonians wanted to end decades of Soviet occupation. The Singing Revolution documents how hundreds of thousands of Estonians gathered publicly to sing forbidden patriotic songs and to listen to protest speeches, risking their lives to proclaim their desire for independence. The revolutionary songs they created anchored Estonia's struggle for freedom, which was ultimately accomplished without the loss of a single life. Singing fueled the non-violent revolution that defeated a very violent occupation. The Singing Revolution is an inspiring account of one nation's dramatic rebirth and an evocation of the sustaining and liberating power of hope.

Good Time Max
USA, 2007, 82 min., feature, 35 mm
Director: James Franco
Writers: James Franco, Merriwether Williams
Producer: Vince Jolivette
Cast:  James Franco, Matt Bell, Vince Jolivette, Wilmer Calderon, Trip Hope

Two genius brothers embark on separate paths, one venturing toward hedonism and decadence while the other goes toward a brilliant medical career. However, both fall victim to similar obsessions of society.

Netherbeast Incorporated
USA, 2007, 90 min., feature, Beta SP
Director: Dean Ronalds
Producers: Brian Ronalds, Dean Ronalds, Chris LaMont
Cast: Darrell Hammond, Amy Davidson, Dave Foley, Jason Mewes, Judd Nelson, Robert Wagner

A quirky twist on the vampire tale, set in modern day corporate America. Employees of Berm-Tech Industries Inc. have kept the family secret for a long time. For years it has been business as usual, until the top vampire in charge contracts a dreaded disease and invites the first humans to work in the office in more than a century. Soon the new employees discover that some of their associates are not what they appear to be, especially the dead one in the cubicle with a wooden stake through his heart.

Purple Violets   *Winner, Best Narrative Feature
USA, 2007, 101 min., feature, Beta SP
Director: Edward Burns
Writer: Edward Burns  
Producers: Edward Burns, Margot Bridger
Cast: Selma Blair, Patrick Wilson, Edward Burns, Debra Messing, Dennis Farina

Thirty-three-year-old Patti Petalson is stuck in a rut; she and her husband only seem to be occupying the same space, halfheartedly at that, while she has traded fiction-writing for a career in real estate that leaves her feeling empty. Her former college boyfriend, Brian Callahan, a successful crime-fiction writer living with his girlfriend, has finally written his opus — the story of his life — and the critics have panned it. On the sidelines are Patti's best friend, Kate Scott, and Brian's best friend, Michael "Murph" Murphy, who also happens to be Kate's boyfriend from their college days. Out one night for dinner, Patti and Kate run into Brian and Michael. They haven't seen each other for a decade, since their relationships ended in the misunderstandings and the insecurities of youth. Now older and wiser, the attractions of youth are rekindled, but as the friendships start up again, shakily at first, there are many hurdles to overcome.

Suffering Man's Charity
USA, 2007, 92 min., feature, 35 mm
Director:  Alan Cumming
Writer:  Thomas Gallagher
Producers:  D.J. Paul, Craig Snider, Donald Zuckerman, Alan Cumming
Cast:  Alan Cumming, David Boreanaz, Anne Heche, Carrie Fisher, Henry Thomas

In his solo directorial debut, Suffering Man's Charity, Alan Cumming plays John Vandermark, a failed composer turned music teacher with a weakness for impoverished young men of great aspirations. When handsome dilettante Sebastian St. Germain (David Boreanaz) enters his life claiming to be a novelist, Vandermark is stirred to help him in any way he can. But Vandermark soon grows bitter when his charity is abused. The final blow comes with the discovery that every woman in town is getting a piece of Sebastian with not a scrap left over for his gracious host. What ensues is a malevolent comic bow to the Grand Guignol, offering a fresh twist on the hustler/John power dynamic.

All Saints Day    *Winner, Best Narrative Short
USA, 2006, 15 min., short, Beta SP
Director: Will Frears
Writers: Brooke Berman
Producers: Caleb Harper Omens, Amy Hobby, Russ Stratton
Cast: Mamie Gummer, Benjamin Walker

On the morning after Halloween, a young man celebrates his birthday by drinking his coffee on his East Village stoop, watching the Halloween stragglers stumble home. He meets a young girl bruised by her first encounter with NYC nightlife and its disposable affection. They sit, talk and possibly do, and possibly don't, fall in love.

Deface   *Winner, Best Editing
USA, 2007, 19:50 min., short, Beta SP
Director: John Arlotto
Writer: John Arlotto
Producer: Roman Wyden
Cast: Josph Yang, Aira Kim, Alexis Rhee, Greg Paik, James Kyson Lee

Sooyoung is a faceless worker in North Korea, but when his daughter dies of starvation; his outrage drives him to vandalize the propaganda billboards that decorate the town, an act that is punishable by death.

Driftwood   *Winner, Best Director
USA, 2006, 19:03 min., short, Beta SP
Director: Michelle Steffes
Writer: Michelle Steffes
Producer: Ben Bays, Maggie Malone
Cast: Nate Torrence, Melinda Page Hamilton, Adam Van Conant

Blaire Farrow has grown tired of her job as a client liaison for a wish-granting foundation. She and her coworker, Jimmy, bicker every day, and she hasn't had a date in what feels like centuries. When Blaire decides to take in a handsome amnesiac she thinks she's found everything she's ever wanted. But are there strings attached? Driftwood presents a new take on an old tale about the search for love, the pain of longing and the surprising power of a wish.

Numero Dos
USA, 2006, 7:30 min., short, Beta SP
Director: Kimberly Williams-Paisley
Writer: Kimberly Williams-Paisley
Producer: Neal Dodson
Cast: Jay Williams, Ashley Williams, Neal Dodson, Brad Paisley

Out on the road, a crew member of country music artist Brad Paisley's band finds himself in desperate need of a bathroom after eating some bad chili in catering. He is all too aware of the number one rule of touring: You can't go number two on a tour bus. The dilemma sends him on one of the most desperate quests of his life. This short comedy, written and directed by Kimberly Williams-Paisley, with original music by Brad Paisley, is a hilarious portrait of one aspect of life on the road.

Raving
USA, 2007, 20 min., short, Beta SP
Director: Julia Stiles
Writer: Julia Stiles
Producer: Carina Alves, Pamela Hirsh, Daniela Taplin Lundberg
Cast: Zooey Deschanel, Bill Irwin

In New York City, a young woman forms a curious bond with a lonely older man after they encounter one another on a street corner.

Shut-eye Hotel    *Winner, Best Animation  
USA, 2007, 7 min., animated short, Beta SP
Director: Bill Plympton
Producer: Biljana Labovic

Shut-eye Hotel is a film noir murder mystery that takes place in a sleazy hotel. As cops investigate the gruesome murders they become victims of this evil force. What Jaws did to swimming, Shut-eye Hotel will do for sleeping.

Say Can You See
USA, 2006, 6:19 min., animated short, 35 mm
Director: Tony Caio
Writer: Tony Caio
Producer: Tony Caio

An improbable witness experiences New York City from atop the Empire State Building during a time of extraordinary change. Day to night, light to dark; the pathos of the American spirit is explored through historic events.

The Madness of Being
USA, 2007, 7:48 min., animated short, Beta SP
Director: Hal Miles
Writer: Hal Miles
Producer: Hal Miles

Our character, who is confined in an extremely small and isolated room for all of eternity, confronts its madness of being by painfully witnessing a series of agonizing situations about itself. Or does it?

The Bottom
USA, 2007, 24 min., student, Beta SP
Director: Winn Coslick
Writers: Winn Coslick, Heather Shiver
Producers: Rhyan Derring Taylor, Winn Coslick, Tyler Martinolich, Patrick Griffin
School: Savannah College of Art and Design
Cast: Bubba Lewis, Scott Cox-Stanton, Rob Oldham, Bobby Bocanegra, Allen Lander

Seth is a teenage boy working at a remote gas station in the decaying, rural landscape of the southern United States. Isolated and restless, his ambition turns to mischief, and the story Seth creates to escape his situation leads him to a place where he will feel more trapped than ever before.  It is a moving tale, reminding us that the line between fact and fiction, humor and tragedy, is faint; and those who choose to walk it can suddenly find themselves on the wrong side.

Deacon's Mondays   *First place, HBO Films Student Competition Award
USA, 2007, 18:30 min., student, Beta SP
Directors: Destin Cretton, Lowell Frank
Writers: Destin Cretton, Lowell Frank
Producers: Destin Cretton, Lowell Frank, Kenny Laubbacher
School: San Diego State University
Cast: Dominic Bogart, Jane Evans

Deacon lives in a fantastical world of snowing feathers, hailing golf balls, and incredible guilt. After a petty accident begins to haunt him, the lonely landscaper must stumble through his mundane life while combating his inner torment. Through an unlikely friendship with an elderly woman, Deacon comes face to face with his own humanness and learns that he is not alone.

Dinner
USA, 2007, 15:45 min., student, Beta SP
Director: Joshua Green
Writer: Joshua Green
Producer: Joshua Green
School: Savannah College of Art and Design  

A noir docu-drama that treats food as politics, Dinner follows the collision crash-course enacted every day between an entitled American couple and their evening meal; from field, to plate, and beyond. Told in four short vignettes that make up a single day, it illustrates Bertolt Brecht's "inflexible rule that the proof of the pudding is in the eating."

The Knife Grinder's Tale
USA, Nairobi, 2007, 18 min., student, Beta SP
Director: R.L. Hooker
Adapted for screen by R.L. Hooker
Producers: Chiara Paglieri, R.L. Hooker
School: University of Southern California
Cast: Mumbi Kaigwa, Sam Otieno, Stephen Gitau

Ogwang, a knife grinder, has lost his son to an angry mob. Not knowing the place his son lost his life, Ogwang sets out on a journey to understand why and finds the place where his son once worked, Mama Lucy's Fish Shop, in the biggest slum in Kenya, Kibera.

Push   *Winner, Best SCAD Student Competition Award
USA, 2006, 14:53 min., student short, BetaSP
Director: Stephen Stanley
Writer: Stephen Stanley
Producers: Sara Holman, Chad Carter
School: Savannah College of Art and Design
Cast: Barbara Williams, Bre Brooks, David Sterritt, Rachel Thomas, Vincent Caubia

Kyle, Doug, Heidi and Tracy are all teenagers working dead-end jobs at a small, failing toy store. Diane, an embittered middle-manager, runs the store with an iron fist and attempts to squash any attempts by her employees to enjoy their lives. Their daily routine is suspended when Tracy's friend, Jamal, plays the opening riff to Salt-N-Pepa's classic Push It, setting off a chain reaction that propels the store and the people in it into an elaborate musical fantasy world.

Last Day of December
Romania, 2006, 15 min., student, Beta SP
Director: Bogdan Apetri
Writer: Bogdan Apetri
Producer: Bogdan Apetri
School: Columbia University
Cast: Dan Grigoras, Florin Rusu, Nora Covali, Paul Chirila

A man tries to reconcile a harrowing tale from his past and confront old questions that will keep on haunting him forever. But what will it mean for the present?

Si Tu No Estas (If You're Gone)   *Winner, Savannah Film Commission Award
Mexico, 2007, 20 min., student, Beta SP
Director: Noe Santillan-Lopez
Writer: Noe Santillan-Lopez
Producers: Noe Santillan-Lopez, Cayman Eby, Claudio Vizcarra
School: Savannah College of Art and Design
Cast: Bruno Bichir, Ivan Arriaga, Veronica Toussaint

Eight-year-old Sebastian's life changes forever when his mother, Ana, dies. Julian, his father, finds himself unable to keep the family afloat and begins to sink into the comfort of a bottle; his life's devotion to music and his will to live crushed by the loss of his wife. When Sebastian innocently follows Julian's actions, Julian becomes aware once again of the importance of living.

Slum Noir
USA, 2007, 4:50 min., student, Beta SP
Director: Jahmad Rollins
Writer: Jahmad Rollins
Producer: Jahmad Rollins
School: California Institute for the Arts

Children of the slums survive shadow buried streets behind hidden masks. Chasing after a masked young girl carrying a mysterious box, both prey and predator are motivated by desperate want where the only reward for cunning resourcefulness is another second of life.

Snapshots
USA, 2006, 5:32 min., student, Beta SP
Director: James Mullins
Writer: James Mullins
Producer: James Mullins
School: Savannah College of Art and Design

A stop-motion short about an average Joe type of alien taking a trip to an asteroid field. While enjoying the scenery of one of the larger asteroids, he mistakenly picks a flower that is much more than a common flower. He is chased off the asteroid with the flower still in his pocket. Things get crazy when he places the flower into a soft drink in order to revive it.

Some Apologies    *Second place, HBO Films Student Competition Award
USA, 2007, 7:31 min., student, Beta SP
Director: Adem Weldon
Writer: Adem Weldon
Producer: Adem Weldon
Cast: Daniel Stine (voiceover), Paul Blaser, Phillip Blaser
School: University of North Carolina Greensboro

An older brother remembers the time he hit his younger brother in the face and paints a nuance portrait of sibling rivalry while touching upon the mysteries of memory and guilt.