Bridgeton News - September 29, 2007
Film on crystal meth highlights festival
MILLVILLE -- As the lights dimmed at Zelphy's Friday night signaling the start of the arts district's September Shorts Film Festival, the packed house all turned toward the large screen positioned at the front of the room. Music soon filled the large screening space, and then the faces of former crystal meth users flashed on the screen. The film, "Broken Glass," also followed a young lady who went through the same ordeal. "It made me feel wanted," one of the former addicts said. "I really didn't care," another one added. Both men told of how crystal meth caused them to be sleep deprived, and how it made their teeth fall out and their faces break out with sores. They also talked of hope now they are in the recovery process. Jon Waller's "Broken Glass" claimed the first place award for a documentary during this year's festival. Marianne Lods, arts district coordinator, had called this film fascinating. "It blew me away," she previously said. Waller's documentary was the longest film showed during the festival, and those that followed it highlighted various genres, such as drama, horror, animation and comedy. Ernie Rockelman, who directed "Help Me," the second place finisher in the horror category, said he was excited to see how the audience received his film. "Mine is a slasher movie," the Egg Harbor City resident said proudly, remarking this is the first time this movie will be shown in public. "It is a (tribute) to the slasher films we grew up on." Rockelman, who is partners with Kent Green, who took home first place in this category for his film, "A Rose Has Teeth," said his and Green's films are just two of a four-part series of horror films shot in hotels. He said both men hurried to get their films shot and edited, so they could be in Millville's festival. Rockelman said he likes the idea that this festival supports short filmmakers in this area. Rockelman also took home an award from last year's festival for his movie, "Carver." Director Steve Oscar Moore, of Port Norris, said he was excited for friends and family to see his 1999 creation, "The Indescribable Nth," which took home first place in the animated category. "I moved back to the area, heard about it, and thought I might as well put it in the festival," he said, adding he has had films in various different festivals, but liked Millville because he could attend it and bring along his family. Moore said he would consider doing the festival again, if he had a movie ready for it. Robert Price, chairman of the September Shorts festival, said this year the festival didn't have as many international and national entries, but he said that gave people from the northeastern United States and New Jersey more opportunity in the categories. "When people hear the word art, they tend to think of paintings, and maybe, sculpture...But there are others that hunger for independent film, just as I do," he said. "Not everyone can go to Philly or Trenton or New York to see these types of films, so it is great to bring it here for all the local film buffs." This year's People's Choice award was given to Paul Franco's "Superstitious Ned," which also took home the Jersey Fresh award, given to the best local director. Franco is from Bridgewater. Other winners of the night included: "If Occurrence," Michael Licisyn, director; "Shut-eye Hotel," Bill Plympton, director; "Jukebox Blues," Pat Taggart, director; and Happy Hour," Sal Randazzo, director. |
