Films from France, Argentina win awards at local festival

From+Juan+Pablo+Zaramellas+Luminaris

From Juan Pablo Zaramella’s “Luminaris”

Kate Kelly

The 10th Annual Standing Rock International Short Film Festival was a hit Saturday at the Kent Stage, said director Mike Hovancsek.

“The audience was so engaged and passionate,” said Hovancsek.

After all of the films were shown, the award winners were announced.

According to Hovancsek, “Destiny” by Fabien Weibel, Sandrine Wurster, Victor Debatisse and Manuel Alligné from France won the People’s Choice award. They won a $100 prize, and their film will be shown at next year’s festival.

“Luminaris” by Juan Pablo Zaramella from Argentina won the Jury’s Choice award. Jeff Ingram, executive director of the Standing Rock and Cultural Arts and producer of the film festival. Cindy Penter, a film instructor from the Cleveland Institute of Art, and Hovancsek made up the panel.

Zaramella received a plaque for winning.

“I was thinking about making this my last film festival,” Hovancsek said. “But the turnout was so good, I think I’ll do it again.”

Contact Kate Kelly at [email protected].