KPBSD Film Festival 2012

The Kenai Peninsula Borough Juried Film Festival 2012 took place on Friday, March 23, 2012, at Soldotna High School auditorium. Elementary through high school age students from the district were asked to produce short films to submit for jurying.

Fifteen films were chosen for the festival, ranging from claymation, stop action, to drama, and comedy. The festival is sponsored by the Quest program; however, all KPBSD students are welcome to participate. Students learned how to use a movie camera and editing software. They learned about copyright laws and how to tell a story through film. About one hundred students, teachers, and parents attended the festival.

Filmmaker and film archivist, Bob Curtis-Johnson, from Anchorage, presented at the festival, showing behind the scenes photographs, interesting information about popular films, and discussed careers in the film industry. Mr. Curtis-Johnson is well known in the film industry and respected for many accomplishments. His presentation was eye-opening and educational for students who may consider a career in film making or future hobbyists who could use making films as a means of creative expression. Curtis-Johnson founded "Bob's Shorts,” a well-known festival featuring locally produced short films. Students were mesmerized by his wealth of information. Dan Kaasa was Master of Ceremonies.

People’s Choice awards were presented after ballots from the audience were counted.

First Place “Lab Monster” by:

Raleigh Van Natta – 6th grade @ Kaleidoscope
Ithaca Bergholtz – 6th grade @ Kenai Middle
Jeffery Simons – home schooled

Second Place “Pac Man” by:

Eli Heinrich – 6th grade @ Kenai Middle
Brenna Eubank – 6th grade @ Kenai Middle
Brittany Gilman – 6th grade @ Kenai Middle
Madison Fischer – 6th grade @ Kenai Middle
Mayzie Potton – 6th grade @ Kenai Middle
Samantha Dutcher – 6th grade @ Kenai Middle
Tekaiya Rich – 6th grade @ Kenai Middle

Third Place Tie between:

“The Orb’s” by:

Alex Langseth – 6th grade @ Nikiski Middle/High
Aaron McCollum – 6th grade @ Nikiski Middle/High
Hallie Tauriainen – 6th grade @ Nikiski Middle/High
Luck Broussard – 6th grade @ Nikiski Middle/High
Brady Malston – 6th grade @ Nikiski Middle/High
and

“Faded Memories” by:

Bradyn Holly – 9th grade @ Soldotna High
Ila Cobb – 9th grade @ Soldotna High
Logan Parks – 9th grade @ Soldotna High

Thank you to Cathleen Rolph for providing the photographs and highlight story.