Asbury University students, staff and alumni gathered in Hughes Auditorium on Saturday April 13 to experience the 20th annual Highbridge Film Festival. A total of 11 films were premiered, showcasing creativity and talent from across Asbury’s community and beyond. Hughes was transformed for the red-carpet event with large curtains framing the big screen, colored lights projected across the ceiling and a special pre-show performance by Asbury’s own Jazz Ensemble.
The award show began after the films were screened before a packed audience. The awards were decided by the judges panel, comprised of Christine Swanson, Matt Giblin and Katie Hooten, all of whom work professionally in the filmmaking industry. The winners are as follows:
The first award announced was Best High School Film. Each year, one high school film is chosen to be presented at Highbridge. This year’s winner was Jed Davis for his film “Gone Viral.” As part of the prize, Davis will also be offered an Asbury scholarship.
The award for Best Costuming & Makeup went to Sam Santrock for his film “Love at First Sight.” Santrock also went home with the Audience Choice award for the same film, as voted on by the audience at the end of the screenings.
The Best Production Design award was granted to two co-winners, Carson Sams and Summer Hollis for their work on bringing to life “Mount Olympus: Gas and Deli.”
There were also two winners for Best Sound Design; Carmen Clemente and Aidan Chase Gaither were awarded for their teamwork in the haunting film “Voices She Sees.”
Lilianna Fischer and “Plant Mom” took the award for Best Original Score. “Plant Mom” and its producer, Canaan Yaan, were also awarded Best Drama.
The award for Best Visual Effects went to Ian Wang for the film “Buddy.”
Tyler Chong had a successful night taking home the awards for Best Documentary, Best Editing and Best Cinematography for “Racing the Empire.” The Best Cinematography award included a Canon R8 Mirrorless Camera donated by the event’s sponsor, Canon Cameras. Chong also won Best Director, Best Screenplay and Best Comedy for his film “The LABToB.”
“The LABToB” also saw awards for its two lead stars Tae-Jern Lau and Taegan Lau, who won Best Actor (Duo). The Best Actress Award went to Emmy Cummings for her work in two films: “Once Upon a Goodbye” and “Plant Mom.”
The final film award was the Servant Leader Crew Award, in which crew members can be nominated for recognition for their hard work and dedication. This year, the award went to Kayden Purvis, who was nominated by Carmen Clemente and Ian Wang.
Additionally, the Blake and Shannon Bailey Storytelling Award winner was announced. Each year, screenwriting students compete to write the best screenplay. The winner this year was Sabine Boyer, who will receive a $5,000 grant to fund the making of the film based on the winning screenplay.
Congratulations to directors, actors, crewmembers, staff and all who contributed to making this year’s Highbridge a success.
Featured image by Lena Overman.