Awards for New England Filmmakers Highlight Wealth of Talent

The Artists' Exchange on Rolfe Square in Cranston, Rhode Island successfully presented its first annual Short Film Festival on January 19 and 20, 2007 to capacity crowds. The six documentaries, one trailer, two animations and fifteen narrative films produced laughter, tears and cheers from the audience in the Black Box Theater, housed within the Artists' Exchange.

A "Meet the Filmmakers Party" and Awards Ceremony was held prior to the first screening. Steven Feinberg, Director of the Rhode Island Film and Television Office presented the first four awards. Feinberg works to bring not only Hollywood productions into Rhode Island to boost the economy, he also gives of his time and resources to support local filmmakers as well. Feinberg stated "the award decisions were difficult to make because all of the films submitted were of very high quality. In fact, I'd like to congratulate all of the filmmakers tonight."

The black and white short, "Bairstow and Miller" won an impressive three awards: Best Screenplay - J.P. Disciscio (who also directed), Best Actor - Waldo Fielding, and Best Short Film - Lisa Larachelle, Producer. "Bairstow and Miller" tells the entertaining and existential story of an aged writer and his overly animated cat as the author struggles to write "one true sentence" before he dies.

Chris Sparling of Scarredheel Productions won Honorable Mention (Director's Award) for his film "Balance". This story is about a difficult decision a mother and father grapple with as their son lies dying in the hospital.

Elaine McKenna Yeaw, Director of The Artist's Exchange, presented the Artists' Exchange Choice Awards, which were judged by the directors on staff: Best Comedy - "The Pee Pee Dance" - Jamie Benti: a hapless salesman is forced to make his presentation with growing pressure on his bladder. Best Documentary went to "Translate" - Rachel Ferro, Rocco Michaluk: a look at the many issues facing transgendered people. Best Student Film was awarded to - "Alive and Breathing" - Steve Davis: a visual interpretation of how a young man's life is affected by his abusive father.