Mission Viejo Film Festival Celebrates Filmmakers.

The 1st annual Mission Viejo Film Festival got underway on Saturday, May 21, 2016 at the Kaleidoscope. Several hundred people bustled in and out from 12:30 pm to 9 pm.

The festival showcased aspiring filmmakers in two categories-elementary/high school and college/indie. Films were less than 15-minutes and family-friendly. Price of admission for a day at the movies to experience something unique and special was free.

Audiences packed the three, 90-minute blocks. After each film aired, there was a question and answer forum with the filmmaker. Viewers got an up-close, personal perspective of creating a film such as the inspiration, time constraints, casting, lighting, financial support and other aspects.

Congratulations to the winners. “Lucky Day” was the first film produced by Mike Gilmore. It was awarded the Mark Jennings Award (college/indie) for creativity, story and originality. It had many plots, twists and memorable cast that included Jerry Mathers, “Leave It To Beaver” icon.

Also, receiving a Mark Jennings Award (high school) was “Viral” directed by Nick Jackson. He also produced and starred in the film. You can watch “Viral” at https://vimeo.com/160448549.

“LiLith’s Game” directed by Johnny Whichard was the People’ Choice Award. It received the most votes out of 233 via donations to the City of Hope. Whichard is a 2014 graduate of the University of Notre Dame with a double major in Business Management and Film Production. He is from Mission Viejo. In “Lilith’s Game” none of the actors speak. The suspense is driven by the music and heart-pounding sounds.

The Mayor’s Choice Award went to “Mr. Santa Monica” directed by Mark Lawson Shepard. When asked how long was powerful story, Shepard responded, “ 2 ½ minutes.” It is about the first, African- American Police Sergeant and Mayor of Santa Monica, Nat Trives who was born in Alabama. Trives has spent more than 60 years of his life serving his community in various capacities. Hopefully, this is just a teaser to a full-length movie of Trive’s life.

The City of Hope Award went to “Cosplayer Rana McAnear Transforms” directed by Shannon Cottrell. This film best incorporated hope, courage and love. Cosplay is the practice of dressing up as a character, in this case Rana McAnear gets ready for Comic-Con as the face of Samara in “Mass Effect 2.” McAnear was diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukmia when she was 16 years old. She has been in remission since 1996 and shares her journey through this film.

The festival was created by brothers, Grant and Tyler Voss to honor their late Uncle Mark Jennings. Jennings, who passed away from colon cancer supported young filmmakers. The Mark Jennings Award was given to the top filmmakers to honor his legacy and contributions to young filmmakers.

According to Grant Voss, “The event was a huge success with more than 300 attendees and it raised more than $5,000 in sponsorships and generous donations to be given to City of Hope for cancer research and treatment.”

For more information please go to missionviejofilmfestival.com.