Holy Innocents' Film Fest Debuts at LeFont Theaters

“Ascot,” by Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School students Andrew Coggins, James Kendrick, and Daniel Vukotic came in first at the Upper School Film Fest on April 27, but there were other “firsts” at this year’s festival, as well. For the first time, the festival was held in a commercial venue: Sandy Springs’ LeFont Theaters, an independently owned venue known for its mix of mainstream, indie, and foreign films. And also for the first time, two films tied for Best Cinematography: “The Field,” by Sean Hackett, Zakk Rosenberg, and Chase Rainbow; and “School Cop 2,” by Chase Luther, Charlie Paschal, andJackson Pellegrini.

“Alive” by Sam Baskin, Turner Gill, William Maier, Jack McGinnis, and Katie Smith won Best Screenplay, Nate Davies was named Best Actor for his work in “CUPIDity,” and “Synthetic Dream” by Austin Minotto, Marshall Lynch, Sam Baskin, and Clay Busbey, took top honors for Best Editing.

This was the fourth year for Holy Innocents’ festival, which began with some 60 audience members gathered in 2012 in the school’s Fine Arts Building. This year, film enthusiasts filled the lobby of the LeFont Theaters before the show as junior Haven Boaz interviewed film-makers on the red carpet—interviews videotaped by Boaz’ classmate Ansley Earle.

And it was standing-room-only inside the theater when the lights dimmed for “HI-Fall 007,” a James Bond take-off film created by teachers James Jackson and Joe Conway, co-directors of the festival whose opening film has become a festival tradition.

The evening was hosted by students Savannah Smith and Rachel McGovern.

Fine Arts Department Chair Heidi Domescik thanked the owners of the LeFont Theaters for opening their doors to screen the 10 films that students began working on in December. “We look forward to continuing this partnership in the future,” Domescik said.

Enjoy the 10 films entered in this year’s festival on Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/hiesfilmtvproduction