After Hours Film Society Presents Anim8 Student Film Festival

Students from around the world were notified today of their winning status in the After Hours Film Society's anim8 Student Film Festival. Over 60 films from 12 countries were submitted by filmmakers of varying ages and diverse backgrounds. The entrants were given the extra challenge of creating animated and/or experimental films of eight minutes or less in. Film educators and professionals were then recruited to judge the entries based on many factors including originality, technique, and level of education, from elementary school though graduate. The top rated films will be showcased in a special After Hours program on Monday, October 15 at the Tivoli Theatre at 5:30 pm.

“We will be awarding cash prizes to encourage students to continue with their filmmaking,” said Deborah Venezia, founder and executive director of the After Hours Film Society. “Our goal is to support these talented artists and give them an opportunity to further their experience and education."

Venezia indicated that the judges were very impressed with the number and quality of entries this year. "We were astonished by the technical skills and creativity demonstrated by these aspiring filmmakers. I encourage anyone with a curious mind and a sense of humor to come to our program at the Tivoli Theatre on Monday, October 15 and support these emerging artists."

After Hours would like to thank this year's panel of judges for their time in selecting the festival winners. These individuals were chosen based on their expertise and solid background in the world of film. Between them, they possess over 100 years of experience working in film production and education.

We would also like to thank all of those who participated in the 2018 anim8 Student Film Festival aw we send our best wishes for a successful future, "May you forever keep your creative spirit!"

Following is a list of winners for the 2018 anim8 Student Film Festival. All films will be screened at a special presentation at the Tivoli Theatre, 5021 Highland Avenue, Downers Grove on Monday, October 15 at 5:30 PM. All are welcome to attend and celebrate this new wave of cinema. Admission: $5.00

Award Winning Students:

Manny Aguirre: “The Mission” Merit Award

Undergraduate, Elmhurst College, Elmhurst, IL

Sarah Amburgey: “Etude” Award of Excellence

Undergraduate, DigiPen Institute of Technology, Redmond, WA

Bismark Fernandes: “Expend” Award of Excellence

Graduate, Savannah College of Art and Design, Savannah, GA

Yoo Jung Hong: “Eyedentity”

High School, Chadwick International, Incheon, Republic of Korea

Jaehyeong Kim: “IDOL-L” Honorable Mention

Graduate, School of Visual Arts, New York, NY

Dongjun Kim: “Fun to Cook 'World's Best Food'” Merit Award

Graduate, School of Visual Arts, New York, NY

Haemin Ko: “I am Worthless” Award of Excellence

Graduate, Central Saint Martins, London,England

Paul Kritikos: “Bria Bermuda” Best of Show

Undergraduate, College of Dupage, Glen Ellyn, IL

Kacper Kucharski: “The One About Dragons” Honorable Mention

Undergraduate, College of DuPage, Glen Ellyn, IL

Lei Lei: “Shadow” Honorable Mention

Undergraduate, China Academy of Art, Zhejiang Province, China

Hailey Marshall: “Descent” Award of Excellence

Graduate, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA

David Niemczyk: “Wingless” Honorable Mention

Undergraduate, College of Dupage, Glen Ellyn, IL

Andrew Speidel: “A Good Idea” Honorable Mention

High School, Willowbrook High School, Villa Park, IL

Marisa Tolomeo: “Smart Nightmares” Award of Excellence

Undergraduate, School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago, IL

Congratulations to all of our winners!

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

What: 2018 anim8 Student Film Festival

Date and Time: Monday, October 15, 5:30 PM

Location: Tivoli Theatre, 5021 Highland Avenue, Downers Grove

Cost: $5.00

For info call 630-534-4528 or visit us at www.afterhoursfilmsociety.com.

This program is rated PG-13.