Westford Film Maker Wins Award In California

Westford may not be confused with Hollywood, but one local filmmaker is certainly turning heads in sunny California.

Independent filmmaker Angel Connell comes home with an Award of Merit from the recent LaJolla, California-based Best Shorts Competition given for his newest film short, “Beneath the Veneer of a Murder.”

According to competition chairman Dr. Thomas Baker, entries had to “demonstrate exceptional achievement in craft and creativity as they produce standout entertainment or contribute to profound social change.”

The film, which some critics have claimed is darker than his Connell’s earlier films, was a surprise success following the filmmaker’s impressions of what he had heard from his other audiences.

“I was stunned on hearing I won an award for this movie,” he said. “Because of its experimental nature, audiences who have seen it are divided between those who really love it and those who really hate it.”

The movie stars several local actors such as Andover’s Mark Grant, who played the voice-over part of Tom Buchanan.

“It was a thrill to be involved in this project,” said Grant. “I’m excited that Angel’s little movie won this award on top of all the positive reviews it received.”

The film made its world debut at the last December among an audience of nearly 100 people including local dignitaries such as State Representatives James Arciero (D-Westford) and Paul Adams (R-Andover) as well as area film professionals such as Jerry Bisantz of the Image Theatre in Lowell and the CEO of Manchester, New Hampshire based MJM Productions, Michael MacLeod.

More information on other entries from around the world that entered into the competition can be found at www.bestshorts.net.