Short Cuts 8: A Video Celebration

Short Cuts 8
Short Cuts 8

Niskayuna High School’s annual student film festival returns to the G.E. Theater at Proctors in Downtown Schenectady.

The Niskayuna High School Art Department presents SHORT CUTS 8: a video celebration showcasing outstanding student productions from the 2008-2009 school year on WEDNESDAY JUNE 3rd at 7 PM at the G.E. Theater at Proctors.

Over 25 short films from students in Mr. Honicki’s Studio in Video program will be screened as part of this 8th annual event – including award-winning entries from the Reel Teens USA Festival. Rod Serling Film Festival, Capital Region Media Arts Festival, and Westport Youth Film Festival.

This year’s festival features the award-winning short film, Talk to the Hand, created by Christopher Murphy using stiff frame animation.  Murphy’s comedy short just received the prestigious “Best in Show” award at this year’s Rod Serling Video Festival. The film also received accolades for “Best Editing” and an “Honorable Mention” in the Narrative Comedy category at this year’s Capital Region Media Arts Festival.  Talk to the Hand tells the story of two friends and their unusual encounter with a new kid at school.

Also included in this year’s line-up is the follow-up to the one of the most highly acclaimed films of last year – Tom Lamanna’s Breakfast.  Directed and produced by Electrical Banana Productions (James Belcastro and Matthew Cioffi), Roberry tells the story of a pie maker who resorts to stealing ingredients from his neighbor’s home in order make his tasty treat.  This film was awarded “Best Animation” at this year’s Westport Youth Film Festival.

Another highlight of this year’s festival is the short, An Orange In The Orchard.  When a young man’s in-class drawing is discovered by his teacher, he is forced to face the repetitive and dehumanizing nature of the environment.  Directed and written by senior Daniel Claridge, An Orange In The Orchard reminds us of the importance of individuality.

In addition to the film viewing, the event will also include the SHORTY AWARDS – recognizing outstanding achievement in student short films by the students themselves.

SHORT CUTS 8 is FREE and open to the public.  The G.E. Theater at Proctor’s is located at 432 State Street in Schenectady, NY.

This event is made possible by the Niskayuna High School PTO, Time Warner Cable’s “How Cool Is Your School” video competition and the generosity of Proctor’s Theater.

CONTACT: STEPHEN HONICKI

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