Films by Columbia College Hollywood Students and Grads Win Top Honors at 2017 CCH Film Festival

Industry: Education

A documentary, a new media piece, and a narrative short were honored with Gold, Silver, and Bronze Selection awards at the 2017 CCH Film Festival (October 13, 14).

Los Angeles, CA (PRUnderground) October 23rd, 2017

A documentary, a new media piece, and a narrative short were honored with Gold, Silver, and Bronze Selection awards, respectively, by a panel of entertainment industry judges at the 2017 CCH Film Festival, which was held on October 13 and 14 at Columbia College Hollywood’s Los Angeles campus.  The three films were the creations of the College’s students and graduates, and were among 30 works that were screened for the event’s 500 attendees.

“The professionalism, creativity, and skill that was embodied in the winning works, as well as all of the screened content at this year’s CCH Film Festival, was truly impressive,” says Chrissy Shannon, Director of Career Development & Alumni Relations at Columbia College Hollywood.  “The young filmmakers behind these amazing short films are focused, driven, and 100% ready to pursue vibrant careers in the industry.  Their abilities are a fantastic reflection of the quality of our curriculum and faculty – as well as their own innate talents.”

The Festival’s award-winning works were:

Gold Selection – “Starting From Scratch” (Documentary)

  • Director: Cheyenne Tan (2017 Columbia College graduate) and Gail Kukula (2016 graduate)

  • Producer: Cheyenne Tan

  • Director of Photography: Gail Kukula

  • Story:  The film follows Athena Yap, who quit a successful engineering career to pursue her dream of opening a dog bakery.

Silver Selection – “GoPro On A Paper Airplane” (New Media)

  • Director: Blake Raya (Columbia College Class of 2018) and AJ Hart (Class of 2018)

  • Director of Photography: Blake Raya & AJ Hart

  • Story:  A rogue paper airplane wreaks havoc across Los Angeles.

Bronze Selection – “Everyone Else” (Narrative Short)

  • Writer/Director: Tanner Novotny (Class of 2018)

  • Director of Photography: Cooper Shine

  • Starring: Kyle Del Santos

  • Story:  After returning home from combat, a U.S. soldier struggles with PTSD and bigotry.

Tan, a native of Malaysia, and Kukula, a native of Spain, were both very excited by their unexpected win of the top prize.

“I had confidence that our film would win something because of the incredible story that we were telling, but definitely not the Gold Selection,” says Tan.  “Gail and I were completely in shock when they announced our names, and we’re deeply honored.”

Both filmmakers believe that the quality of their work has been enhanced by their experience at Columbia College Hollywood.

“CCH has given me a great insight into the film industry,” says Kukula.  “I used to think that I could do it all, but I now know how collaborative filmmaking is.  You’re part of a team and you’re drawing on everyone’s talents to tell your story. I’ve made great friends at CCH, and hope to keep making films with them throughout our careers.

“My CCH education has given me the confidence to step up and tell stories that matter to me and others as well,” says Tan.  “The students and the faculty give you the courage to be as creative as you want without the fear of being judged, and I think that’s so valuable for filmmakers and artists who are beginning their creative journeys.”

About Columbia College Hollywood

Founded in 1952, Columbia College Hollywood is a nonprofit, regionally accredited liberal arts college with a focus on creative media.

Columbia College Hollywood educates students in the art and science of communications and the diverse media of contemporary storytelling within an exploration of the liberal arts.

Columbia College Hollywood is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) to offer Bachelor of Fine Arts and Associate of Fine Arts degree programs in Cinema with an emphasis in acting, cinematography, directing, editing and visual effects, new media, producing, sound, and writing.

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