Chicago Community Cinema will announce a “relaunch” of the group at its Dec. 7 awards show that will “have a profound impact not only on CCC, but on independent filmmaking in Chicago,” according to CCC event director Mike McNamara. He declined to give details.
McNamara did reveal that the relaunch includes a new name and new downtown venue that will replace Excalibur, CCC’s meeting and screening space since shortly after its inception. “By doing this we will raise the bar,” he said.
The annual CCC Best of Awards have grown in number of entries and status to become the premier local competition for independent filmmakers.
For the first time this year, the best picture winner will receive a substantial material award: Avid Xpress Pro and sound editing software from Bexel, valued at a total of more than $3,000. CCC is also replacing its traditional “Golden Can” film canister awards with crystal awards designed by Shell? Jewelers.
CCC’s screening committee culled award nominees for the Best of 2004 Awards from films featured in the networking group’s 10 monthly screenings over the course of the year. Two of the director nominees, Scott Smith and Duane Edwards, were top contenders for Project Greenlight’s 2004 director.
More than 800 people voted for winners online in 12 categories. Winners were then chosen by a combination of the vote tallies and the consensus of the nominating committee.
“More than any other year, every single nominee for every single award has been absolutely outstanding,” McNamara said.
“The quality of programming has been on a steady incline for the past two to three years, corresponding with the growth of independent filmmaking and technological improvements that have made production more accessible,” he added.
McNamara took over as event director in April 2003 from Mike Kwielford, who founded the organization in 2000 with Mark Battaglia. McNamara co-hosts the “Mac and Slater Show” on fearlessradio.com and has been featured in films including “Barbershop 2.”
CCC Best of 2004 is at Excalibur, 632 N. Dearborn. Doors open at 6 p.m., the show starts at 7:30, $8. See www.chicagocommunitycinema.com.
CCC Best of 2004 Nominees: Best Director: Scott Smith, “Ten;” Duane Edwards, “Hit and Run;” Mike Meiners, “Diet;” Ward Roberts, “The Boy Scout;” Karen Friedberg, “King of the Tango.”
Nominees for best actor: Willy Laszlo, “Table;” Jeff Clampitt, “Diet;” Scott Benjaminson, “Driver Ed;” Marc Grapey, “If You Step on a Crack;” Kirk Sanders, “Broken Echoes.
Best actress: Cheryl Lynn Golemo, “If You Step on a Crack;” Agnes Woloszyn, “In English;” Brenda Pickleman, “Hit and Run;” Nadine Gross, “Living Dead Girl;” Michelle Graff, “Broken Echoes.”
Best comedy: “Ten,” dir. Scott Smith; “Table,” dir. Willy Laszlo; “Diet,” dir. Mike Meiners; “The Boy Scout,” dir. Ward Roberts; “Driver Ed,” dir. Bill Ward.
Best drama: “Two Days in Limbo,” dir. Daniel J. Pico; “Broken Echoes,” dir. Kirk Sanders; “Hit and Run,” dir. Duane Edwards; “If You Step on a Crack,” prod. Leigh Jones; “King of the Tango,” dir. Karen Friedberg.
Best supporting performance: Sam Poretta, “Shotgun Love;” David Devaux, “Two Days in Limbo;” Debbie Kellogg, “Diet;” Joe Krowka, “Broken Echoes;” Gustavo Mellado, “King of the Tango.”
Best cinematography: Mark Sofil, “Hit and Run;” Ken Nillson, “Ante Meridiem;” Bill Frye, “Broken Echoes;” John Ramsey, “In English;” Christopher Rejano, “King of the Tango.”
Best editing: Bradley Greer, “Losing Time;” Phil Lee, “Hit and Run;” Neal Gold, “If You Step on a Crack;” Jon Springer, “Living Dead Girl;” Phil Lee, “Ante Meridiem.”
Best sound design: Nick Clemente, “Broken Echoes;” Fred Helm, “If You Step on a Crack;” Ryan Pribyl, “Two Days in Limbo;” Corey Coken & Jamie Vanadin, “Hit and Run;” Lou Mallozzi, “King of the Tango.”
Best art direction: John Springer, “Living Dead Girl;” Alex George, “The Santa Claus Happy Tyme Show;” Rus Blemker, “Ante Meridiem;” Li-Wei Chu & John Ross, “Pop Cynic;” Wesley Tabayoyong, “King of the Tango.”
Best music video: “Losing Time, ” dir. Bradley Greer for Aero Casino; “Pop Cynic,” dir. Jon Monteverde for Samsara; “Right Now,” dir. Rocco Cataldo for FAM; “Fischerchicks,” dir./star Susan Buice.
All films screened at CCC in 2004 are eligible for the best picture award.
? by Ed M. Koziarski, edk@homesickblues.com
