EDU FILM FESTIVAL PRESENTS: 2023 FESTIVAL STANDOUTS
Michael Adekanmi, as Michael, looks over the shores of Lake Superior in ECO the Kid’s short film Full Circle, shot in Duluth, MN
5:00 PM, Friday 10/6, Spirit of the North Theatre
5:15 PM, Friday 10/6, Spirit of the North Theatre
This is a collection of short films written, produced, shot, and edited entirely by youth filmmakers. All were Official Selections, finalists, or award winners at the 2023 EDU Film Festival. These young people are the next generation of filmmakers in Minnesota and beyond - and their work reflects their potential.
Kisses! - Directed by Alicia Moore and Maddie Tatum
Maia is in town catching up with her posh posse from summers previous and meets Jonah, whose skateboard proves dissatisfactory. Yet, the unlikely pair become inseparable with the help of a secret setup.
Winner: Minnesota Women in Film and Television: Emerging Filmmakers, Emerging LGBTQ+ Voices in Minnesota Film (Alicia), and Best Cinematography
05:27, Narrative, MN USA
The Lacquer Cowboy - Directed by Otis King (in attendance)
A Parisian man experiences the mysticism of the American Southwest.
Finalist: Best Cinematography
09:37, Narrative, MN USA
Pino's Fresh - Directed by Franklin Weaver
This short documentary explores the personality and essence of Pino’s Pizzeria, a Multi-Generational Pizzeria located in Downtown Saint Paul, MN.
Winner, Best Documentary
03:22, Documentary, MN USA
Backyard Dogs - Directed and Animated by Erin O’Daniel
A short animation on the simple joy of playtime outside for a few dogs.
Winner: Best Micro-Film
0:09, Micro-Film / Animation, MN USA
Distress - Directed and Animated by Aden George
When a preservation vault engineer stationed in Antarctica investigates a vault after receiving a distress call, he soon realizes the reality-bending truth about the vault and its secrets.
Finalist: Best Cinematography
7:07, Animation, CA USA
Hindering Comparison - Directed by Nicholas Long
An author struggles with writer’s-block as she attempts to write her first novel.
Finalist: Best Narrative, Finalist: Emerging LGBTQ+ Voices in Minnesota Film
05:00, Narrative, MN USA
Hear Me Now - Directed by Jamie M. Davis
An eerie program airs late at night, interrupting previous broadcasting. This program dives deeper and deeper into mental turmoil and general insanity. This experimental film contrasts past trauma and triumph using nostalgic, modern, and futuristic imagery.
Winner: Best Experimental Film, Finalist: Emerging LGBTQ+ Voices in Minnesota Film
06:07, Experimental, MN USA
The Return of Major Tom - Directed by Alexsys Giraud and Matthew Wilson
David Bowie's 1969 song "Space Oddity" which left Major Tom lost in space is revisited as the students of the Downriver Detroit Student Film Consortium bring Major Tom home after 54 years in this original music video written & produced by the students of the DDSFC.
Winner: Best Music Video
04:25, Music Video, MI USA
Full Circle - Directed by ECO the Kid (in attendance)
The film follows Michael, a young addict, from the beginning to the end of his day. It depicts the cycle of drug addiction, abuse, and generational trauma.
*Also in attendance: Michael Adekanmi, Actor
Winner: Best in Fest, Winner: Twin Cities Black Film Festival: Emerging Filmmaker of Color, Winner: Best Narrative, Finalist: Best Cinematography
10:48, Narrative, MN USA