Art and Science Collide at the Baylor Film and Digital Media
15th Annual Black Glasses Film Festival

A review by Lisa Stepp and Kathy Tinius of Sandbox Productions, Inc.

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There was a time when films made by new filmmakers included scantily clad girls, someone speaking French, and an ending no one understood except the director.

While the students in the Film and Digital Media division at Baylor University have certainly taken their craft to a new level, they still showed love and respect for the styles of the past on April 25, 2014, at Baylor’s 15th annual Black Glasses Film Festival — which was directed by Dr. Jim Kendrick, associate professor of communication.

Maverick Moore, absolutely true to his name, provided a blast from the past and a nod to Tarantino with his Best Picture and Audience Choice Award-winning film, “Shotgun.” Three girls, dressed like they are on their way to a Beatles concert, follow a path of revenge while speaking French, badly. A simple and universal theme, but Maverick and his team managed to execute flawlessly as he “broke all the rules” and made a film that was engaging and an absolute joy to watch. (In the photo above, winning director Maverick Moore poses with the crew of the film.)

But the fun didn’t stop there. Alec Weaver managed to remind us that going to the bathroom while wearing roller skates can be challenging in “A Wheel Predicament,” as Faith Korpi and Zachary Korpi showed us the joy of dance through their mesmerizing cinematography in “Patchwork Girlfriend.”

There was a unique mix in the festival of narratives, documentaries and music videos, providing a broad showcase of talent. Casey Floyd’s film “Molly,” a documentary about a young girl’s struggle against terminal disease while exhibiting a tenacious spirit, had the audience laughing, crying and embracing the memory of someone they had never met, yet felt they knew well.

Brianna Carbonara and Alec Weaver explored the possibilities that new technology can afford in “Companion Apps” and demonstrated Baylor’s commitment to providing comprehensive preparation for students moving in to the film industry.

This year, the students also participated in the 10 Below Short Film Contest. Alec Weaver won first place with his film “The Good Samaritan, But Mostly a Fish.” Second place was awarded to Philip Heinrich with his unique and insightful exploration of grace and forgiveness in “Samaritan.”

Overall, the students of the Baylor Film and Digital Media division (which is directed by Dr. Chris Hansen, associate professor of communication) brought their talent and love of filmmaking to new heights this year, and it looks as though there is no limit to their potential for success in the future.

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Complete list of 2014 Black Glasses winners

Best Picture: “Shotgun” (directed by Maverick Moore)

Audience Award: “Shotgun” (directed by Maverick Moore)

Best Cinematography: Brent Bailey, “3:33”

Best Editing: Alec Weaver, “A Wheel Predicament”

Screenplay Awards:

1st Place: Lauren Sheldon, “Fat vs. Evil”

2nd Place: Aaron Carter, “The Great American Grovel”

3rd Place: Chad Hayes, “Crowley”

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Comprehensive Black Glasses 2014 screening list

“Rest” (Cameron Bohls)
“Layne Lynch, ‘With or Without You'” (Jackie Fernandez, Brittney Devine, et al.)
“Companion Apps” (Brianna Carbonara and Alec Weaver)
“The Argument” (Aaron Carter)
“Molly” (Casey Floyd)
“Mobile DTV Project” (Casey Floyd, et al.)
“Samaritan” (Philip Heinrich)
“In Paradise” trailer (Philip Heinrich and Aaron Youngblood)
“Patchwork Girlfriend” (Faith Korpi and Zachary Korpi)
“Shotgun” (Maverick Moore)
“3:33” (Steven Trebus)
“A Wheel Predicament” (Alec Weaver)
“Dead End” (Alec Weaver)
“The Good Samaritan, But Mostly a Fish” (Alec Weaver)
“Zombie Western, ‘If I Stay I’ll Never Leave'” (Aaron Youngblood)