THE GUERILLA SHORTS SHOWCASE BRINGS UP-AND-COMING UTAH-BASED FILMMAKERS TOGETHER!
The Guerilla Filmmaking Challenge has been a Southern Utah staple since 2005. Presented by the nonprofit, Film and Media Alliance of Southern Utah, this variation of a quick turnaround filmmaking competition was designed for filmmakers of all ages and all skill sets as a means to develop storytelling skills, to learn the art of collaboration, and to be quick on your feet when it comes to problem-solving. The Challenge is hosted 3 times per year and the recent Summer Edition, which was launched back in April, saw a record-breaking 30 filmmaking team signups.
During the late-April registration period, filmmakers were given a handful of topics to choose from. Topics included “Make a film with no dialogue,” “Make a sequel to a film you love,” “Make a film in a foreign language,” “Make a one-shot film,” “Make a film in one contained location,” “Make a musical,” “Make a music video,” “Make a documentary/mockumentary,” or “Make a film with an all kid cast.” After picking their desired topic, participants were then given 4 weeks to put together a 5 to 6-minute short film using any resources available to them.
On Friday, June 10th, attendees are encouraged to come out to the Electric Theater where they’ll have the rare opportunity to experience all of the completed Guerilla shorts on the big screen surrounded by the dedicated filmmakers that put them together. What’s more, attendees will be part of the action as they’ll be able to vote for their favorite and have a hand in picking an Audience Choice Award. What’s more, there will be third, second, and first place Jury-selected winners crowned, with cash prizes going to the best of the best. Cooler still, the first-place winner will screen at the upcoming Desertscape International Film Festival.
Collectively speaking, the group of storytellers who took part in the 2022 Summer Edition of the Guerilla Filmmaking Challenge couldn’t be any more diverse, and at this very special showcase event, audiences can expect to see that diversity in the best possible way; On the big screen! Participating filmmakers ranged from ages 12 to 88 and the showcase will see projects from newbies, hobbyists, students, and professionals, alike.
At press time, there was still no telling how many of these creative filmmaking teams were able to follow through and complete their mini-cinematic creations but, programmers did tease that the handful of submissions they’ve received thus far are wildly entertaining.
The 2022 Summer Edition of the Guerilla Shorts Showcase promises to be a unique and magical time at the movies. Come on out and cheer these storytellers on because you never can tell…There might just be a Spielberg or a Scorsese in the mix.
In the end, your input and encouragement is integral to their growth as artists. This is to say nothing of the fact that when one of these filmmakers does eventually hit the big time, you can tell everyone you were there when they first started out.
The 2022 Summer Edition of the Guerilla Shorts Showcase will take place on Friday, June 10th at The Electric Theater. Doors at 5:30 PM with the show starting at 6 PM. Tickets are only $10 ($5 for children 10 and under) and they’re on sale now at fmasu.com.
