BONITA SPRINGS, Fla. – The red carpet was covered with film lovers of all ages for the seventh annual Bonita Springs Short Film Festival on Thursday, April 14 at Prado Stadium 12 in Bonita Springs. After champagne, hor d’oeuvres and pictures in the director’s chairs, filmmakers and supporters gathered in theater 8 to see all of their hard work. “It was the most entertaining community minded short film festival,” said Antonio
24 films were submitted and guests saw the 12 finalist’s films and the trailers of the remaining 12. The competition theme was Eat, Love, Play, Bonita and entries depicted this theme in various creative forms from original songs and music videos to love stories. All guests received a program and ballot to vote for the People’s Choice Award. The films rolled and guests saw amazing creativity from different walks of life. Guests felt heartbreak, love, hardships and humor. When the curtains closed it was time for votes to be tallied and awards be presented by the event’s sponsors.
“Beauty of Bonita” By Ella Brackin won Best Depiction of Bonita Springs. “Bonita” By Debbie Dorr won Best Music Video. “Dearest of my childhood” By Samantha White won Best Aspiring Filmmaker (for filmmakers under 18). “Heartstrings” By Tatum Bates won most original. “Thank you for being a friend” By Jeff Frey won 3 awards including Best Cast, People’s Choice Award and Best Overall, sponsored by Henderson Franklin Law firm. The competition was very close and there were 2 runner up awards given. The first was to Carey Bohn for “I love my canal” and the second was to Lori Ersolmaz for “Good Natured”.
After awards and prizes were handed out it was announced that next year’s 8th annual Bonita Springs Short Film Festival theme is “Good Deeds”.
Sponsors of the Bonita Springs Short Film Festival include City of Bonita Springs, Henderson Franklin Attorneys at Law, Heaven Scent Flowers & Boutique, Bonita Springs Historical Society, Prado Stadium 12, Bonita Video LLC, Bonita Print Shop, TLC Marketing & Creative Services Inc., FineMark Bank & Trust, Kathy McGrath, Dr. Steve and Connie McIntosh, Gary Price and Amy Quaremba.
