Gulf Coast Film Festival Wrap-Up
By Kimberly Olivarez
The Gulf Coast Film and Video Festival held its 9th annual film festival Nov.14-16. The festival was created by founder Hal Wixon to showcase the discovery of new and emerging artists and to promote independent filmmakers from all regions of the globe.
Friday, Nov.14, The Gulf Coast Film and Video Festival held a buffet mixer at Villa Capri Restaurant in Seabrook. Actress Erin Gray was the celebrity guest speaker. Local celebrities also attended the event to support the young filmmakers.
Screenings were shown Saturday, Nov.15, and Sunday, Nov. 16 in the Powell Arena Theater at San Jacinto Community College - Central Campus in Pasadena.
“It’s very important; it gives them a format to display their work,” said Nellie Gonzalez, broadcaster for Channel 11 KHOU about the GCFF. Gonzalez giving advice to emerging filmmakers.
“Don’t go with something you think is cool in your mind, do something you feel in your heart.”
The Award Dinner was held at Bailey’s American Grille on Saturday. The 2008 winners are: Best Documentary – “This Is Sam,” directed by Scott H. Jones and produced by XL Films Ltd.; Best Comedy – “Joey and Jerome’s Artistic Meaningful Independent Film,” directed by Josh Bass and produced by Non- Practicing Productions; Best Student Project – “Walk With Me God,” directed by Taylor Washington and Andrew Elam; Best Horror – “Domain Of The Damned,” directed by Stacy Davidson and produced by DBW Entertainment Inc.; Best Drama – “Swinger,” directed by James Coate and produced by The Mighty Gwinn Productions; and Best of Festival – “The Cruiser Houston: Of Pride And Purpose,” directed by Jim Fisher and Matt Brawley.
“It’s a blessing being 19 years old and to be able to win an award that people twice my age try to win,” said Andrew Elam, winner of the Best Student Project. “That’s what I want to do for the rest of my life and it feels good.”
For more information on the Gulf Film and Video Festival, visit gulfcoastfilmfest.com or e-mail at whiteriverrock@webtv.net or call (281) 333-5804.
