Lindsay + Tim Stockhecke
www.deliciouslyordinary.com
There’s something about a ‘film festival’ that has felt wildly intimidating to me. An event reserved for those who can readily recall factoids about cult classics, know the names of obsure directors and reference lesser known award shows. But when a friend of mine described the experience she had making her short film, visions of impeccable abstract artistry only to end up with results she deemed comparable to childlike home videos (a description that proved to be accurate and hyper-critical at the same time), I knew the unbridled creativity sure to play out on screen was not to be missed.
The first annual Summer 48 is a 48 hour film race hosted by CinemaClique, a club for filmmakers in Southern Illiois with monthly get-togethers, workshops, screenings, contests, festivals and more.
“Our mission is to build a filmmaking subculture with a collaborative spirit in Southern Illinois by inspiring, teaching, and connecting local filmmakers through events, social gatherings, workshops, competitions, and cooperative projects” their website describes.
The event was open to individuals or groups up to five to write, shoot and edit their film within a two day window with each team being given a required element to incorporate into the film. With the theme Cryptids, elements included a variety of creatures like Squank, Fairies and a Unicorn.
The Historic Liberty Theatre on Murphysboro Mainstreet, built in 1913 and adding the neon marquee during their 1938 Art Deco Style rebuild, made for the perfect festival backdrop, pulling in an almost packed house for the twelve teams of filmmakers.
Following the showing organizers presented awards, including Best Picture, Best Special FX, Best Writing and a rowdy applause driven Audience Choice with Mainstreet Media So Ill walking away with Best Picture for their film ‘Moth’.
With organizers describing the event as bi-annual, those who missed will have another opportunity to participate and attend later this year.
