Local Students Among Montclair Film Festival Winners

A Maplewood resident and a group of Columbia High School students were among the winners in the Montclair Film Festival's third annual Kidz Shortz Filmmaking Competition. 

This year's theme was “The Future: The Way I See It” and continued MFF’s mission of nurturing and showcasing talented filmmakers from around the world while creating a cultural focal point for the Township of Montclair and its neighboring communities.

Six Columbia High School students received a grand prize for their film "Love Triangle." The six students, Katja Bye, Kemi Talabi, Edward Willshire, August Voorhees, Lev Schecter and Abosede Ibikunle, entered in the Visionaries Grades 10-12 School category (five or more). 

Zack Reichgut, a Maplewood resident who attends The Craig School, received an honorable mention for his film, "Day in MY Life of 2045" in the Cinemaniacs Grades 4-6 Individual category.

Kidz Shortz ’14 featured more than 60 registrants from across the country, including California, South Carolina, Washington and New Jersey.

"It was inspiring to receive so many high-quality Kidz Shortz submissions from youth of all ages," jury member and MFF Executive Director Raphaela Neihausen said. "I was very impressed by the abundance of artistry and talent and we look forward to screening the winning films at the festival as part of the official lineup.”

The Kidz Shortz awards ceremony was held last Thursday at The Clubhouse in Montclair. The event, hosted by actor Roscoe Orman, best known for playing Gordon on Sesame Street, awarded the winners with free digital filmmaking classes at the Montclair Art Museum and their films will screen during the annual Montclair Film Festival, April 28-May 4.