UFFyc Announces 2014 Awards

In its third year, the Underexposed Film Festival yc continues to give its audience fascinating stories, dynamic animation and documentaries that tackle a wide range of cultural topics. Stronger than ever, this year’s UFFyc slate of films includes several 48-Hour Film Festival projects, many that were featured at Festival de Cannes, and award winners from across the globe. With 29 films from 5 continents entered into competition, and 20 invitational films from 6 continents curated by Karen Collins, Festival Director, our audience came together for three days to see the best that independent filmmaking has to offer - November 13 - 15, 2014 at the Community Performance Center, 249 E. Main St., Rock Hill, SC, with after-parties at various restaurants and venues in Old Town Rock Hill. A panel of six judges from the film industry and academia selected the 29 films to be presented in the juried competition. Cash prizes totaling $1,950 were awarded. In addition to first, second, and third place and audience choice awards, best female director and best student film. The winners of the 2014 Underexposed Film Festival yc are: Exposed, best in show: Kanyekanye | Narrative | 2012 | 25:33 minutes Country: South Africa Director: Miklas Manneke (Student Film) Cast: Bongeka Sishi, Gundo Ramullgho, Lucious Dosi, Nokwasi Gumede, Vicky Kente, Zwelakhe J. Mtsaka, Thembalethu Ntull Kanyekanye, a small township on the outskirts of Johannesburg, South Africa, where many years ago, two best friends had a childish argument about which apple is better, the red or the green. This argument leads to the great division. A big, white line was drawn through the middle of the town and everyone who believed the green apple to be better lived on the right side of town in a green house and only wore green, and vice versa. Thomas, a teenager from the green side, falls in love with Thandi, a teenager from the red side. Can the couple's love overcome the social constraints?

In The Limelight, 2nd place Dog Down | Documentary | 2013 | 45:45 minutes Country: USA Director: John Le Blanc This is a remarkable story of an unlikely journey to freedom that begins at a point of renewal. Discarded, unadoptable dogs like Lindy are given a chance to survive and even thrive. Inmates like Perry redeem their dignity by training these dogs in basic obedience. In parallel, these men are transformed by the dogs’ unconditional love, which in turn “trains” the men to respect themselves and others. Dog Down. Dogs learn basic commands such as “Down!”— that can save their lives. Man Up. The men begin to take responsibility, gain confidence and learn to get along with others—qualities that transform their lives. Win-Win. Everyone benefits. Dogs are placed in loving homes and their human families gain a well-trained companion; these men are better prepared to care about those around them and gain confidence for when they are to be released; society as a whole is improved. Dog Down. Man Up. Win-Win. Award sponsored by Dr. Susan Collins, DDS

Out of the Shadows, 3rd place: One Armed Man | Narrative | 2014 | 27:04 minutes Country: USA Director: Tim Guinee Cast: Charles Haid, Terry Kinney, John Magaro, Carson Kinney, Josh Trudell, Mike Merenda, Philippe Petit C.W. Rowe has it all. He owns the cotton gin, making him the wealthiest man in Harrison, Texas, and his ascendancy has solidified an unshakable belief in the system that enriched him. Few things ever interrupt the purity of his vision, with the exception of the weekly visit of a young man, Ned, who lost an arm in the gin's machinery. Ned is a little touched and believes C.W. can give him his arm back. On a normal day, he goes away when C.W. offers him five dollars. Today is anything but a normal day.

Terry Roueche Audience Choice Award A Chess Player | Narrative | 2014 | 22:45 minutes Country: USA Director: Shea Sizemore Cast: Chip White, Tony Booker, Bryan Guidroz, Holly Murphy, Andrew Walters, Herbert White What happens when you put all of yourself into one thing and when that one thing is taken away? Who are you...? …

Woman to Watch, Best Female Director: Diego | Narrative | 2014 | 15:06 minutes Country: Germany/Mexico/USA Director: Sara Seligman (Female Director) Cast: Humberto Busto, Leonardo Camargo Tejeda, Roberto Castañeda, Bruce Chang Duran, Fernanda Flores Jimenez, Alejandra Ley, Christian Vazquez Diego, a 10-year old boy growing up in a family where violence is equivalent to manhood, doesn't fit in. Every day is a challenge filled with psychological abuse as Diego is forced to prove his worth to his family. One day, he finally meets someone he can relate to, while fully realizing the consequences of his family's actions. Diego is left with a choice: will he follow in his family's footsteps, or will he risk his life and follow his heart? Award sponsored by the Arts Community Service Program of the Woman’s Club of Rock Hill, SC and an affiliate of GFWC.

Best Student Film: Kanyekanye | Narrative | 2012 | 25:33 minutes Country: South Africa Director: Miklas Manneke (Student Film) Cast: Bongeka Sishi, Gundo Ramullgho, Lucious Dosi, Nokwasi Gumede, Vicky Kente, Zwelakhe J. Mtsaka, Thembalethu Ntull Kanyekanye, a small township on the outskirts of Johannesburg, South Africa, where many years ago, two best friends had a childish argument about which apple is better, the red or the green. This argument leads to the great division. A big, white line was drawn through the middle of the town and everyone who believed the green apple to be better lived on the right side of town in a green house and only wore green, and vice versa. Thomas, a teenager from the green side, falls in love with Thandi, a teenager from the red side. Can the couple's love overcome the social constraints? Award sponsored by the Arts Community Service Program of the Woman’s Club of Rock Hill, SC and an affiliate of GFWC. The Underexposed Film Festival yc was sponsored by Amelie’s, Anonymous, Carolina Fresh Farms, Cheesecake Carousel, Dr. Susan Collins, DDS, Culina, Earth Fare, Groucho’s Deli of Rock Hill, McHale’s Irish Pub, Millstone Pizza + Taphouse, Sharp Business Systems, the Arts Community Service Program of the Woman’s Club of Rock Hill, SC and an Affiliate of GFWC.