A sold-out audience was captivated by five local films screened at the 4th Annual Sun Peaks Film Festival last month. Ranging from teenage park action to seniors sending it in the slackcountry, the entries for the second filmmakers Contest were all entertaining, gripping and professionally presented.
The judging panel included last year’s winner, Kelly Brown, along with Emily Staresina, a film specialist from North Vancouver and a frequent visitor to Sun Peaks. They were led by Head Judge, KJ Miller, a Sun Peaks photographer and filmmaker, who watched each film more than ten times.
The winning entry was Rush, filmed and edited by Noah Lara and starring Brock Hawes. The Fans’ Favourite prize went to Dan and Dawn Matte with their film 10×10.
“Noah and Brock really have raised the bar in terms of filmmaking, beyond locally too,” Miller said. “I would say they can be really proud of the athleticism and filmmaking they individually brought to the film festival.”
The film depicts a “constant state of movement, in a rush.” Counterposing fast-paced city lifestyles with the chill of the mountains, it encompasses the emotional endorphin rush of skiing, as well as the physical adrenaline-fueled excitement.
The duo were thrilled by their achievement.
“To hear the name of your film getting called out for the win was a very surreal moment,” Lara recalled.
Now 18 years old, Lara works with the Park Crew and has to fit filming around that time constraint.
After initial footage when Lara and Hawes collide, the action was focused on Hawes’ expertise among the array of jumps, rails, boxes and tabletops.
“The story had to have one focus for the narrative to make sense and Brock’s skiing was perfect for that.”
With tentative plans to make another film this season, he hopes Rush will be a significant first step towards making a name in the ski film industry.
“If we do the competition again, it will have to be filmed this season so that we have more time to film and edit,” Lara said. Future plans include exploring all types of films including non-sports related topics as well as ski and bike films.
With dates already set for next year’s contest, ArtZone will put out a call for artists this summer with submission details.
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