Several UCF graduates took home awards from this year’s StarLite Film Festival. Held February 26 – March 1 in Winter Garden, FL, the festival showcases micro-budget narrative films that investigate untold stories, express fresh perspectives and introduce new faces of cinema.
Five alumni from UCF’s School of Visual Arts and Design were recognized at the festival:
- Grand Jury Prize – Best Domestic Feature: INTERIOR by Zachary Beckler, Film B.F.A. and Entrepreneurial Film M.F.A.
- StarLite Legend Award: Justin Lader, screenwriter of The One I Love and Film B.F.A. graduate
- Best Domestic Feature: Pembroke Circle by Max Rousseau, Film B.F.A. and Entrepreneurial Film M.F.A.
- Best International Feature: The Decorruption by Emilia Garcia, Entrepreneurial Film M.F.A.
- StarLite Festival Director: Andrew Gay, Film B.F.A. and Entrepreneurial Film M.F.A.
Byron Clercx, Director of the UCF School of Visual Arts & Design attended the screening of Zack Beckler’s film Interiors.
In addition to being impressed by the setting in beautiful downtown Winter Garden and the charming Garden Theatre, Clercx proudly noted, "When our graduates excel in competitive film events like this, it confirms that our program is succeeding and the efforts from our talented faculty and staff are well spent. We are all rightfully delighted, but not surprised, to see our graduates receive noteworthy accolades, and we expect to hear many more great things from them in the future as their careers unfold."
For more information about the festival, visit starlitefilmfest.com.
Pictured from left to right: Fred, Andrew, Emilia, Zachary, and Jason.