Fright Nite Film Festival - The Winners!

Just a few short weeks ago, we launched a new movie contest especially for Halloween... The Fright Nite Film Festival! We invited you to create a short SmallWorlds scary movie  and once all entries were in we let you vote on your favorites.  We then counted your "likes", so that we had a shortlist of 10. Then, a panel of SWHQ judges have now chosen the top three from this shortlist! You can see them all at the Fright Nite Movie Theatre - it's really very creepy in there!

And the winners are...

T'was a cold, rainy night here in Auckland NZ, as I settled in to watch the 10 finalists videos. I turned the lights low, dusted off the candelabras, thinking to create a really dark and scary atmosphere for the other judges and I to view the 10 Fright Nite finalists.

Firstly, let me say how impressed we were with all of the entries submitted to the contest... there's a tremendous talent out there in the SmallWorlds movie-making community. We're going to be launching more exciting movie contests really soon, giving you more chances to win. Details will be coming soon - watch the forums and the Chronicle!

All judges would like to offer their most enthusiastic congratulations to the following three finalists, all of whom have won for themselves a coveted (and very rare) Golden Dan statue! Well done!

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"Secrets" by Hannah Palmer 13

Well-known for her SmallWorlds' music video adaptations, Hannah Palmer 13 has captured something truly special with her new feature film Secrets. The film's paradoxical premise is absolutely beguiling, and the editing is artful.

"Parasite" by Jake Coole-r

Veteran SmallWorlds' raconteur Jake Cooler's latest foray into film catapults viewers into a futuristic post apocalyptic extravaganza. Parasite is a visual feast which artfully melds science fiction and horror, with action sequences will have you scrambling for your pea shooter.

A frenetic and original psychological thriller written and directed by Rod Stunning, Living Nightmare is a captivating tale packed with incredible visuals and perfectly scored with music and sound effects. This original tale is bound to become a Halloween classic on the citizen's of SmallWorlds' plasma televisions!

The 7 other talented finalists...

Here are links to the other 7 of the ten movies shortlisted by your votes. When you watch them, I'm sure you'll appreciate the dfficult decision that was in front of the SWHQ judges.

A tremendnous amount of work, talent and creativity has gone into each and every one...

Living Dead

Paige Saunders makes her mark in experimental film territory with her latest film Living Dead. Rapid edits, jarring sound and visual effects create a bold and refreshing art house statement on the classic zombie movie. We look forward to seeing a lot more from this young, dynamic director.

The Mask Maker weaves a twisted tale of horror and intrigue. Masterful use of sound and richly dressed sets evoke a sense of pure horror in Elizabeth Adewuiisi's stunning directoral debut.

Jammie Lawler's stunning score selection for Tom and the Dead sets the tone perfectly for this foreboding thriller. You'll be on the edge of your seat right up until the very last moment.

Intricately decorated sets, carefully crafted effects and a powerful script combine in ZmallWorlds: Apocalypse, a wild ride from Yellow Jelly Productions with Riley Finn at the directoral helm.

Frankiee

Frankiee is a well executed rendition of Mary Shelly's timeless horror classic Frankenstein. Through their use of black and white post production techniques, elaborate sets and authentic costumes Walker Incorporated FIlms have created a brilliant tribute to the silent film era and we love this creative nod to the text-based communication of SmallWorlds.

Oh The Horror! is an ambitious debut effort shot in one continuous take, no small challenge for even the most accomplished director never mind a first time film-maker. Keep an eye out for developing talent Natalie Precious as she further refines her talents.

Eye See You Productions horror creation MindMare is a visually creative treat. The film is underpinned by a great score and a story original story are brought to life by an excellent cast.

Again I'd like to thank everyone who entered the Fright Nite Film Festival contest, it's been so much fun! I'll be back soon to tell you of our next exciting THREE film contests, coming soon!