By Nikki Martinez
The Sol, a film festival that challenges filmmakers to create a film based on the same quote, will take place Sept. 9, 7-11 p.m., at the Damon Runyon Repertory Theater.
Entrants were asked to creatively interpret a quote by C.S. Lewis, a British author, which states, “What can you ever really know of other people’s souls – of their temptations, their opportunities, and their struggles? One soul in the whole creation you do know- and it is the only one whose fate is placed in your hands.”
The Sol Film Festival was created and organized by David Browder and Samantha Printy, both co-founders of Middle of Nowhere Event & Sound, a Pueblo based company offering DJ services for events. They chose the quote because of the play on words from the festival’s name and because it presented a challenge for filmmakers, Printy said.
“The quote seemed to me to be able to be interpreted in a lot of different ways,” Printy said. “We truly don’t know other people’s motivations, we only know our own. It’s really diverse to adapt to film. ”
The submitted films must be categorized in the genres of film noir, horror, science fiction or comedy. A film that does not fit into one of the genres allowed will not be considered, Printy said.
All films will be reviewed before the festival by a panel of judges. Eight films will be shown at The Sol, two from each genre. Of the two films, one will be awarded “Best of Genre,” and the other will be awarded an honorable mention. The title “Best Film Overall” will be awarded to the judges’ favorite film.
The Sol Film Festival will have three judges, including Timothy Schultz, executive director of the Mile High Horror Film Festival in Denver, Sean Patrick Briggs, the CEO of the Damon Runyon Repertory Theater and a third judge, who has yet to be determined.
Judges will choose the winners based on the creative adaptation of the quote, the best representation of the chosen genre, the cinematography and the acting.
The festival’s prizes are meant to further the filmmakers’ success. The winners will receive complimentary tickets to upcoming festivals, budget money for future filmmaking and internships at film production companies in Colorado Springs. Their films will also be submitted into other festivals.
“We’re trying to get the filmmakers to the next level by challenging them to be competitive in this festival” Printy said. “Their efforts will be rewarded by opportunities for networking and to be able to work on bigger film projects.”
Timothy Sparks, 27, a junior mass communications major and local filmmaker, plans on entering a film in The Sol. The festival and its prizes will be helpful in honing his filmmaking ability, Sparks said.
“It’s great to make films,” Sparks said. “But to make them for others to watch and have them react good or bad is a good way to see if you need to improve somewhere in your skills.”
Films cannot be longer than 12 minutes and submitted in DVD format. Films must also be received by Aug. 19, at midnight. Films can be dropped off at local sites, contact Browder or Printy for the locations of these sites, or mailed to 907 W. 16th St., Pueblo, Colo.
Filmmakers are also required to submit a $20 entrance fee and a synopsis of the cast and crew with their films. Checks should be made out to Middle of Nowhere Event & Sound.
The Damon Runyon Repertory Theater, Phil’s Radiator, The Cock and Bull, The Pueblo Chamber of Commerce, PULP Magazine, The Pueblo 24-Hour Film Festival, Comcast Spotlight, The Mile High Horror Film Festival, CJ’s Bar and Grill and Last Leaf Printing and Design are among the local businesses that are sponsoring The Sol.
Tickets will be available at the door for $8, on a first come, first serve basis. Twenty percent of all ticket proceeds will be donated to Paws for Life a no-kill animal shelter in Pueblo.
The Sol will also be host to other live performances of dancing, singing and comedy, Printy said.
Browder and Printy, who also created the Spring Fling Film Festival held earlier this year, said they enjoy the process of hosting a film festival and the reward they feel when they highlight local talent and bring the community together, both Browder and Printy said.
“It’s just as much fun for us,” Printy said.
For more information, contact Browder at 719-248-3735, or Printy at 719-320-2127.
