Academy of Art University's 2nd Epidemic Film Festival Dazzles Hollywood Elite

The Epidemic Film Festival gives Academy students the opportunity to showcase their work for movie industry professionals and the public.

San Francisco, CA (PRWEB) April 20, 2008 -- On Friday evening, April 11, 2008, the historic Castro Theatre was buzzing with excitement and anticipation for Academy of Art University's 2nd Annual Epidemic Film Festival. The festival, sponsored by the top film school, gives Academy students the opportunity to showcase their work for movie industry professionals and the public.

Hollywood luminaries, Bay Area VIPs, and budding student filmmakers mingled while sipping libations and enjoying hors d'oeuvres at the pre-festival reception. A who's who of the film industry were present including: Dan Lebental, an editor who just completed work on upcoming action flick Iron Man; Kari Nevil, an Academy of Art University alumna who produced At Risk starring Vince Vaughn. Joe Labisi, another Academy alum who has shot music videos for artists ranging from the Rolling Stones to 50Cent, served as a juror for the event.

Sweet, simple storytelling at its best

"I thought the 2nd annual Epidemic Film Festival was awesome and I am very proud of our students," Epidemic Film Festival Director Jonathan Fung. "I was excited to witness our industry guests praising the work of our students and also the Academy of Art University."

Second-time presenter Michael Nankin, who has worked as a writer, producer and director on various hit television shows such as Battlestar Galactica, Chicago Hope and Life Goes On, was excited to be back.

"For the second year, I am really impressed with the professional work being done here," he said.

Rock band Finding Mercury set the tone for the festivities and hostess of Ceremonies Megan Cavanagh kicked off the event with her infectious humor. A veteran comedic actress, Cavanagh burst onto the Hollywood scene as Marla Hooch in the classic comedy A League of Their Own. She currently stars on the LOGO network show Exes & Oh's.

Martin Landau was presented with an Honorary Doctorate from Academy of Art University for his contribution to the arts. The Oscar-winning actor first struck fame with his role in the television series Mission Impossible for which he received Emmy nominations for the three seasons he appeared. He also starred in Alfred Hitchcock's North by Northwest and won the Best Supporting Actor Oscar in Ed Wood. Recently, Landau returned to the small screen for a role in the hit TV show Entourage.

"I am pleased that this institution exists and I am pleased to accept this award," Landau said.

Chris Milk was presented with the Outstanding Alumnus Award. Since graduating from the Academy, Milk has had a prolific career as a music video director, working with artists such as Green Day, Gnarls Barkley, Kanye West and The Chemical Brothers. In 2007, Chris won the MVPA Director of the Year award.

Veteran actress Tippi Hedren was given a surprise award, honoring her illustrious acting career. Hedren's most famous role was in Alfred Hitchcock's The Birds. She starred in many other films, including recent releases I Heart Huckabees.

The student work, ranging from experimental film to documentary, impressed the audience. The mock trailer Some Girls, shot in Super 8, was arrestingly beautiful while the Best Documentary winner Drumline shed light on percussion as an art form. The winners of the Best Picture and Best Documentary will be sent to the National Association of Television Producers Executives Conference (NATPE).

"Sweet, simple storytelling at its best," host Cavanagh exclaimed over Viv Koh's film Overnight, A Rose, which swept the categories of Audience Choice, Best Screenwriting, Best Director, and Best Picture.

Steve McGlothen, presented the final Best Picture award to Viv Koh along with an offer to mentor Koh in the year to come. McGlothen, who made the same offer to winner Alexandra Overton at last year's Epidemic festival, encouraged the other presenters to offer their skills as mentors, as well

"This school has a history of giving themselves to up-and-coming filmmakers," he said.

Koh, returning to the stage for a third time, was speechless. She held up her award to the audience and exclaimed, "I love this school!"

About Academy of Art University, San Francisco
With nearly 12,000 students, the Academy of Art University is the nation's largest private art and design university. Established in 1929, the school offers accredited AA, BFA, M.Arch and MFA programs, as well as continuing art education with classes in copywriting, fashion merchandising, interior design, new media, computer animation, sculpture, graphic design, cinematography, industrial design, digital photography and car design. Students can also enroll in a flexible online degree program in art and design.
The Academy of Art University is an accredited member of WASC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges), NASAD, Council for Interior Design Accreditation (BFA-IAD) and NAAB (M-ARCH). For more information visit www.academyart.edu or call 1-800-544-2787.

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