Academy of Art University’s 2nd Epidemic Film Festival Dazzles Hollywood Elite
The historic Castro Theatre was buzzing with excitement and anticipation for Academy of Art
University’s 2nd Annual Epidemic Film Festival. The festival, hosted by the
School of Motion Pictures &
Television, gives Academy students the opportunity to showcase their work for movie
industry professionals and the public.
“I was very pleased with the 2nd annual Epidemic festival and inspired by the winning films,”
said Epidemic Film Festival Director Jonathan Fung. “I was excited to witness our industry guests
praising the work of our students and also 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
Life Goes On and Battlestar Galactica, 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.
Martin Landau and Tippi Hedren
Martin Landau was presented with an Honorary Doctorate from Academy of Art University. The
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 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 with Dr. Elisa Stephens, President of AAU
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 and Kanye West. 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.
Natalie Weiss, Best Documentary winner
The student work from the
film school, ranging from experimental film, to documentary
to films shot in Super 8, 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.
“Sweet, simple storytelling at its best,” host Cavanagh exclaimed over Viv Koh’s film
Overnight, A Rose.
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.
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!”
Best SUPER 8
Penelope Allyn Collins,
Some Girls
Experimental
Casimir Fornalski,
Panic
Best Production Design
Seung Yong Song,
Self-Portrait
Best Music Video/ Best Editing
Bilal Lashari,
Sajni
Best Commercial
Jillian Pierce,
Ruth Chris
Best Cinematography
Patrick Durkin,
Set Your Goals “Echoes”
Best Documentary
Natalie Weiss,
Drumline
Audience Choice/Best Screenplay/Best
Director/Best Picture
Viv Koh,
Overnight, a Rose
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