The 16th annual Dusty Film Festival showcases more than 100 films by graduating seniors from School of Visual Artss Film, Video and Animation Department and offers them a chance to present their films on the big screen and in front of a large audience. The festival includes a three-day viewing of short films, videos and animations; a Screenwriters Night, where professional actors read excerpts of screenplays by graduating seniors; and an Awards Ceremony and Gala Reception with notable presenters from the film industry.
Each year, outstanding achievements awards are presented in the following categories: screenwriting, cinematography, video, editing, directing, film, acting, traditional animation and stop-motion animation. This years presenters include actor and producer Vincent DOnofrio (LAW AND ORDER: CRIMINAL INTENT, THE PLAYER); cinematographer Stuart Dryburgh (BRIDGET JONESS DIARY, THE PORTRAIT OF A LADY); editor Michael Berenbaum (DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES, BEFORE NIGHT FALLS); screenwriter David Koepp (WAR OF THE WORLDS, SPIDER-MAN) and Jeff Nodelman, founder and president of animation studio Noodlesoup Prods. Inc.
The Dusty Film Festival began in 1990 after the Film, Video and Animation Department discovered a need to bring their regular yearly screenings of student films to a larger audience. With the help of some of the instructors with contacts in the film industry, a venue and sponsorship was secured and the event came to life. To give tribute to School of Visual Arts founder and chairman, Silas H. Rhodes, the event was named Dusty after the nickname Mr. Rhodes had during World War II.
2005 Festival Schedule* May 2- 4: Screenings, Loews 34th Street, 312 West 34th Street, 12:00 noon 12:00 midnight* May 2: Screenwriters Night, The National Arts Club, 15 Gramercy Park South, 7:00 pm* May 9: Awards Ceremony and Gala Reception, Loews Kips Bay, 570 2nd Avenue, 6:30 pm
Film screenings are free and open to the public. To request tickets to the Awards Ceremony and Gala Reception, call (212) 592-2195.
School of Visual Arts (SVA) in New York City is an established leader and innovator in the education of artists. From its inception in 1947, the college has instituted numerous educational innovations, including the selection of professionals working in the arts and art-related fields as instructors. SVA provides an environment that nurtures creativity, inventiveness and experimentation, enabling students to develop a strong sense of identity and a clear direction of purpose.
Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
Creator of Rick's Flicks Picks
