On Tuesday night in MUB Theater II, the Fifth Annual SCAN-TV Film Festival rocked the lives of the packed auditorium of students that were present at its debut. Showcasing 24 films completely directed and produced by UNH's very own student body, the festival displayed many diverse genres of film-- from the silent film, to the most popular comedic film, even a politically charged, anti-war film. Yet every film, despite their differences, displayed, without a doubt, the amazing talent that UNH had yet to make public… until this week that is.
The festival was kicked off by Matt Lubicky and Alex Mallis who could succeed in making even the most non-enthusiastic person break down in uncontrollable laughter. The first film on the program was a silent film reminiscent of the mind-bending and fantastical elements displayed in gothic literature of the past. The festival continued on with mostly comedic movies, including one of my favorites called "Origami Boy" directed by Tavia Lee Goldstein and starring Chris Knowles and Brian Paul, in which a boy was obsessed with origami during childhood and grew up to become the superhero, Origami Boy. Origami Boy also has a sidekick in the film named Boomerang, who insisted, in a completely random clip, that not only has he gone to France, but also that his passport states that his real name is in fact Boomerang.
The festival took a slightly different turn from the normal comedic displays when "One of These Days," created by Chris Liquori was played. The images of war torn Iraq and the president's repeated self contradictory statements blared on the screen to a speechless audience. The film was created and synched extremely well (especially during the war-torn picture sequence) and made not only an impact on me, but many of my fellow viewers whom I discussed it with after. This impact was somewhat felt by all as even when the film finished, the applause of the stunned audience was delayed. But, when the applause came, even the intensity that it carried still did not do the film justice.
Along with comedic and political films, there were also films that displayed a meaningful, fulfilling message of charity, hope and wonder. The first film, "A Movie by Natalie J" created by Natalie J. Frost, was the reading of a poem to the slides of what looked like family photos. Although the film held some humorous moments, the most moving and meaningful segment came at the end of the film when the narrator described how one doesn't cry when in California because one feels small, but because one could have never imagined a place so beautiful.
The second film, "Nicaragua," displayed the chronicles of a week long pilgrimage to Nicaragua by the students who are a part of the Nicaraguan Culture Club here at UNH. This film not only displayed moving images of aid and trust, but it also worked to show how anyone who is willing and dedicated can share in the experiences and emotions portrayed on the screen.
When the festival drew to a close, the audience turned in their ballots, and upon counting the votes there emerged four winners: Third place was deemed a tie between "Walking with the Nomad" by Michael McCaron and Brian Campbell and "Super Eight" by an unknown creator. Second place went to "Snow Angel" by Nate Lord and the winner of the Fifth Annual Film Festival was "Takin' off all my Clothes off" starring Matt Lubicky, and Alex Mallis, among others.
SCAN-TV was first physically sired into being in 1997, although its concept was mentally developed in 1996. Mostly known for the infamous MUB cam, SCAN-TV also produces music videos, talk shows, and numerous other comedic ventures. The main goal of SCAN is to give the students of UNH an outlet for film and television production, as well as be a model of how hard work and dedication are what drive worthy and respectable finished products.
Matt Lubicky, production director at SCAN, and Alex Mallis, general manager of SCAN, explain how the numerous resources and funding given to SCAN (completely free gifts paid for by the student activity fee) are in no way being used to its full potential. Because UNH does not offer a film major option to its students, SCAN-TV, and its incredibly high-tech, accurate programs and machines, are a student's closest venue to shape and drive their desire for production.
Presently, SCAN-TV consists of eight executives and around twenty to thirty general members. But as a result of the festival, there is expected to be a surge of new members. SCAN-TV congregates to discuss their thoughts and ideas every Wednesday at 7p.m. in the SCAN-TV studio.
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