The 55th Annual Film Finals was a roaring success at the Kabuki Theater on May 19

The 55th Annual Film Finals was a roaring success at the Kabuki Theater on May 19.

An audience of 300 celebrated a selection of the finest films made by cinema students in the past year. The event began by honoring retiring professor Jim Goldner who had taught in the department since 1963. In attendance were students from his many years at SF State.
The 16 films, selected by a jury from 75 submitted, included animation, experimental, documentary, narrative. The audience cheered every one of them.

Planned by Lecturer Courtney Fellion and her class in Cinematheque Management, the program was introduced by Chair Steven Kovacs and emceed by the newest professors Cheryl Dunye and Scott Boswell.

Awards were presented at the end:

Nominees for Kodak Student Award: Caio Simbula and Karly Stark
Nominee for Kodak Cinematography Award: Richard Valenzuela
Nominees for Princess Grace Award: Russell Kiel
Robin Eickman Award: Caio Simbula
Gordon Thomas Award: Nikki Goldberg

NEW AWARDS
Jim Goldner Award: Cristina Marie Fernandez
Light Iron Award: Erick Steiner
Jury Award: Natalie Tsui
Cinefemme Award: Karly Stark
KQED Audience Award: Natalie Tsui

And a reception followed with food and beverages for all. The event was free to everyone.

Congratulations to all of our dedicated, enthusiastic students, the latest band of talented filmmakers!