MIFF 2004 Succeeds Despite Aftermath of Hurricane Frances

Despite the onslaught of Hurricane Frances, the Melbourne Independent Filmmakers Festival (MIFF) was like a juggernaut that couldn't be stopped from providing an interesting distraction from all our community's tragedies. And, although all the funds have not been tallied and the Modern Classics Encores are still playing at the Premiere Theaters Oaks Stadium 10, it seems we will still have an increase in our level of fundraising.
The festival closed with an awards ceremony at Meg O'Malley's on Saturday night where Florida filmmaker Kevin Lang's "House of Forever" was awarded the
Indian River Beverage Corporation's People's Choice Award which was based upon the votes of the audience. Following last year's win by Todd Thompson's "Time & Again," this marked the second film in a row to win this coveted award that was D.P.ed by Stephen Campbell.
The Kelly's Hard Cider Peer Award went to Laura Black & Karen Michel's "The Rules." This award is based upon the votes of the selected filmmakers present. Recording artists "Robin & Eddy" were on hand to present the
Independent Spirit Award to Katharine Leis for her film, "Afterthought."
A round of thanks to our special guests James Best (The Dukes of Hazzard), Michael S. Broder (distributor for Small Planet Pictures) Stephen Campbell (Sheena,The Waterboy, Monster), and guest celebrity Michael Bailey Smith (Men in Black 2, Charmed, The Fantastic Four, The Master of Disguise). All of these extraordinary gentlemen exceeded all our expectations in making the MIFF a fantastic success and a lot of fun.

Other award winners included:
Guest of Honor: Michael Bailey Smith
Outstanding Contribution to the Florida Film Industry: Stephen Campbell
Space Coast Film Commission "Best Documentary": "Four Year Old Rail"
Space Coast Film Commission "Best Actor": Miles Teller in "The Moonlighters"
Special Recognition:
Eric Keen "Galleons Lap"
Ric LaMonte "Night Call & Night Terror"
Fred Zara "Entering Wendy"

Best Animation: "Rockfish" by Tim Miller
Best Cinematography: Dave Sperling for "Black-Eyed Susan" & "Mass of Angels"
Best Comedy: "Crust" by Mark Locke
Best Documentary: "Four Year Old Rail" by Dustin Miller
Best Dramatic Short: "The Rules" by Laura Black and Karen Michel
Best Dramatic Feature: "Way Off Broadway" by Dan Kay
Best in Horror/Sci-fi Genre: "Bloodshot" by Dietrich & Jacqueline Johnston
Best Musical Score: Gerry Gershman & Marty Beller "Gypsy 83"

Plans move forward to continue the Melbourne Independent Filmmakers Festival outside of hurricane season.