Wildwood Film Festival, an annual festival based in Appleton, Wis., received an award from the Milwaukee Short Film Festival for its dedication to honoring the Wisconsin film community.

All projects featured at the Wildwood Film Festival have direct ties to the state, whether it’s the actors, directors, writers, editors, or even locations. Ross Bigley, director of the Milwaukee festival, said that the Pacesetter Award recognizes those who make a difference in local film-making culture.

“The Wildwood Film Festival celebrates and embraces the depth of film talent that Wisconsin has to offer,” said Bigley. “We are recognizing Wildwood with the Pacesetter for their continued commitment to strengthening film culture in their community and state."

Wildwood Film Festival founders and operators are Craig A. Knitt, Jason Buss and Thomas Thorne. The team received the award on Nov. 4, 2011, the opening night of the 13th annual Milwaukee Short Film Festival.

“Wildwood chooses to support Wisconsin talent to foster education and appreciation for film within the state. Since our founding 11 years ago, we have stayed true to this mission and vision,” said Buss. “We are honored to receive this recognition from the Milwaukee Short Film Festival.”

This is the first time the Milwaukee festival has awarded the Pacesetter to another festival. Bigley said the Milwaukee team wanted to bring attention to a great event and build bridges between film communities in Wisconsin.

The 11th annual Wildwood Film Festival takes place Saturday, March 3, 2012 at the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center in Appleton. Tickets for the festival will go on sale Monday, Dec. 19. For more information, visit http://www.wildwoodfilmfest.com/.