No Budget Film Festival Plays To Sold Out Crowd

Red Elevator Executive Members Rob Herring, Rachel Kiri Walker & Daniel Halden with friend and fellow creative, Renee Smith at the Second Annual No Budget Film Festival

On Thursday night, August 25th at the Downtown Independent, 15 films made for absolutely no money screened at the Second Annual No Budget Film Festival, thrown by cARTel: Collaborative Arts LA, in conjunction with Rent Food Broke, Showbiz Media and Red Elevator Productions. The sold out event brought together 250 filmmakers and lovers of film to celebrate what can happen when artists stop allowing money to dictate when, where and how they can create.

After the films screened, each audience member voted for their two favorite films, then headed downstairs to hear live music from The Black Noise or upstairs to the roof for free gourmet sandwiches and a specially created take on a party mix from Whim Kitchen, as cARTel staff members tallied up the votes and the judges huddled up in a room for a secret deliberation to determine their pick.

An hour after the screening ended, the entire crowd gathered downstairs for the winner’s ceremony.

The Audience Choice went to Jesse Johnson, for her documentary Bare Feet.

The Critic’s Choice went to comedy, The Bellybutton, directed and produced by Steven Wilson

Honorable Mentions went to
Til Death Do Us Part, musical, Directed by Nanca Miyata/Produced by Teaser Tuesday
Captain Hook: Vampire Hunter, animation, Directed and Produced by David Kantrowitz
The Drop, music video, Directed by Nik Kazoura/ Produced by The Kloons

The critics panel featured an enthusiastic and eclectic group of behind the scenes creatives, including Bellflower’s Evan Glodell and Vincent Grashaw (who brought along Medusa!), writer/producer Ashley Edward Miller (Thor, Fringe), producer Brian Udovich (The Key Man, The Wackness), producer/director Joe LaMattina (Last Call with Carson Daly), producer/writer Bill Steinkellner (Cheers), director/producer West McDowell (2011 Gold Medal Narrative at the 38th Annual Student Academy Awards), Cinematographer John Schmidt (The Guild), and film critic, Kate Erbland (Film School Rejects).

Photos from the red carpet can be found here

Photos from the event itself can be found here