Media Information and Press Releases

THRICE IS NICE
“Burning Annie” and “You Got Nothin” Both Win 3 Tasties

            Minneapolis – The 4^th Annual Strictly Midwest Movies And Short Hits Film Festival, or SMMASH, concluded Sunday night at the Doubletree Park Place Hotel in Minneapolis, Minnesota with the presentation of the festival’s “Tastie” Awards.  Dubbed, “the local verison of the Oscars” by the Minneapolis Star Tribune, 12 Tasties were awarded in a ceremony hosted by local comedian and producer Bill Collins.

            The feature films “Burning Annie” and “You Got Nothin” both dominated the evening, both taking home 3 Tastie Awards.  The father and daughter combination of Steven and Rachel Langa won the Best Supporting Actor and Actress categories for “You Got Nothin” with a proud Steven Langa reaching his daughter via cell phone to briefly address the audience. 

            “Burning Annie” took home honors for director Van Flesher, writer Zack Ordynans and for Best Actor Gary Lundy.  Producer Deborah Brauer, who had her hands full of Tasties by the evening’s end, accepted the awards on behalf of the “Annie Hall”-inspired film.

            The short film “Everest” won 2 Tasties for actress Quinn Sherrill and one for Best Short.  Fellow “Everest” cast member and Best Supporting Actor nominee Ken Butler graciously accepted the awards for the film.

            “Michael Moore Hates America” won Best Documentary as the controversial film by Minnesota filmmaker Michael Wilson continues to gain attention and accolates.  Michael Wilson took the opportunity during his acceptance speech not to make a political statement but rather thank SMMASH for working to promote fellow Midwestern filmmakers.

            The evening concluded with the presentation of SMMASH’s Lifetime Achievement Award to Minnesota filmmaker Jon Springer.  “Jon’s work has had such a tremendous impact on Midwestern filmmakers we had to recognize him”, said Festival Director John Swon.  “It was the perfect end to a terrific festival.”

2004 Tastie Winners

Audience’s Choice Award for Best Feature

Brethren

Audience’s Choice Award for Best Short

You Get Five Minutes

Best Screenplay

Zack Ordynans – Burning Annie

Best Supporting Actor

Steven Langa – You Got Nothin’

Best Supporting Actress

Rachel Langa – You Got Nothin’

Best Documentary

Michael Moore Hates America

Best Actress

Quinn Sherrill – Everest

Best Actor

Gary Lundy – Burning Annie

Best Director

Van Flesher – Burning Annie

Best Short

Everest

Best Feature

You Got Nothin’

Lifetime Achievement

Jon Springer

RED CROSS JOINS SMMASH FILM FESTIVAL FOR AWARDS BANQUET

The Minneapolis chapter of the American Red Cross has joined the 3rd Annual Strictly Midwest Movies And Short Hits (SMMASH) Film Festival for a joint Red Cross fundraiser/awards banquet to celebrate the festival's closure and awarding of 10 SMMASH trophies. 

"This accomplishes a long-term goal for SMMASH" said the festival's Executive Director John Swon.  "SMMASH wants to be active in more than just the film community.  We're happy to have configured our awards banquet to raise awareness about the Red Cross and benefit people in need."

Tickets are available for the Sunday, October 26th event through the SMMASH website at www.smmash.com.  For $35, attendees can raise money for the Red Cross and watch the 10 SMMASH award winners, or "Tasties", be announced.  The SMMASH Film Festival runs October 17-23 at the Oak Street Cinema.

For more information on the SMMASH Film Festival or Awards Banuqet, please visit www.smmash.com.

MINNESOTA FILM BOARD DIRECTOR CRAIG RICE TO BE HONORED AT SMMASH FILM FESTIVAL

Organizers of the 3rd Annual Strictly Midwest Movies And Short Hits (SMMASH) Film Festival announced today the recipient of the festival's Lifetime Achievement, Minnesota Film Board executive director Craig Rice.  The award presented to Rice will be one of ten awards distributed at SMMASH's awards banquet on Sunday, October 26th at the Doubletree Hotel in St. Louis Park. 

Involved in the entertainment industry for more than twenty years, Rice has had a storied career both on and off the set, but is best known for his work behind the camera.  As a freelance director, he has directed music videos for artists including Prince, Patti LaBelle, Mavis Staples and The Sounds of Blackness.  Rice has also worked as an assistant director and as a producer of several documentary and theatrical productions, including the acclaimed documentary "We Teach our Children" (nominated for Emmy and Academy Awards) and on the feature films "Brother from Another Planet", "Purple Rain" and "Almost You".

"SMMASH has always been about recognizing and celebrating Midwestern filmmakers" said SMMASH Executive Director John Swon.  "We want our Lifetime Achievement Award to effectively highlight filmmakers who have demonstrated a long-term commitment to that same goal.  We can't think of anyone who fits that description better than Craig Rice."

Rice has been active with the Minnesota Film and Television Board since 1989, recently becoming the board's Executive Director in 2002.  With funding for the Board cut and fewer Hollywood productions coming to town, Swon acknowledged Rice faces challenges as the Board's Director.  "They're struggling right now, but I think Craig is up to the task."

Tickets for the SMMASH Awards Banquet are $35 and can be purchased on www.smmash.com.  The 3rd Annual SMMASH Film Festival runs October 17-23, 2003 at the Oak Street Cinema.

SMMASH Call for Entries (click to enlarge)