Los Angeles, CA – December 13, 2016 – The grand jury prize winners for the inaugural Sherman Oaks Film Festival have been announced. The Sherman Oaks Film Festival was founded by longtime residents and movie veterans alike; the festival looks to showcase the best undiscovered movies in the heart of Los Angeles. The one-week long film festival ran November 13-20, 2016.
Grand Jury Prize Winners – 2016
Narrative Feature Film
The Head Thieves (82 minutes) Three brothers develop an elaborate plan to recover stolen cash and go on the run.
Written & Directed by Mike Hermosa
Produced by Mickey Gooch Jr.
Starring Mickey Gooch Jr., Dante Basco, Dion Basco, Sandy Martin, BoJesse Christopher, Davison Locksley, Johnny Bananas
Narrative Feature Film
Search Engines (95 minutes) Sanity and relationships are put to the test when mysterious circumstances force a family to survive the annual American Thanksgiving holiday without their cell phones.
Written and Directed by: Russell Brown
Produced by: Russell Brown, Kerry Barden, John Baumgartner
Starring Joely Fisher, Connie Stevens, Daphne Zuniga, Natasha Wagner, and Barry Watson.
Documentary Film
Marsha Hunt’s Sweet Adversity (100 minutes) The amazing life story of Marsha Hunt, who was discovered at age 17 by Hollywood in 1935 and proceeded to make 54 films in 17 years until becoming Blacklisted, and then transitioned to a career as one of Hollywood’s first celebrity activists.
Directed by Roger C. Memos
Written by Joan Cohen, Richard Adkins, Roger C. Memos
Produced by Joan Cohen, Richard Adkins, Roger C. Memos
Narrative Short Film
Whiskey Sour (6 minutes) A career hitman is cosmically outmatched by his next mark.
Written & Directed by Eli Stern
Produced by: Tony Spiridakis, Shannon Goldman, Ariel Eliaz
Executive Produced by Jay Stern, Vicki Horwits
Cinematography by Thomas Taugher
Starring Ariel Eliaz, Donnie Lyons
Narrative Short Film
This Modern Man Is Beat (17 minutes) In a world of cultural confusion and erroneous judgement, Habib bin Habib al Fulan pawns his last possession and reconciles with his American wife.
Directed by Alex Merkin
Screenplay by David J Schroeder. Based on a short story by Fawzy Zablah
Produced by David J Schroeder; Tommy May, Caity Ware, Shar Yonan, Michelle Romano
Starring Jordi Vilasuso, Sheena Colette, Brad Greenquist, Mercer Boffey, Kent Klineman
Narrative Short Film
The Kidnapping Of A Fish (short) A mild mannered guy is forced to consider his girlfriend is the reason for his unexpected situation in this mixed genre film. Equal parts comedy, drama and suspense wrapped up in a fun ride of a film.
Written & Directed by Philip A. Ramos
Produced by John D. Hay
Starring Stephen Friedrich, Theodora (Woolley) Miranne
Music Video
KOOL (5 minutes) Sometimes true love transcends time
Directed by LazRael Lison
Written by Celeste Stoney, LazRael Lison
Produced by LazRael Lison, Ray Stoney, Celeste Stoney, Tatiana Chekhova
Starring Celeste Stoney, Ray Stoney
Screenplay (Unproduced)
The Savage Land Desperate to protect his beloved, a naïve hired hand enlists a cynical U.S. marshal to guard her wagon train against a mysterious killer stalking pioneers on the Overland Trail.
Written by Mario Rivas
For more information about the Sherman Oaks Film Festival please visit their website: http://www.shermanoaksfilmfestival.com/