What an incredible day we had at the Moon Rocks Sci-Fi Short Film Competition! The energy at the Brewery Arts Center was absolutely electric as we celebrated the imaginative brilliance of local filmmakers who brought their sci-fi visions to life. From mind-bending stories to jaw-dropping special effects, every film was a true work of art. Let’s take a look at the standout films and performances that took home the coveted awards!
Best Makeup – Stardust & Saddles
This year’s Best Makeup award went to Stardust & Saddles for their brilliant transformation of characters that truly captured the essence of the sci-fi western genre. The creativity and detail in their makeup made every character come to life in an unforgettable way.
Best Use of Prompts – Orientation
For Best Use of Prompts, we honor Orientation, a film that cleverly incorporated all three competition prompts: a prop, a sound effect, and a line of dialogue. The filmmakers nailed the challenge with ingenuity, making this film stand out in a truly unique way!
Best Use of Extra Credit – Into the Isaiasverse: Eggplant Isaias
Our Best Use of Extra Credit goes to Into the Isaiasverse: Eggplant Isaias, which truly went above and beyond. Not only did they incorporate all three prompts, but the film included the extra credit challenge of featuring an eggplant in their story. This quirky and hilarious addition made it a standout entry!
Best Special Effects – Bucky
The Best Special Effects award went to Bucky, whose stunning visual effects truly transported us to another world. From intricate space battles to epic landscapes, their effects were not only technically impressive but added a rich layer to the film’s story.
Best Cinematography – Starshine Nova
For Best Cinematography, Starshine Nova captured our attention with breathtaking visuals. Their expert use of lighting, angles, and creative shots showcased their ability to bring a unique and cinematic feel to their sci-fi world.
Best Supporting Actor – Shaolin Gates from Timeout Kitchen
The Best Supporting Actor award went to Shaolin Gates for his standout performance in Timeout Kitchen. His commitment to his role brought depth and emotion to the story, making it a truly unforgettable performance.
Best Lead Actor – Addy Hunter from Bucky
Addy Hunter took home Best Lead Actor for his compelling performance in Bucky. His portrayal of a complex character truly stole the show, making the audience feel every moment of his journey.
Best Ensemble – Ushbork
Ushbork took home the Best Ensemble award for their amazing teamwork and collaboration. Every member of the cast gave an exceptional performance, making their film a true ensemble success.
Best Director – Nomar Mendoza for Bucky
The Best Director award went to Nomar Mendoza for Bucky, where his visionary approach to storytelling and meticulous direction helped bring his complex world to life in a way that captivated the audience from start to finish.
Best Fight Choreography – So We Beat On
For Best Fight Choreography, we recognize So We Beat On, who delivered some of the most exciting and well-executed fight sequences in the competition. The choreography was intense, creative, and added to the overall excitement of the film.
Best Space Cowboy – John Clark Bullard as Bojangles in Stardust & Saddles
The Best Space Cowboy award went to John Clark Bullard for his role as Bojangles in Stardust & Saddles. His portrayal of a space cowboy was as charismatic as it was charming, making him the perfect fit for this title.
Best Starship Pilot – Lincoln Cao in Mayday!
Lincoln Cao earned Best Starship Pilot for his role in Mayday!, where his incredible performance behind the controls of a spacecraft was nothing short of spectacular. This pilot truly made us believe that he could fly us through the galaxy.
WC Fields Award for “Working with Children or Animals” – Bucky
The WC Fields Award for “Working with Children or Animals” was presented to Bucky for their heartfelt inclusion of a young character who stole the spotlight and added a special dynamic to the story.
Blake Snyder “Save the Cat” Award for Exceptional Storytelling – Into the Isaiasverse
The Blake Snyder “Save the Cat” Award went to Into the Isaiasverse for its exceptional storytelling. Their unique narrative structure and well-crafted characters made this film a true standout in the competition.
Best Film Judge’s Choice – Spaced Out
For the Best Film Judge’s Choice, the judges couldn’t resist the captivating storytelling and cinematic brilliance of Spaced Out. This film won over the judges with its creative narrative and innovative filmmaking techniques.
Best Film Audience Choice – Spaced Out
And the Best Film Audience Choice award goes to… Spaced Out! This film took the audience by storm, and the votes are in—Spaced Out truly earned the title of Audience Favorite with its heartfelt and entertaining sci-fi story.
Watch the Films Now! 🎬
All the amazing films from the Moon Rocks Sci-Fi Short Film Competition are now available for you to watch on our Carson City Shorts YouTube Channel. Click the link below to enjoy all the creativity and talent that these filmmakers have to offer!
What an incredible night filled with talent, creativity, and unforgettable films! Thank you to everyone who participated and supported this event. We can’t wait to see what stories you all share next year!
Let’s keep the excitement going and continue celebrating the incredible storytellers in our community. Stay tuned for more updates, and we’ll see you at the next competition!
Check out some images below, but view the full album on our Facebook page!
