The Ryan Film Institute announces winners of the Student Short Film Fest, held at Shepherd University’s Knutti Hall on Thursday, Aug. 18. A pizza party for students, family and friends kicked off the reception during which projects from recent workshops were shown. (submitted)

The Ryan Film Institute announces winners of the Student Short Film Fest, held at Shepherd University’s Knutti Hall on Thursday, Aug. 18. A pizza party for students, family and friends kicked off the reception during which projects from recent workshops were shown.

The 5th Annual Student Short Film Fest and People’s Choice Awards showcased student projects from three summer workshops: “Creating TV Commercials,” “Introduction to Short Films” and “Comprehensive Short Films & Documentaries.” Students also completed a film challenge inspired by the song, “Stormy Weather.”

Shepherd University hosted Ryan Film Institute’s summer workshops in 2011, for which President and Founder, Katherine Walsh Ryan is very grateful.

“We thank Shepherd University for its interest in supporting Arts programs unique to the Eastern Panhandle. Workshop space made it possible for students of Ryan Film Institute to work on green screen commercials, narrative short films and documentaries,” Ryan said in a press release. “Students and instructors went on location in the Eastern Panhandle to shoot their short films and documentaries, featuring plot and character development and local topics of interest. Students used their hands-on technical training in using lights, audio and video cameras. Their projects ranged from conservation documentaries to narrative short films.”

A popular part of the Student Short Film Fest is the People’s Choice Awards when the audience has an opportunity to vote for the best in multiple categories. Some of this year’s local winners include:

Best Director of Photography: Elliott Ryan (Pupperoni), Jefferson High School

Best Editor: Elliott Ryan (Fridge & Freeze), Jefferson High School

Best Director of Photography: Elliott Ryan (Freshwater Institute), Jefferson High School