Published: July 14, 2008 11:23 pm      

Credits roll on film & wine festival

The third annual Johnstown Film & Wine Festival ended Saturday with about 250 people enjoying nice weather, fine wine and a variety of films submitted to this year’s event.

“We were delighted, and I think the most exciting thing is that the quality of the films is going up and we are seeing more local submission,” said Shelley Johannson, marketing manager for Johnstown Area Heritage Association, festival sponsor.

“It means good things for the festival and that people are interested in film.”

First place honors went to Brad Grimm of Moon Township, Allegheny County, for “Destroy Jonah Hill.” Second place went to Jason and Luke Oppliger of Cincinnati for their movie, “Oscar Wilde Can Keep His Quotes.” Third was awarded to Kevin Stock, Josh Stock and Luke Harteis of Ebensburg for “Paper Tiger: Remember the Dojo.”

“All three winners were in attendance, and it was wonderful to have them there,” Johannson said. “The filmmakers are able to meet each other and the audience was able to talk to them.”

A total of 40 films were entered into this year’s festival.

A highlight of the evening was the “Viewer’s Choice Award,” which is determined by audience secret ballot at the conclusion of the festival. For the second year in a row, Kevin Stock received the honor.

“I could tell the audience enjoyed (Stock’s) film the most. It’s very funny,” Johannson said.

Kevin Stock also received the “Johnstown Award,” which is new this year and given to the highest ranked movie by a filmmaker who lives within 50 miles of Johnstown, filmed in Johnstown or is about the Flood City.

Kevin Stock said he has participated in the festival since its inception and that it’s great to win three awards for one film.

“It’s a good festival to showcase local talent that otherwise wouldn’t have a public viewing,” he said. “It’s nice to get the support from the audience and participate in a hometown festival.”

Kevin Stock has been involved in filmmaking for five years and is working on his master’s of fine arts at Ohio University. He plans to stay in Pennsylvania and continue making films.

A complete screening schedule, including stills of the movies and information on the filmmakers, can be viewed at the festival’s Web site, johnstownfilmfest.org.