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Contest News

Virginia Film Office Announces Competition Winners & Finalists

WINNERS:

THE MESSENGER
Mr. M. Charles McBee
Richmond


The politics of money and the misuse of it through soft money contributions are the compelling catalyst for “The Messenger.” A young diplomat receives a mysterious e-mail about exposing the hidden evil in an Israeli agreement involving Jerusalem and the Holy sites she has been working on. She finds herself embroiled in a dangerous conspiracy that began years ago at a New England prep school that involves the current president, the Senate majority leader, a presidential aide, and an archbishop of the Catholic Church.

TANGIER
Mr. T.K. Ellmore
Blacksburg


Henry Bell is drifting in life and away from his gifts. When the death of his namesake takes him back to his mother's birthplace, the remote Tangier island, he finds himself caught up in a way of life that had seen little change for three hundred years, in a place where his talent for painting is reawakened with the Tidewater sunrises. When a no-nonsense island woman enters the currents of his life, other feelings surface, but it is the people of Tangier -- their work, their unique ways and speech -- who set a new course for Henry Bell, whether he wants it or not!

SEARCHING FOR FATHER
Ms. Jacqualine G. Couch
Richmond


After the murder of her mother, a young woman, with the help of two friends, embarks on a crusade to discover the true identity of her father. A young man befriends the trio and bad things start to happen -- her house burns, her best friend disappears, and her boyfriend is attacked, then kidnapped from the hospital. To stop the nightmare, she joins forces with three senior citizens and discovers the meaning of family.

FINALISTS:

ASSISTED LIVING
Mr. Paul Wagner & Mr. Karl Ackerman
Charlottesville


“Assisted Living” tells the comic tale of James Flood, a 72 year-old bank robber, whose son puts him in an assisted living retirement community. It could be a bitter end for a bitter old man, but James transforms himself into a modern-day Robin Hood, leading a gang of grey-haired merry men as they steal back their lives. His final challenge is to steal back his own life, winning over the person whose love he most needs – his son.

CONVENTIONAL WISDOM
Mr. Peter Ryan
Charlottesville


“Conventional Wisdom” is the story of Edmund Randolph and his role in the writing and ratification of the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights. A largely overlooked figure, Randolph was a governor of Virginia who actually proposed the plan which ultimately became the Constitution. However, due to various changes in the document and his relationship with his father, Randolph was one of only a few delegates not to sign the Constitution. Ultimately, Patrick Henry questioned his motive and integrity and Randolph challenged him to a duel.

FLAGRANT FOULS
Mr. David Rachels and Mr. Kurt Ayau
Lexington


This wacky comedy is about a group of college professors whose main ambition is to win the faculty basketball championships. As the stakes rise and they become more desperate to triumph, they are driven to greater lengths to win the coveted prize.

LAST WALTZ AT ROSEWELL
Mr. Earl Simpson
Wake


This is an alternative history in which the South won the War. In the 1930's, close bonds develop between the Confederacy and Germany. Our heroine works to sever those bonds and her actions lead to disaster.

PREP
Mr. Rob Sherwood
Washington


When Kevin O’Rourke, a “townie” high school football and ice hockey star, arrives for his first day at the elite local prep school, Brighton Academy, he does not know he is facing the trial of his life. He seeks acceptance from The Committee, a ruthless group of powerful preppy seniors and must pass several initiations they have designed to manipulate his athletic prowess for their personal gain. Kevin must ultimately confront his personal corruption, and find a way to triumph in the big game and secure a hold on his future.

SASHA SAYS
Mr. Daniel Louie
Arlington


"Sasha Says" is a dark and haunting fantasy tale about the fate and rivalry of two brothers, both oppressed by their domineering mother. One day Cyrus rescues a mysterious mute girl named Sasha and falls in love with her, awakening a desire he never knew existed. Just as Sasha begins to return his feelings, Cyrus' younger, better-looking, and more talented brother Lucien returns, igniting Cyrus's slow descent into madness and plunging all three headlong into destruction.

A SPELL ON YOU
Mr. Alan T. Williamson
Bon Air


"A Spell on You" is a romantic comedy between Lyle, an immature reporter for a sleazy tabloid journal, and Traina, an ultra-serious hard news network anchor woman.

TO THE MOON
Ms. Mary E. Fantucchio
Arlington


After fighting with General Washington in the American Revolution, two returning soldiers build a ship using a unique fuel to take them to the moon. They land instead in present day Arlington, Virginia -- the spot they left. After being arrested and sent first to jail and then to a mental hospital, they emerge to blend into present day society as best they can. In the process their unique fuel source is stolen. Resigned to remaining in the 21st century, they help the FBI capture the fuel thieves, locate their descendents, work with NASA on the Mars program, and forge ahead to make new lives for themselves.

VIRGINIA’S FINEST
Mr. Charles L. Hayes
Radford


It's 1933, the tail end of Prohibition in the Virginia mountains and Jimmy Joe Johnson, eleven, would be in the fifth grade--except he never goes to school. He lives with his father Earl, a bankrupt lawyer, who, along with his half-brother, Jubilee Jones, makes whiskey for a living. While making a delivery to "Miss Edna's," Earl is shot by a rival gang and is forced to recover in Richmond. Earl and Edna are locked up by a corrupt policeman and Jimmy Joe flees to the mountains where he is pursued by a gang of outlandish outlaws. Prohibition is repealed just in time for Earl to open a legitimate distillery with a wealthy congressman -- and to marry Miss Edna.

Updated: 04/12/2001

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