Entertainment
Houston Comedy Film Festival 2024 Recap
The Houston Comedy Film Festival Fall 2024 was a resounding success, attracting filmmakers and comedy enthusiasts worldwide for its 15th consecutive year. The event showcased an impressive array of comedic films, provided valuable networking opportunities, and celebrated excellence across various sub-genres.
Credit: D-Shot Productions | Fall 2024 Houston Comedy Film Festival
The festival kicked off with an engaging acting workshop that set the tone for the days to come. Participants were treated to a hilarious skit performed by festival winners, demonstrating the exceptional talent present. This interactive start energized attendees and created a lively atmosphere that persisted throughout the festival.
Credit: D-Shot Productions
Notable highlights included inspiring sessions, such as The Newbie Film Academy led by industry veteran Joan Montreuil. Joan captivated the audience with her inspiring journey in the film world, sharing personal anecdotes and hard-earned wisdom. Her insights into the often-complex film distribution process were particularly valuable, offering aspiring filmmakers a roadmap to navigate this crucial aspect of the industry.
DD’s Showbiz and The now offering curriculum for filmmakers with the Houston Comedy Film Festival and Bolanle Media
Delores from DD’s Showbiz conducted an interactive workshop that proved to be both educational and entertaining. Participants gained hands-on experience in various aspects of filmmaking, from scriptwriting to directing. This practical approach allowed attendees to learn directly from an industry professional, enhancing their skills and understanding of the craft.
Festival Winner Hannah Rose Vernot and Director Roselyn Omaka
The festival celebrated excellence across a wide range of comedy sub-genres, with notable winners including:
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Best Animated Comedy Film: “Truth Detector” by William Reliford (Nebraska)
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Best Comedy Feature Screenplay: “The Revenge Plan” by Theresa Marie Romaniec (North Carolina)
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Best Comedy Film: “French Anglais: Escape Deux Sudbury” by Joel Edmiston & Conrad Osei-Bonsu (Canada)
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Best Comedy Micro Film: “ChatGPT Boy Meets Girl” by Simeon Williams (Texas)
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Best Comedy Series Episode: “Feet On The Street with Alyssa Poteet” by Jessie Sanchez (California)
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Best Comedy Short Screenplay: “The Paranormal Prankster: Casefile 002 – Probing Aliens” by Sean Whitley (Texas)
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Best Comedy Teleplay: “Summer’s Holes” by Emily Hyde (Florida)
Credit: D-Shot Productions
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Best Dark Comedy Feature Screenplay: “The Infinity Thieves” by TK Sheffield (Wisconsin)
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Best Dark Comedy Film: “Hitch Hiking Is Safe” by Ylia Trotter (Australia)
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Best Dark Comedy Micro Film: “A Bit Much” by Youssef Mutawe (Canada)
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Best Dark Comedy Screenplay: “Bloodbath And Berets (South Park Spec)” by Elizabeth Crane (Florida)
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Best Director: “God Be With Us,” directed by JaNarie Rhambo (California)
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Best Horror Comedy Film: “Sock It To Me,” directed by Joelle Marie Velez and Peter Anthony Castillo (Illinois)
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Best Horror Comedy Screenplay: “Another Night at Beaver’s,” written by Jeremy Sumrall (Texas)
Joell Edminson and Ben S- Festival Winners for ‘French Anglais: Escape Deux Sudbury’
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Best Mockumentary Film: “Profiles Of Remarkable Neophytes,” directed by Gavin Michael Booth (California)
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Best Mockumentary Micro Film: “Cinching Saddles,” directed by Kevin Sengara and Aman Pannu (Canada)
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Best Picture Award: “Enjoy Your Evening,” directed by Justin Norman (Iowa)
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Best Proof of Concept Award: “Up To Par,” directed by Daryl Gil and Kentrell Newton (California)
Festival Winner Emily Hyde and Director Roselyn Omaka
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Best Romantic Comedy Feature Screenplay: “MIC CHECK; KARAOKE LOVE,” written by Gregory Bonds (California)
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Best Romantic Comedy Film: “The Worst Best Man Ever,” directed by David M Weilert (New York)
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Best Romantic Comedy Micro Film: “The Trade,” directed by Ren Olivieri and David Kalinauskas (Canada)
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Best Romantic Comedy Short Screenplay: “Try A Waffle Cone,” written by Miachel Pruett (Texas)
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Best Screenplay Award Winner: “Ramp Rats,” written by Tom Renville (Texas)
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Best Sketch Comedy Film: “Joan & Samuel: A Tale of Gaslighting and Independence,” directed by Karissa McKinny (California)
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Best Stand-Up Comedy Video: “I Love Watching Movies But Hate When The Titles Are So Misleading!” directed by Jonathan Yates (North Carolina)
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Best Teleplay Award Winner: “Stocktonian Exchange – Kill Your Spirits,” written by Hannah Rose Vernot (California)
Filmmaker Kris Adams and DD’s Showbiz owner Deloris
Bolanle Media’s presence at the festival provided a valuable resource for attendees, offering access to industry connections and potential distribution channels. As a new media company sparking buzz within the filmmaking world, Bolanle Media focuses on generating excitement through social media and press interviews with filmmakers, directors, screenwriters and behind-the-scenes crew members. Their innovative marketing strategies help amplify voices in the industry, ensuring that emerging talents gain recognition without needing to relocate to Hollywood.
Credit: D-Shot Productions | Screenwriter Tom Renville and Director Roselyn Omaka
This partnership with Bolanle Media enhanced the festival experience, particularly for filmmakers looking to break into the industry. The event’s success was further evidenced by the diverse range of countries represented, including Canada, Australia, and various states across the US. This international flavor contributed to a rich exchange of ideas and cultural perspectives in comedy filmmaking.
Overall, the Houston Comedy Film Festival Fall 2024 proved to be more than just a screening event. It served as a vibrant hub for comedy in all its forms, from slapstick to dark humor, providing a platform for both emerging talents and established names in the industry. The festival’s commitment to fostering creativity, facilitating networking, and recognizing excellence has solidified its position as a key event in the comedy film calendar.
Credit: D-Shot Productions
The festival’s ability to bring together industry professionals, filmmakers, and comedy enthusiasts from around the globe has made it a standout event in the entertainment industry. As the Houston Comedy Film Festival continues to grow and evolve, it remains a premier platform for showcasing comedic talent and promoting innovative storytelling.
Credit: D-Shot Productions
With its impressive lineup of films, engaging workshops, and valuable networking opportunities, the Houston Comedy Film Festival Fall 2024 has set the bar high for future events. As the comedy film community looks forward to next year’s festival, one thing is certain – the Houston Comedy Film Festival will continue to be a driving force in promoting comedic excellence and celebrating the art of comedy filmmaking.
Author: Bolanle Media Staff