Winners Announced at the 9th annual Bonita Springs Short Film Festival

9th Annual Bonita Springs Short Film Festival Winners Announced
2024 Theme: “Laugh Out Loud Bonita

BONITA SPRINGS, Fla. (April 24, 2024)—The 9th annual Bonita Springs Short Film Festival concluded on Thursday, April 18th, amidst excitement and creativity at Prado Theater 12 in Bonita Springs. Twenty-three entries were submitted, and fourteen filmmakers took to the red carpet to showcase their cinematic talents and interpretations of the theme, “Laugh Out Loud Bonita.” Filmmakers were challenged to explore various avenues to evoke laughter and joy, resulting in diverse submissions across Southwest Florida. Sean Martinelli, NBC2, and Janeene Paulauskis, founder of the Fort Myers Beach Film Festival, were the master ceremonies.

This year’s festival winners represent a fusion of creativity, innovation, and storytelling.
Winners:
 Best Depiction of Bonita Springs: “Laughing Lops Love” by filmmaker Andrea Stetson

 Best Theme Interpretation: Oscar Pierpont Restored” by filmmaker Spence Ornes

 The Kathy McGrath Award for Best Under 18: “The Under Dog” by filmmaker Tyler Doyle

 Best Nonfiction of a Story: “Origami Pierpont Restored” by filmmaker Blanco Giancarlo

 The Henderson Franklin Award for Best Overall: Father Nose Best” by filmmaker Wendy White

 People’s Choice Award “Dine & Dash” by filmmaker Jair Lopez

The 2024 competition welcomed filmmakers of all backgrounds, ages, and experiences to share their stories on the grand silver screen, with submissions ranging from 1 to 10 minutes in duration. The festival extends its gratitude to its company sponsors, including Henderson Franklin Attorneys at Law, Bonita Print Shop, Chartreuse Cocktail Lounge, Bonita Springs Historical Society, Heaven Scent Flowers & Boutique, Bonita Video, Survey Café, Prado Theatre, and TLC Marketing & Creative Services; Inc.

Special thanks are also extended to the Friends of the Festival, including Connie & Steve McIntosh, Gary Price, John Jenkins, and Amy Quaremba.

This year, the festival announced the launch of its revamped website https://BonitaSpringsFilmFestival.org, which provides enhanced accessibility and information to attendees and enthusiasts.

Additionally, the festival recognized the “Best Dressed” attendee on the red carpet, sponsored by G’s Bridal, who received a $100 gift certificate.

Plans for the 10th Annual Bonita Springs Short Film Festival are underway, scheduled for Thursday, April 17, 2025. “It will be a magical evening,” said Trish Leonard, a Committee member. “We cannot thank Mark Clement and his staff at Prado Theater for supporting the grass-roots film festival from the beginning.”

For further details about the Film Festival, please visit BonitaSpringsFilmFestival.org or follow updates on the Bonita Springs Short Festival Facebook page.

Direct inquiries about the 10th-anniversary film submissions can be directed to Film Fest Executive Director Antonio Correia at antonio@bonitavideo.com.
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Media Contact
Trish Leonard, IOM
trish@trishleonard.com
239.398.9999
https://www.BonitaSpringsFilmfest.com