From cute, short love stories to cannibalism to mini documentaries, Moorpark College’s Film, Television, and Media department really proved the amount of talent students have at “Premiere Fest.”

“Premiere Fest” was held on Monday, May 9 at 6 p.m. at the High Street Arts Center in Moorpark and the turnout was bigger than any of the previous events, according to Michael Grimes, professor and TV/radio production specialist at Moorpark College.

“It was really good to see the writing aspects, the acting aspects, and that the jokes got across to the audience,” said Grimes. “I got a really good energy from tonight.”

The festival started off with a screening of short films created by spring semester’s students and then followed by the premiere of “G.P.A Grade Point Abduction.”

Short films showcased at Monday’s festival included:

• “I love you” Producer: Tristin Davis Probert
• “Baby” Prodcuer: Olivia Redler
• “I was planning to commit suicide to garner the attention of my friends, but the one I told didn’t seem to care so I decided against it” Producer: Reece Oliver
• “Salvage” Producer: Jesse Young
• “Wtf Rizzles” Producer: Riley Barret
• “A Man’s Perspective” Producer: Taylor Thompson & Jacob Sturges
• “Honor Among Thieves” Producer: Kimberly Gonzalez
• “No Wings” Producer: Tyla Vlavianos
• “Operation Feather” Producer: Christina Regan
• “The Darkness Descends” Producer: Leslie-Anne Snipes
• “Hairspray: Behind the Scenes” Producer: Christina Regan
• “Odessa” Producer: Taylor Currie

Film festival co-producers James Hawe, 22-year-old film and television major, and Dax Rubish, 21-year-old film major, were very happy with the turnout.

“I can only be proud that I got people to show up to see these movies that students made,” said Hawe. “The thing about film students is we try to appreciate everybody’s work because when you have it in a big screen, it’s an insane feeling,” said Rubish.

The audience was packed with friends, faculty and family supporting the students and filled half the theater.

Bailey Ramirez, 18-year-old art major, played the lead role of Mackenzie in “G.P.A.” Although she comes from a solid four-year background in theater, she had never experienced film before. Ramirez recalls reading for the role of all the female characters, but having a strong connection with the role of Mackenzie and being really excited when she got the part.

“When I auditioned, I really just went for it,” said Ramirez. “I felt that my read was good and I felt that they really liked like me, so I was pretty confident”

It was a five week long process for Ramirez full of late night re-shoots and although it could get frustrating, she said she didn’t mind.

“What I liked was that I got to do acting over and over again if I didn’t like it the first time,” Ramirez said.

Ramirez’s co-star Tristin Probert, 20-year-old film major, played the lead role of Jake as well as one of the directors of “G.P.A” and the film “I love you.”

While Probert was nervous, yet excited, he believes that the event went really well and was more popular than anticipated.

“You have to really put yourself out there and sell yourself,” said Probert.

If want to catch “G.P.A” or any of the films from Monday’s film festival, click on the link below and be sure to keep an eye out for next year’s spring film!

youtube.com/moorparkcollegeftvm