Student-driven film ‘Waves’ wins best short film at Vienna Independent Film Festival
By d00519489
Created by Utah Tech University students and faculty, the film Waves recently won best short film at the Vienna Independent Film Festival. The film was written by Utah Tech assistant professor Hans Glasmann and brought to life by student producer Rylee Erickson along with a team of other Utah Tech students.
Following the grief journey of a man who is dealing with the loss of family, Waves is a narrative short film that showcases an important conversation about mental health as well as political issues. The film was written a little over two years ago and was recently brought to life by Glasmann and the students of the Utah Tech Digital Film Program.
“Rylee Erickson was pivotal to the whole film,” Glasmann said when asked about student impact. “She kept everyone in line, she kept us on time, got everyone scheduled and pulled together the crew.”
From start to finish, the students came together to bring the script to the big screen, eager to be a part of the film process. Students were involved in all aspects of the film creation, from producing to sound, directing, and editing, all to grow their knowledge and understanding of the filmmaking process.
“It lends itself to their own prestige and allows them easier opportunities when they are trying to get new positions,” Glasmann said.
Many students who participated on the project have since graduated and found themselves in successful careers in the film industry in and around Utah. Projects such as this one are a tremendous benefit for students to have in their portfolios, and the international recognition and award add to their credibility and the success of the Utah Tech Digital Film Program.
For those interested in viewing the award-winning short film, it will be played at the Desert Waves Film Festival in Las Vegas on Oct. 11.
For more information about Utah Tech’s Digital Film Program, visit film.utahtech.edu.