Hooray for independent filmmaking! The Aron Theatre Co-op was thrilled to host the second annual (and SOLD OUT) Small Town Shorts Film Festival on October 2nd. With music by The Bees Knees from Stirling, and participation from 8 local communities—Campbellford, Hastings, Norwood, Madoc, Marmora, Stirling, Tweed and Warkworth—the night was a roaring success. 

Audiences were treated to seventeen independent local films. Judges included Dorlene Lin, an award-winning producer, Tracey Starrett, movie buff and owner of Stirling Book Company and Polly Jean Vernon, a Props Master at TVOntario. They may have had the toughest night of all, but the jury did come through with some great choices for the night’s Scrappy Awards. Here are the wins:

12 & Under Category

• Jury Prize: Directors Sebastian Smith and Eloise Smith for Out Doors
• Audience Award: Directors Lillian, Brett, and Sandra Preston for Couch Potatoes: The Uncouching

13-17 Category

• Jury Prize and Audience Award: Director Ella Williams for Indigo

18-64 Category

• Jury Prize: Directors Frederica Tomas and Jim Mallabar (Utility Grade) for The Great Escape
• Audience Award: Director Graeme Peters for How to Find Your Keys

65+ Category

• Jury Prize: Director Mary-Elizabeth Stubbings for Trees
• Audience Award: Director Ron Marshall for (Honey Don't Make Me Go) Outside

Congratulations to all and thanks to the organizers! Keep an eye on the fest at  https://www.smalltownshortsfilmfest.ca/