The envelope, please! It was a tough competition, but the film determined by a jury of seven to be the Grand Prize Winner of the 2005 PlanetOut Short Movie Awards is (drumroll, please) ... "PROM-troversy."
In addition to the $10,000 grand prize, "PROM-troversy" will be screened this April at the prestigious Miami Gay and Lesbian Film Festival. Produced by POWER UP and directed by Leanna Creel, the hilarious mockumentary-style film centers around the obstacles lesbian high school student Cassie Stephenson must overcome in order to take a chick to the prom.
In addition to the grand prize, five first prize awards were presented in each category: "Feltch Sanders," comedy; "Irene Williams: Queen of Lincoln Road," documentary; "Listen," animation; "Starcrossed," drama; and "Solitude," experimental.
"We were thrilled by the caliber and range of this year's entries," said PlanetOut Editor-in-Chief Beth Callaghan. "They're a real eclectic mix that highlights the exciting direction that gay films are taking."
Lisa Thrasher, executive vice president of film production and distribution for POWER UP, said, "Naturally, we are thrilled that 'PROM-troversy' has won the PlanetOut Grand Prize Award, which will make a four-year winning streak for POWER UP.
"PROM-troversy's appeal is to be attributed to everyone -- cast and crew -- who contributed tremendously to bring into action its delightful script, written by Melanie Aswell."
Watch the films!
 GRAND PRIZE: "PROM-troversy"
Director: Leanna Creel
It's prom season again in Sherman Valley, Ohio, and prelude to the biggest night on the town's social calendar. But this year, something's different. Cassie Stephenson, the local high school's only known lesbian student, will be attending the prom -- and wants to run for prom king. |
 First prize, Comedy: "Feltch Sanders"
Director: Abe Sylvia
Straight out of the disco era come Feltch Sanders and sidekick Blossom, putting a gay twist on crime solving as they go on the hunt for a lost WeHo rent boy. |
 First prize, Documentary: "Irene Williams: Queen of Lincoln Road"
Director: Eric Smith
Story of a gay man who meets an old eccentric woman in South Beach, the friendship they forge and the wisdom she imparts. |
 First prize, Animation: "Listen"
Director: Susan Justin
A woman comes out to her mother. |
 First prize, Drama: "Star-crossed"
Director: James Burkhammer
Darren and Connor are two star-crossed lovers bound together by blood. Set in a suburban neighborhood, "Star-crossed" is an atmospheric story of two brothers whose relationship develops into something more than society could handle. |
 First prize, Experimental: "Solitude"
Director: Jesus M. Rodriguez
A journey through the fantasies and nightmares of a lonely man. |
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