WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. — West Liberty University celebrated student creativity and filmmaking during its fourth annual 48-Hour Film Festival, culminating with a screening and awards ceremony Sunday, Sept. 6, at Waterfront Hall in downtown Wheeling.

Five teams from West Liberty University and two teams from River High School participated in this year’s competition. Filmmakers were challenged to create an original short film within 48 hours while incorporating randomly assigned elements, including a genre, line of dialogue, character and prop.

Participants, judges, sponsors, family members and friends gathered at Waterfront Hall to watch the completed films, hear feedback from judges and recognize this year’s award winners.

Balaram Nathani earned first place in the college category for his film, “Blanc et Noir.” His required elements included drama as the genre, the line “Here’s where it gets sticky,” a minor celebrity as the character and a CPR dummy as the prop.

WLU seniors Deuce Figaretti and Jamie Fowler took second place in the college category for “Ride or Die.” Their required elements included horror as the genre, the line “Some people call it crazy, I call it Tuesday,” an Uber driver as the character and a water fountain sign as the prop.

Several teams were also recognized with “Best Use Of” awards. Emma McFarland, Khristann Croston and Chelsea Folmar received Best Use of Genre for drama. Figaretti and Fowler earned Best Use of Character for their use of an Uber driver. Abby Adams and Aven McGuire received Best Use of Dialogue for “It’s probably easier than it looks,” while Jacob Philis, Hunter Hersey and Colin Veltri earned Best Use of Prop for their wolf chalice.

In the high school category, River High School student Hagen Headley took first place for his stop-motion animated film, “Radio Heist.” His required elements included silent film as the genre, the line “I wish I’d said that,” a mechanic as the character and a cassette player as the prop. The film also earned the Best Use of Genre award.

Grant Smith and Ava Emery placed second in the high school category with “Operation Save Connie” and also received the Best Use of Prop award. Their required elements included adventure film as the genre, the line “Don’t lose sight of the forest for the trees,” an inventor as the character and a classic doll as the prop.

“We had a wonderful event this year that showcased some true talent and grit from our West Liberty students and the students from River High School,” said Jared Thompson, Director of the 48-Hour Film Festival. “I’m incredibly proud of each of the teams and what they created. Putting together a short film in 48 hours is no easy feat, but they rose to the challenge and proved themselves in this competition.”

This year’s festival was sponsored by Mike Harvilla, Pete Holloway, Connie Thompson and West Liberty University, with additional support provided through a Community Partnership Grant from Wheeling Heritage.

The WLU 48-Hour Film Festival is held annually in September and is open to West Liberty University students and area high school students.

For more information or to view the winning entries, visit westliberty.edu/filmfest.

West Liberty University blends a small-town environment with a comprehensive college experience, fostering students’ aspirations through hands-on learning, personalized support, and unique academic programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels. To apply or learn more about West Liberty University, visit westliberty.edu.

Media Contact:
Rhone Thrash
West Liberty University
rhone.thrash@westliberty.edu