Ripley County Film Fest celebrates top locally-made movies

(OSGOOD, Ind.) – The Ripley County Community Foundation is sharing the best actors and movies from the recent Ripley County Film Fest. 

The four-day celebration allowed local filmmakers to showcase originally made movies at the Damm Theatre in Osgood and Gibson Theatre in Batesville. 

Here are the award recipients:

• Best Story Award: Knees in the Dust, written and directed by Joe Herbert, was honored for its compelling narrative and strong storytelling execution.

  
  

• Best Cinematography Award: Spare Me!, directed by Brady Domingo with Director of Photography, Walt Enneking, recognized for its exceptional visual storytelling and camera work.

  
  

• Best Acting Award: Shannon Gibbs received top honors for her performance as Hannah in Going Out, directed by Bonnie Weinzapfel.

  
  
  

  

  

• Best Special Effects Award: Ivan, directed by Tristan Bennett, was awarded for its effective use of visual effects to enhance the story.

  
  

• Best Overall Film: Balloons, directed by Isaiah Henderson, earning top honors for excellence across all aspects of filmmaking.

  
  

• People’s Choice Award: Balloons, directed by Isaiah Henderson, selected entirely by audience votes during the fest.

You can watch 'Balloons' by Isaiah Henderson here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qM2N8hbyKOM

48-Hour Film Challenge

Local filmmakers were given the opportunity to produce a film within two days during the Film Fest. 

It allowed people who were not yet ready to lead a project to join teams led by experienced filmmakers. 

Awards for the 48-Hour Film Challenge included:

• Best Overall: The Final Image, directed by Joe Herbert

• Best Use of a Line: Boo!, directed by Elijah Mills

• Best Use of a Prop: The Final Image, directed by Joe Herbert

• People’s Choice: Boo!, directed by Elijah Mills

The Ripley County Film Fest concluded with a filmmaker panel discussion moderated by Drew Urban, a film content creator and Digital Marketing Coordinator for the Indiana Youth Film Festival. 

All festival screenings were free and open to the public and were made possible by RCCF, Ivy Tech Foundation, The Napoleon State Bank, The Stitch in Time, and Daffodilly’s Flowers & Gifts. 

“The Film Fest is a celebration of creativity, collaboration, and community,” said Amy Streator, Executive Director of the Ripley County Community Foundation. “It is inspiring to see filmmakers of all ages share their stories while also bringing people together to experience the magic of our local theaters.”