Sun Prairie Cable Access hosted its Eight Annual Film Festival on August 23rd.  The event, which was held in the Sun Prairie Public Library Community Room and Cable Access studios, was created to provide a venue for showcasing local amateur video productions.  This year was even more special because SPCA-TV incorporated our Thirtieth Anniversary into the celebration!  Along with recognizing our local filmmakers we looked back at the past thirty years, recognizing all of our accomplishments. Frank Peot, long-time cable access supporter and volunteer spoke about the history of KIDS-4 while State Representative and Cable Access Telecommunications Commission Board Member Gary Hebl spoke about the future of Cable Access, stressing the importance it plays within the community. 

And now for the results!  The first place recipients are as follows: For the 8-9 year old category the first place recipient was Martin Berg for his video "The Adventures of Bob and John".  First place for the 10 year old category went to Katherin Valentine for her video "Interview with Warrior Cats".  For the 11-12 year old category the first place producer was Mark Sommer for his video "The Cha-Cha Slide Lego Style".  In the category for ages 13-15 the first place recipient was Calvin Berg for his film "The Squirrel Movie".  And in the Over 18 Category, the first place producer was Mark James for his film "Film Fest Promo".  The first place selection from each category will be entered in the statewide WAPC Annual Film Festival that is held in the spring of each year during the Wisconsin Association of PEG (public, educational, government) Access Channels Conference. 

Certificates of Achievement were presented to the following producers for their outstanding achievement and contribution to the 2008 SPCA-TV Film Festival:  Danielle James, David Witherill, Ryan Kruger, Sydney Thomas, Marena Wheatley, Erik James, Leighla Baney, Larrissa Lederman, Lizza Topi, Tony Kruger, Ben Yanke and Sandy Kintner.

The Film Festival included presentations, a viewing of the submitted videos, an awards ceremony and refreshments.  The master of ceremonies was WJJO disc jockey Blake Patton.  Blake also served as a presenter along with Frank Peot.  Volunteer Coordinator Karen Markstahler and SPCA-TV Executive Director, Pam Steitz delivered the welcome address.

The videos will be aired frequently on KSUN-12 and KIDS-4.  Check the cable access schedule printed in The Star, on both channels bulletin boards, and on our website for future airing times.  Thank you to everyone who helped us make this year's Film Festival a success by celebrating 30 years of making television!