Over the past month, budding Spielbergs have been spotted filming on the Metro, converting their apartments into crime scenes and making friends dress in ridiculous outfits in an attempt to capture the Best Film Award at the Shanghai Short Film Awards at the historic Xinguang Cinema on December 15.
Meiwenti Productions is organizing the eleventh edition of this contest that celebrates DIY filmmaking. Participants are given four weeks to submit an eight- to twelve-minute film related to the theme ‘One Night Stand.’
"The whole idea is to motivate people to learn about film and show them that the technology is here so everyone can participate in film," explains Meiwenti founder Juan Vargas.
"A lot of people want to make movies but they’re afraid of the quality and what people are going to think. The idea is to kick you in the ass to get off the sofa. If you’re having fun learning how to make a movie with friends, then you will do it."
Vargas epitomizes the festival's can-do spirit. Since moving to Shanghai a decade ago with no film experience, he's made two independent full-length films, 2006's 90 Days Visa and the upcoming Quakebeam – an experimental sci-fi-action-comedy with completely improvised dialogue.
Like many artists, Vargas’ motivation came from distaste. In this case, it was the Adam Sandler-starring dramedy Spanglish.
"That movie was so crap," he says. "I was outraged, especially because these movies get millions of dollars in funding. I called my friends and told them I wanted to do a movie."
Over 100 people were involved in the nine-month making of 90 Days Visa. During post-production of the film, Vargas created the Shanghai Short Film Contest to sustain the buzz that the film created.
"A lot of people that participated in the beginning have become professionals," Vargas says. "In a way, Meiwenti is like a trampoline where people realize they can do this and continue."
Submitted films have ranged from film noir to sarcastic, comedic takes on conventional Hollywood romance to stop motion. The best are screened at the awards show with a jury of industry professionals awarding Best Film, Second Best Film, Best Actor and Best Actress.
Attendees vote on the People’s Choice Award. Regardless of who wins, Vargas describes the party as one of the best in town. "It’s very sexy because girls dress nice, but since you’re seeing something on screen, it makes it very conducive to talking," he says.
// Dec 15, 3.30-6pm, RMB90-230. Xinguang Cinema, 586 Ningbo Lu, by Guangxi Bei Lu 宁波路586号, 近广西北路 (donjuanvargas.wix.com/meiwenti, meiwentiproductions@outlook.com)
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