By Jack Reaney and Fischer Genau
Big Sky’s annual short film festival, the Big Sky Winter Shootout, brought dozens of exuberant community members to The Waypoint on Thursday night for local films depicting mountain town culture.
A collection of films and photographer submissions entertained more than 240 attendees across three sold-out showings. Shootout co-founder and local cinematographer Chris Kamman wowed the audience with “A Little Imagination”, bringing childlike wonder to life with post-production tricks to create a stop-motion effect in a tribute film to event founders Scott and Sally Fisher. Kamman won the People’s Choice award for best film, and event producer Erik Morrison surprised him with a poster commemorating his 2014 submission, “Higher Love.”
In celebration of 10 years, Morrison emphasized the importance of keeping the event alive and encouraged audience members to create and submit fearlessly in years to come. He recognized filmmakers and photographers who have submitted year after year, including Ethan Schumacher whose real-estate-spoofing film “Shacktastic” drew hoots and hollers from the audience. Morrison shouted out several first-time entrants as well.
The event was dedicated in memory of Terry Stebbins, whose Big Sky parody songs have been the soundtrack of many Shootout films—and the soundtrack of many Big Sky residents’ lives, Morrison said.
One of those Stebbins-soundtracked films, “Big Sky Got Base” by Double Duch productions, served as the rousing finale to the event as local actors Heather Rapp and Alison Adams made a music video for Stebbins’ parody of the ‘90s hip hop track, “Baby Got Back.”
After the final showing, the audience celebrated award winners including Sean Mackinson, who won the People’s Choice award for best photographer, then kicked off a prom-themed dance party with DJs Nat Jio and Take-a-Chance.
With a special 10-year flavor, it was another night of gratitude between event producers and enthusiastic attendees, and celebration of Big Sky’s core local community.
