Joelle James

FILM FESTIVAL: A movie shot locally on weekends is named best feature.
The Press-Enterprise, September 15, 2003
By Joe Vargo

TEMECULA - A movie shot on weekends in Temecula won the award for best feature at the ninth annual Temecula Valley International Film and Music Festival, which wrapped Sunday after drawing a record audience.

Joelle James, 13, of Murrieta performs on Sunday, the final day of this year's Temecula Valley International Film and Music Festival at Tower Plaza. (Photo: Silvia Flores/The Press-Enterprise)

"Killing the Dream," the story about two dim-witted guys who want to break into the movie business, was chosen by a panel of filmmakers and industry professionals, a decision that left the winner stunned.

"I'm in shock," said Brian Dalton, 38, a graphics designer who shot the film in 2002 in Temecula and Burbank. "I'm thrilled, I'm thrilled. I'm never speechless, but I am in shock. Someone throw a blanket over me."

Dalton, who wrote, directed and was the movie's cinematographer, said he completed "Killing the Dream" for less than $50,000. As a result of winning the top award, the movie will screen at the Rome Independent Film Festival in February, which is a sister festival to Temecula.

"Oh my God," Dalton said when he learned his movie would be seen in Italy.

Jo Moulton, founder and director of the Temecula festival, said about 8,000 people viewed the 109 movies, which include animated, student, foreign, documentary and feature films. That's up slightly from last year, she said.

"We're growing," Moulton said. "Even Sunday was a busy day, and Sundays are usually quiet."

Moulton said a record 550 attended Saturday night's black-tie gala at which the festival's lifetime achievement awards were presented. Singer Etta James, one of the winners, delighted the crowd by performing a couple of numbers.

Adam Abel, who produced the film "Saints and Soldiers," said the audience gave his movie a "phenomenal response." The film, the story about a massacre of American prisoners during the Battle of the Bulge in World War II, screened three times to nearly full theaters. The audience named the movie best feature.

"It was great, a tremendous response," said Abel, who lives in Orem, Utah. I didn't know what to expect coming out here. It exceeded my expectations."

Barry Levy, a filmmaker from Vancouver, said he got a chance to see several movies each day in between plugging his film, "Spooks," the story of Canada's involvement in the Vietnam War. He found that the films he took in were better than at the other three festivals he has attended promoting his project.

"People seemed excited about this festival," Levy said. "I walked into shops and gave out fliers about the film. Even the cops took them. It's a good place to meet other filmmakers. I loved it."

Gian-Carlo Scandiuzzi said the Temecula audience asked him pointed questions during a give-and-take session after one screening of his movie, "Outpatient," a psychological thriller.

"They were sophisticated and they truly appreciated viewing movies," said Scandiuzzi, who lives in Seattle. "I had a fantastic time. Everybody involved in the festival knew what they were doing. I'm trying to think of something critical to say but I can't."

Other jury winners included:

"Box Man," best animated film. The film also was named best animated film by the audience.
"Die Curve," best short film.
"Faithful," best student film.
"In the Name of Love," best documentary film.

Other audience winners included:

"Sour Mix," best student film.
"Cowboys Up," best documentary film.
"Unfolding," best short film.

Music award winners include:

First place, Sterling, a band from Los Angeles. The group will receive a recording session package from the Fender Museum of Music and the Arts, valued at $10,000.
Second place, tie between Pain Killer and Deena Noroian, both of Los Angeles.
Third place, Ebin Barnett of Palm Springs.