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Press Release

October 1, 2023

Access Media Center

 

FusionFest Announces the 2023 MYgration Film Competition Winners

Orlando, Florida – FusionFest MYgration Film Competition is an incredible opportunity for filmmakers and subjects to come together and share stories of migration, perspectives, and cultural intertwining. The popular annual competition seeks to capture the stories of Central Floridians from around the world in short five-minute documentary films. There are two main ways for individuals to creatively engage, as a Filmmaker (with a passion for storytelling and wish to capture the essence of the MYgration journey) or as a Subject (allowing a filmmaker to portray their experiences on film). The MYgration Film Screening and Awards Presentation took place on October 1, 2023, at Enzian Theatre in Maitland, Florida. The following awards were given:

  • Grand Prize - $1000 - SEE ME AS THEY DO - FusionFest Super Stars: Justine Francisco/Filmmaker: Tristan Ortiz

  • Second Place - $200 - ANGLO ITALIAN FusionFest Super Star: Gaby West/ Filmmaker: Betty Su

  • Third Place - $100 - BONDED BY PURPOSE FusionFest Super Star: Anna Byrnes/Filmmaker: Filmmaker: Jorge Gutierrez

  • Student Prize $200 - ANGLO ITALIAN FusionFest Super Star: Gaby West/ Filmmaker: Betty Su

  • Audience Choice - CHASING DREAMS FusionFest Super Star: Era Ghali/Filmmaker: Bhavana Banala

The third Monday of each month (from December – August) join the Digital watch party featuring two films and their filmmakers. https://www.youtube.com/@FusionFestOrlando. To close out the film season, all the films will be showcased on The OUC/Massey Stage during the 6th Annual FusionFest, a free multicultural arts festival to be on November 25 and 26 at Dr. Phillps Center for the Performing Art’s Senff Arts Plaza in downtown Orlando, Florida.


"I couldn't be prouder of all the artists showcasing their incredible talent and boundless passion at this event. It's truly inspiring to witness the depth of creativity on display. Equally commendable are the participants who have generously shared their compelling stories, adding a profound layer of meaning to this gathering. Thank you all for making this event a remarkable celebration of artistry and storytelling"

Lori Turchin, long-time Curator of the MYgration Film Festival

 

"I am thrilled to see the incredible talent and diverse stories that the MYgration Film Competition continues to bring to our community. These films capture the essence of migration, diversity, and cultural exchange, reflecting the spirit of FusionFest. Congratulations to all the filmmakers and subjects who shared their journeys and perspectives."

Terry Olson of the Orange County Office of Arts & Cultural Affairs 

 

About

FusionFest Inc. is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with the mission to celebrate the people and the many different cultures that make Central Florida awesome by showcasing talents, sharing stories, driving innovation, and building community based on respect and understanding. FusionFest is a project of the Orange County Office of Arts & Cultural Affairs. www.fusionfest.org

 

Complete List of 2023 MYgration Films

  • A BLESS LIFE - FusionFest Super Star:  Samir Fyiki/Filmmaker:   Juan David Tena

  • WHERE FLOWERS BLOOM - FusionFest Super Stars:  Trib & Jasmin Persaud/Filmmaker:  Joshua Thomas

  • TALOFA - FusionFest Super Star:  Patrick ‘ETU’ Wah-Wang /Filmmaker:  Mauricio Mejia Chang

  • CHASING DREAMS - FusionFest Super Star:   Era Ghali/Filmmaker:  Bhavana Banala

  • PASSION & PRIDE - FusionFest Super Star:  Gabriella Rodriguez/Filmmaker:  Benjamin Mack-Jackson

  • MIRAGE - FusionFest Super Star:  Zach Moldof/Filmmaker:  Corey Marr

  • GENKE GANBARE - FusionFest Super Star Amy Akamine /Filmmaker:  Matt Wohl

  • SEE ME AS THEY DO - FusionFest Super Stars:   Justine Francisco/Filmmaker:  Tristan Ortiz

  • ANGLO ITALIAN - FusionFest Super Star:   Gaby West/ Filmmaker:  Betty Su

  • BONDED BY PURPOSE - FusionFest Super Star:   Anna Byrnes/Filmmaker:  Filmmaker:Jorge Gutierrez

  • HANS-PETER - FusionFest Super Star:   Hans-Peter Nkansah/Filmmaker:  Emilie Namphengsone

 

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Contact: Paula Wyatt Paula@AnythingisPoshAble.com - 321 946 6565

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