“A MERRY MOVIE CHRISTMAS” RETURNS TO SOUTHERN UTAH

CLASSIC CHRISTMAS MOVIES AND LOCALLY MADE HOLIDAY INSPIRED SHORT FILMS SHOWCASED IN AN EFFORT TO RAISE MONEY FOR “DIXIE CARE AND SHARE” AND “THE HAPPY FACTORY”
Article by Adam Mast

You simply can’t beat this time of year. There’s something magical in the air. What is that “something”? While you can’t see it or touch it, you can definitely feel it. I’m referring, of course, to Christmas spirit. With the holidays right around the corner, The Hilton Garden Inn and Southern Utah based film-makers want to help bring a little joy to those who need it.

The 4th annual “Merry Movie Christmas” event will feature a triple feature of classic yuletide gems (programmers aren’t  revealing the titles just yet but they promise cinematic holiday cheer for folks of all ages), but the centerpiece of this magical evening will be “The Holiday Edition of the Guerilla Shorts Showcase”–A collection of Christmas-inspired short films put together by a handful of passionate (and talented) individuals from right here in Southern Utah.

“MCGUFFIN SAVES CHRISTMAS” directed by Lonie Black and Brandon Tippetts

This action extravaganza from the minds of Lonie Black and Brandon Tippetts serves as both a creative parody of action movies and a loving tribute to Guerilla film-makers.

“THE NUTCRACKER BEFORE CHRISTMAS” directed by John Pugh

The less you about this one going in, the better. Let’s just say that this is one Nutcracker you don’t want to mess with!

“A VERY MERRY DETOUR” directed by Shane Hecksel

This stop motion animated gem from 14 year old Shane Hecksel, finds Mr. and Mrs. Claus on a road trip, reminiscing about the past.

“THE MAGI” directed by Mike Wiest

This heartfelt music video represents the spirit of giving at its most pure.

“A LITTLE CHRISTMAS WISH” directed by Christian Navarrete

This holiday charmer revolves around a young boy, a woman who’s husband has gone missing, a fantastical secret, and, of course, the spirit of Christmas.

“A VERY JERRY CHRISTMAS” directed by Kipp Howard

Jerry is having a really bad day. On the brighter side of things, he really only wants one thing for Christmas and with any luck, he just might get it.

“THINGS I TAKE WITH ME” directed by Jeff Sanders

This heartbreaking holiday reality check follows a boy (beautifully played by Corbin Navarrete) as he consorts with a handful of random individuals on one episodic Christmas Eve.

“CHRISTMAS ROULETTE” directed by Kreigh Carter

Your favorite Christmas characters come together for a holiday dinner but their pleasantries are in danger of being thwarted by someone with a hidden agenda.

“JOGGERNAUT 3: DECK THE HALLS” directed by Dan Fowlks

Cathy Ford and Melanie Camire have a brutal rematch in a sequel so epic, that Part 2 was skipped all together.

“SANTA’S LITTLE HELPER” directed by Adam Mast

As he makes his final stop on Christmas Eve, Santa Claus is all smiles  in this new take on a familiar legend.

CHRISTMAS MOVIE SPOTLIGHT

“TUNNEL” directed by Ben Zufelt

“Tunnel” is the story of James (played by Dan Fowlks), a young husband and father who’s life has started to crumble around him.  With Christmas just around the corner, James is forced to come to terms with his situation when his wife, Anna (played by Melanie Camire), confronts him about the secret he’s been hiding.

“AUSTIN’S CHRISTMAS WISH” directed by Ryan Norton

In this powerful short, a young boy experiences the true meaning of Christmas through an unexpected tragedy. Starring a soul searching James Royce Edwards, an angelic Sharee Rene Wise, and a wonderfully gifted Cadence Edwards, this gem from Ryan Norton, Dan Fowlks,  Bernadette Brady, Ben Zufelt, and Darren Chase should come with a “bring your Kleenex” warning.