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23rd Annual 'Fine Cut Festival of Films' Announces L.A. Student Winners in Advance of KCET's Broadcast of All Finalist Films in New Season Premiering Sept. 21

September 19, 2022
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KCET celebrated the work of regional student filmmakers on Sept. 15 at the 23rd annual "Fine Cut Festival of Films" held this year on the rooftop at The Montalbán Theatre in Hollywood. Four winning short films were announced and screened from local California film school students selected as finalists by an entertainment industry judging panel. Variety senior editor/KCRW "Screengrab" host Michael Schneider and senior entertainment writer Angelique Jackson took on the hosting and Award presenting responsibilities of the Awards. The event maintained COVID-19 safe protocols and was held in advance of KCET's Wednesday, Sept. 21 10 p.m. PT broadcast series premiere of the new season. Films will also be available for streaming at kcet.org/finecut and the PBS app.

UCLA's, Myra Aquino, director of the short film "Beauty Queen" was presented with The Jack Larson Southern California Student Filmmaker Award which recognized exceptional storytelling. Other winners included Cal Arts student Adam Musa Othman for his animated film "Horned Cook, Gola," University of Southern California (USC) film school student Kay Niuyue Zhang for her narrative film "Mother in the Mist" and USC's Afton Quast Saler for her documentary short film "Neurodivergent."

(Left to Right) USC's Afton Quast Saler, USC's Kay Niuyue Zhang, UCLA's Myra Aquino and Cal Arts student Adam Musa Othman accept their awards at KCET's "Fine Cut Festival of Films" at The Montalbán Theatre on Sept. 15, 2022. Photo courtesy of KCET.
(Left to Right) USC's Afton Quast Saler, USC's Kay Niuyue Zhang, UCLA's Myra Aquino and Cal Arts student Adam Musa Othman accept their awards at KCET's "Fine Cut Festival of Films" at The Montalbán Theatre on Sept. 15, 2022. Photo courtesy of KCET.

Each of the winning filmmakers received packages with prizes valued at up to $10,000 thanks to a variety of prize donors including The Camera Division, Keslow Camera, Final Draft, Backstage, New Filmmakers LA and the International Documentary Association. As well as the student films making their broadcast debut, this year all winners will have the unique opportunity to have their short films screened as part of a student showcase at Southern California's largest international cinema event, the 2022 Newport Beach Film Festival on Thursday, Oct. 20 from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Lot in Fashion Island.

Funding for "Fine Cut" is generously provided by The Bridges/Larson Foundation and the National Endowment for the Arts.

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