Wright State student films debuted at Big Lens Festival

The Big Lens Festival, a film festival showcasing the prowess of those involved in the Wright State University Motion Pictures program, came to the Neon on Thursday, Aug. 22. Big Lens was part of a larger festival called FilmDayton that continued through the weekend.

All the films shown were the work of Wright State students working to complete their degrees, including Ashley Brandon, a senior motion pictures major that created the film “Punches and Pedicures” with partner Dennis Hohne.

According to FilmDayton, the film is a documentary about Vietnamese immigrant Victor Pham, who opens up a nail salon in Defiance, Ohio to escape gang activity in California. In order to give back to the community and to keep kids from following the same path, he opens up the nail salon for mixed martial arts training after hours.

“Big Lens is a film festival that’s just for Wright State’s film program,” said Brandon. “It’s usually a thesis project done by juniors and seniors.”

Brandon said that the exclusive treatment for the films makes a good opportunity to get acquainted with the festival setting.

“It’s not as picky or as choosy as other festivals, it’s kind of a good beginning,” said Brandon. “Big Lens is just like a practice for us. There’s a great Q&A that puts the filmmakers on the spot and gets us used to the pressure we’re going to feel one day.”

Despite the festival being “practice,” Brandon said she was nervous.

“We don’t know how people will take these films,” Brandon said prior to the festival. “And that’s very scary.”

“It’s just exciting to finally have an audience see your work especially when you’ve put your blood, sweat and tears into your film,” said Brandon.

In addition to Brandon and Hohne’s “Punches and Pedicures”,  “Anomaly” by John Swansiger, “Before We Go” by Bryan McClurg, “Ember” by Maggie Price, “Painted Lady” by Brittany A. Shyne and “Punk Girl” by Megan Hague were also shown at the festival.