Cannes Do!

Congratulations to Dixie State College students Bobby Bowden and Ben Braten. The two aspiring filmmakers had their short film, “Through the Lens,” accepted into the 2008 Cannes Film Festival. The 61st edition of that annual event will take place on the French Riviera May 14-25.
Bowden and Braten’s piece will be screened in Cannes’ Short Film Corner category. While it will not be eligible for awards, it will be shown to the festival audiences, who include movie distributors, studios executives and other filmmakers.
Murray resident Bowden said the festival acceptance was “the best feeling I’ve ever had in my life with film,” and added that the trip could help “legitimize” the fledgling Dixie college filmmaking program.
“Something in our film appealed to someone and I can’t believe that we have an opportunity to go,” said Bloomington native Braten. “I’m very excited that Utah will be highlighted, because I think it’s such a great place to film, and we get to show the amazing scenery found 15 minutes from our backyard.”
“Through the Lens” looks at a young boy, who sees his future through the lens of a movie camera. The short, which runs less than two minutes, was shot in southern Utah’s red rock area.
Bowden and Braten are no strangers to film festivals and other competitions. The two won the Utah Film Commission (UFC) ”Spot On” commercial competition last year, which netted them a check for $1,500, as well as all-access pass to the 2008 Sundance Film Festival.
In the meantime, the college is trying to raise funds to help Bowden and Braten pay for the France trip. Those interested in contributing should contact Dixie State College professor Eric Young at 435-652-7801, or at young@dixie.edu.