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Summaries and analyses of the finalists in the Rappahannock Independent Film Festival

Date published: 9/18/2008

After hours of viewing, judges for the Rappahannock Independent Film Festival narrowed down the field to three finalists for each of the three categories in the festival's film-short competition.

Winners will be announced Sunday at 1 p.m. at The Third Floor.

Here are the finalists, as seen by one of the judges:

BEST STUDENT FILM

"419: The Nigerian Scam"

(Directed by Sorin Mihalovichi; run time: 20 mins.)

This narrative about a young professional who finds himself sucked into the world of the so-called Nigerian Scam is slightly cheesy when it comes to the actual acting, but nothing near the atrocity of health-class videos from the 1980s.

The premise comes from an actual elaborate hoax, usually originating with tantalizing e-mails that promise top-dollar rewards for assistance with money transfers.

"419" isn't your typical artsy indie film--it is conventionally shot and produced in a way easily identifiable by the average moviegoer as well done.

Showing: tonight, 4:30 p.m., and Saturday, 2 p.m.

"The Lost Game"

(Directed by Asad and Shefa Moten; run time: 6 mins.)

Short but potent, "The Lost Game" is surely one of the festival highlights.

This narrative is told not only through the subtle actions and movements of its characters, but through the soccer game heard over a radio throughout. For the most part, it forgoes dialogue to preserve the tense atmosphere.

Showing: tonight, 11 p.m., and Saturday, 2:25 p.m.

"Star Bourn"

(Directed by Robert Gregson; run time: 14 mins.)

A perfectly ordinary set of parents are quite together in their normality, until a car wreck sends their daughter into extremely disturbing reclusive patterns. Though she does not seem to be causing any harm to herself or anyone else, she develops a fixation on collecting and cultivating a miniature forest of potted plants in her bedroom.

While the viewer still will not quite "get it" at the conclusion of the film, "Star Bourn" certainly is food for thought. Slightly avant-garde in presentation--and concept, for that matter--it is one of the most innovative films in the festival.

Showing: tonight, 10:40 p.m., and Saturday, 2:40 p.m.

Best Use of Theme ('Portraits')

"Who Am I?"

(Directed by Ien Chi; run time: 5 mins.)

ABOUT THE FESTIVAL The Rappahannock Independent Film Festival takes place tonight through Sunday at locations throughout downtown Fredericksburg. All of the screenings mentioned in the article will take place at The Third Floor, 810 Caroline St. Student "full festival" tickets, which include admittance to all the screenings, cost $15. Single-day tickets range from $10 to $20. For complete festival information and schedule, visit rifilmfestival .com.

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Date published: 9/18/2008