The student-made short documentary, “Running for Hope,” won the Audience Choice Award in the LDS Film Festival on Saturday, Mar. 2. The film, which first premiered Monday, Dec. 3 at SUU, told the story of the “SUU For Hope” team who ran the Grand to Grand Ultra Endurance Race back in September of 2018.
After the premiere, the documentary was entered into the short documentary category of the LDS Film Festival, competing against five other independently made films. Several of the students, along with their professor, Jon Smith, who helped create the documentary, were in attendance to show support and answer audience questions following the showing.
Professor Jon Smith’s written and produced feature, “Back up the Mountain,” the true story of the SUU founding fathers, was also entered into the festival in the short feature film category.
The films were shown Friday, Mar. 1 at the Scera Theater of the Arts in Orem. The winners were announced Saturday evening after the festival concluded.
“Running for Hope” followed President Scott Wyatt, biology professor Bill Heyborne and Global Collaboration Director Johnny Oh through their seven day journey in the desert. The team decided to run the Grand to Grand in order raise money for a new child care center on campus.
The full documentary can be viewed on YouTube.
The LDS Film Festival in a independent organization founded by christian filmmakers who wished to welcome other religious creativity. The festival is not affiliated with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints. To see the full list of LDS Film Festival winners, visit their website.
Story By: Ansleigh Mikesell
outdoors@suunews.net
Photo By: Jon Smith
