The student-made short documentary, “Running for Hope,” won Best Short Documentary at the Utah Film Festival on Saturday, Apr. 6. 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.
The documentary has been entered into several film festivals across the state, competing against hundreds of other independent films. This recognition is the second award the film has been given, alongside Audience Choice at the LDS Film Festival back in March.
The film was shown in the morning at the Covey Center for the Arts in Provo. SUTV student directors Aaron Peterson, Ansleigh Mikesell, Cade Higbee, Emma Sorensen and Kurt Meacham were in attendance to show support and answer audience questions following the showing.
The film festival winners were announced later that evening after the festival concluded. The award was presented by Miss Southern Utah USA, D’mia Lamar who also serves as SUU’s Student Body President.
“Having D’Mia award us the trophy was a cool little addition in representing SUU in such a large way,” Higbee said. “It was definitely a huge honor to not only be a part of the Utah Film Festival, but also to win on behalf of the school.”
“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 to raise money for a new child care center on campus.
The full documentary can be viewed on YouTube. To see the full list of the Utah Film Festival award winners, visit their website.
Story By: Ansleigh Mikesell
outdoors@suunews.net
Photos Courtesy of SUTV
