BYU student is finalist for two major student film awards
Kent Larsen 6Oct99 A2

BYU student filmmaker Matthew Janzen has two short films under consideration for major student film awards. Janzen's film "Salesman" will be screened at the American Film Institute's Los Angeles International Film Festival October 21-29, and his film "Hold Me" will be screened at the fourth annual Angelus Awards Student Film Festival on November 6th. Janzen wrote and produced both films while a junior at BYU studying filmmaking.

"Hold Me," which is one of 10 finalists for the Angelus Awards, explores a young married couple faced with the discovery that the wife has breast cancer. The Angelus Awards, sponsored by the Directors Guild of America, "recognize and showcase student films of uncommon artistic caliber which explore the complexity of the human condition with creativity, compassion and respect." The films must uphold certain values to qualify, including tolerance and respect for diversity, peacemaking, respect for human life, equality and dignity in relationships and hope.

The American Film Institute's festival seeks to showcase the best of current American and international cinema. "Salesman," Janzen's 17 minute film being shown at the festival, is described as chaplinesque. It is under consideration in the festival's short subject competition.

In BYU's program, Janzen is expected to produce two more films this year.