Cine Gear Expo LA 2023 Makes Successful Return to Paramount Studios

CineGearExpo

Cine Gear Expo, held in Los Angeles this year, was packed with entertainment for thousands of guests, including the largest ever learning panel, as well as technology and film demonstrations, exhibits, activities and parties. The sky was clear for the first time in weeks, and the sun added a boost to the celebration. The stage and street of Paramount Studio Lot appeared at the venue, and it is said that the event once again proved “Not place like home.”

In the midst of global exchange, Cine Gear entered into film competition and Thursday’s screening was a blast with audiences watching the finalists.

The award-winning works are as follows.

■ Cine Gear Award/Audience Award for Music Video/Commercial Category

“Mendirman!”
Screenplay/Producer/Director: Savirov Kulhid, Savirov Nadir

■ Student Film Division

“A Roadside Banquet” (Winner in 2 categories)
Screenplay and Director (AFI): Pei Qi Peng
Producer: Gao Zhiqi
Cinematographer: Liu Tianyi

■ Independent Short Film Award

“King Me”
Director/Screenplay: John Mattisiak
Producers: David & Marisa McKay

■ Audience Award for Independent Short Films

“Jerome”
Screenplay/Producer/Director: Gianfranco Fernandez Ruiz
Producers: Santi Naidu & Ben O’Keefe
Photography: Yowie Verhoeven

■ Rising Star Award (Sponsor: Godox)

“Now and Never”
Director/Screenwriter: Kimberly Harris
Original: Natalie Nicole Dressel
Producers: Puanita Banerji, Kavi Ramachandran Radniye, Rohi Mirza Pandya, Nick Latoad
Cinematographer: Lia Anova
“Valerine (The Elephant Man)”
Director/Screenplay/Producer/Cinematographer: VONJAKO
“The Day, at the Beach”
Writer/Director: Cindy Dixin (Chapman University)
Producer: Maggie Minchi Tao
DP: Lance Haoyuan Li

Community favorite Jay Holben took the stage at Friday’s VIP party, smiling and cheering to the award-winning filmmakers from the previous day’s screening. Julian Grosso then presented the Legacy Lifetime Achievement Award to Mr. Otto Nements International, founder and CEO of Otto Nements International, who has contributed to the world of motion picture technology for half a century. Other awards include Michael Goy (ASC) with the Visionary Achievement in Cinematography Award, Cinematographer Xenia Sereda with the Emerging Star Award, and Blackmagic Design with the Technical Achievement Award.

In honor of Cine Gear’s late co-founder Karl Kresser, Juliane Grosso announced the new “Karl Kresser Heart of the Community Award.” Based on Kresser’s philosophy, the award recognizes individuals who selflessly pave the way for others to fulfill their creative passions in order to perpetuate the spirit of community. The 2023 award went to John W. Simmons (ASC). His selfless teaching and willingness to reach out and be open embodies the spirit of this award.

Juliane Grosso, CEO of Cine Gear, commented:

Grosso: Due to the pandemic, 2023 is the first time since 2019 that Cine Gear Expo has been able to return to its Hollywood roots. The annual event went ahead as planned, although industry conditions created some uncertainty for this year’s Expo.

The success of Cine Gear Expo 2023 is a testament to the strength of the film community. It’s a reminder that even in tough times, our industry can come together, celebrate innovation, and inspire each other. My sincere thanks to all who contributed to making this event an unparalleled success.