Justin Ambrosino,  who was recently interviewed on i- italy [4], is happy to announce that his film  THE 8TH SAMURAI  has won the top prize THE BEST OF FEST AWARD at the LA SHORTS FEST which means it now qualifies for the Academy Awards! The film has already won seven awards at festivals in the US and abroad.

The film,  about a struggling actor in  1950's  Japan, was shot in black and white and is in Japanese, has a universal message of hope and survival. Justin, an Italian-American from Staten Island, went out to LA to attend AFI a few years ago.  "The 8th Samurai" was made as Justin's thesis at the American Film Institute.

Justin recently said "I''m proud of THE 8TH SAMURAI and how far it is going. I think it is a film that deserves an audience because it was made for them. We all tried so hard to make the audience feel something. Though the film isn't timely, it's timeless, though its not political, its emotional and though it's Japanese, it is still universal. This award gives the film a chance to be seen by more and more people and that is such a luxury when it comes to a short film. Me and my whole cast and crew are so extremely grateful."

From the backstage of "The 8th Samurai"

 "The process to being nominated is very competitive. First, you have to be shortlisted which means they choose ten films out of the best 100, more or less, best short films from around the world. Then that gets cut down to five. It involves a lot of factors, but after winning this award and qualifying, well anything is possible. At least the film will be watched by the Academy which makes me happy.

This award causes awareness about the film and it gives the film a chance to be seen by more and more people. That is such a luxury when it comes to a short film. I think it is a film that deserves an audience because it was made for them. We all tried so hard to make the audience feel something.
 

Fellow filmmakers, festival jurors, my teachers, AFI alumni and the audience have always believed the film could be a possible contender for the Academy but I never imagined it would go this far. I'm proud of THE 8TH SAMURAI.
 

I have a lot I want to do in my life, a lot of dreams to fulfill, goals to accomplish, stories to tell and right now, at this time in my life, it is probably the most important thing that could happen to me. Now I can continuing pushing forward with great excitement, confidence and most importantly hope."

Bravo, Justin! Keep your eyes peeled for this VERY talented director.
Don't forget to watch the trailer and read the articles.