Professor David Chai took first place for “Enrique Wrecks the World” at the CreaTiVe Awards.
Proving once again that SJSU produces outstanding films, Assistant Professor David Chai and Associate Professor Michael Cheers won top prizes at the CreaTiVe Awards ceremony held Jan. 8 at the San Jose Repertory Theatre.
Chai took first place for films under 30 minutes for “Enrique Wrecks the World.” The film also recently received an Annie Award Nomination. The Annie Awards are the animation industry’s highest honor, and other nominees in the same category include entries from PIXAR and Warner Bros. The ceremony will be held Feb. 5 in Los Angeles.
“What makes Professor Chai’s accomplishments all the more amazing is that he directs and produces his films at SJSU during the summer with a student crew,” wrote SJSU Animation/Illustration Program Coordinator Alice Carter. “Although it would be easier and more efficient to assemble a team of professionals, Professor Chai understands the importance of this opportunity and volunteers his time with our students.”
Cheers won first place in the nonprofits, art and culture, category for “Soul Sanctuary,” a feature-length documentary that chronicles the rich culture and traditions at Antioch Baptist Church, the oldest African American Baptist church in San Jose.
The School of Journalism and Mass Communications supported the project with equipment, post-production software and editing funds. Assistant Professor Kim Komenich and students from Cheers’ photojournalism classes worked as crewmembers.
The CreaTiVe Awards recognize Bay Area media makers who promote and celebrate individual expression, learning, diversity, arts and civic engagement. CreaTV San Jose is a non-profit supporting the use of public and educational access channels and resources among a wide range of individuals, organizations, and institutions.
Watch a short clip of “Enrique Wrecks the World” on SJSU’s YouTube channel.
Learn more about the CreaTiVe awards.
http://www.creatvsj.org
Learn more about “Enrique Wrecks the World.”
Edited 10/3/18: The link to Professor Chai’s website has been removed per campus information security protocols because of potential security issues.
Learn more about “Soul Santuary.”
http://www.sjsu.edu/news