A 15 year old aspiring director makes her first short film in an effort to prove that she can one day be one of the best.

DIRECTOR'S NOTE:
Maxine The Hero is an incredibly important film, not just for young filmmakers out there, but for any dreamers in any field of work. I wanted this film to inspire those who felt that they weren't getting the support they needed in order to pursue their dreams. Maxine The Hero is about a young girl named Marley who finally goes out and does it. She makes a film of her own, not just to prove her mother wrong but to prove herself right.

I feel extremely close to Marley. I moved out at a young age and pursued this terrifying dream without ever looking back. I faced an incredible amount of doubt coming from my own family and friends. And it hurt. It made me second guess everything and even though sometimes their skepticism came from a place of love, it was just another thing making my goals seem further and further out of reach. Marley's mother, Pam, is full of doubt, or should I say, fear. The fear of risk - something different. She doesn't think her daughter can't do it, but the thought of her failing is just too much. Her father on the other hand, is fully supportive. He wants to see her take the jump because its something he didn't do himself when he was younger. Marley's father is her backbone. He ignites that drive that was already dwelling within her. And I think that is very important. I hope that this film can be some form of ignition for those who don't have a Richard in their lives. Because we all deserve that push.


I had the time of my life making this film, from the writing process down to the score. In the two days we had to shoot this, we truly all became a family. The night before our first day, I was incredibly nervous. Directing these young kids could have been a huge challenge, as i've never done anything like it before. Paula, who plays Jada, had never been on a real set before. I did not know what to expect. But by the time we were shooting the very first scene, I knew, with this cast, this film was going to be something special...

I make a lot of films with my friends, much like Marley. Donald, my cinematographer, Jessica my writer, Frankie my producer - are all some of my closest friends. I think that is why when Jessica and I were putting this story together we really wanted Marley to form a crew of her own. You need friends, partners, and collaborators to make a movie. So, from the bottom of my heart... thank you to my amazing cast and crew who helped bring this thing to life. And I hope that all of you watching enjoy every second of this little adventure that is... MAXINE THE HERO!

-Michael J. Murphy

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THE BEST SHORTS COMPETITION:
Award of Merit Special Mention: Film Short
Award of Merit Special Mention: Actress: Leading
Award of Merit Special Mention: Cinematography
Award of Merit Special Mention: Original Score (Maxine The Hero composed by Michael Visalli)
Award of Merit Special Mention: Direction
Award of Merit Special Mention: Editing
Award of Merit: Script / Writer

The Best Shorts Competition recognizes film, television, videography and new media professionals who demonstrate exceptional achievement in craft and creativity, and those who produce standout entertainment or contribute to profound social change. Entries are judged by highly qualified professionals in the film and television industry.