"Punch Up at A Wedding" wins the Celtx prize for "Best Local Film" at the Nickel Film Festival!

Congratulations to "Punch Up At a Wedding" for winning the "Celtx Award for Best Newfoundland Film" at the 2007 Nickel Film Festival

Justin Simms, the writer/director of this short film was on hand to accept the handmade trophy and $500 cash prize at the closing night party.

In "Punch Up at a Wedding", six people reflect upon past mistakes after a botched wedding toast ruins the perfect day. The story revolves around three scenes about a single event that we never actually see. The film exhibits wonderful performances by Newfoundland actors, Frank Barry, Lois Brown, Stephen Lush, Mark Power, Monica Walsh, Ed Tanasychuk with cinematography by Jamie Lewis.

Justin Simms, the NLAC’s Emerging Artist for 2007, made this award-winning short in 2006. Justin has been very busy for the past couple of years. He was the first time film mentor at NIFCO, has attended The Canadian Film Center and his film "Punch Up at a Wedding " has won several awards including the Best Atlantic Short, the Michael Weir Award for Best Original Screenplay and the Best Director at the Atlantic Film Festival in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Justin is currently in production on his first feature film, an adaptation of Joel Hynes' novel "Down to the Dirt".

Congratulations Justin, We look forward to seeing your new film at next year's festival!

-Michelle