WIFVNE is a proud sponsor of the Mass Reality Check, Salem Film Fest's documentary shorts showcase for MA college and university students and recent graduates. The showcase took place Saturday, March 25, 2023 with students from Bridgewater State University, Boston University, Emerson College, Fitchburg State University and Massachusetts College of Art and Design!

Congratulations to Valentyn Arden (above, right) and Zack Furnari (above, left) first-place winners for their project SAVED BY LOVE, a film which follows an American couple navigating the process of adopting a child from the Ukraine while overcoming societal pressures surrounding their sexuality in pursuit to create a family.

First place: SAVED BY LOVE, Co-Directed and Produced by Valentyn Arden & Zack Furnari. Logline: An American couple navigates the process of adopting a child from the Ukraine while also overcoming societal pressures surrounding their sexuality in the pursuit to create a family.

Second Place: In Cod We Trust, Directed by Raphaël Edwards and Seonghoon Eric Park. Logline: Fishing has been a pillar of life in the community of Gloucester since the 1600s, but recent government mandated fishing quotas in response to environmental pressures have put in question the future of the industry.

Third Place: WANDERING FOR LIFE, Co-Directed by Claire Collins and Abbey Frias, Produced by Aniyah Forney. Logline: This short follows a man’s journey of living life on the road, redefining the meaning of home, happiness, and success.

WIFVNE VP Wendy Wilkins and WIFVNE Board Member Nerissa Williams Scott served on the jury for the Mass Reality Check.  WIFVNE Advisor Emily Abi-Kheirs was the Assistant Program Director for Salem Film Fest 2023. She moderated the Q&As for FINDING HER BEAT, ART AND PEP, 1946: THE MISTRANSLATION THAT SHIFTED A CULTURE, and KASH KASH: WITHOUT FEATHERS WE CANNOT LIVE.

Competition photos are courtesy of Paulina Villarroel Cruz