Short films reach national semifinals

"Mind the Gap," a short film directed by COM student Kristal Williams-Rowley, and "The Sneakers," directed by Dave Wells, are national semifinalists in the 2009 Angelus Student Film Festival. The films are two of 56 films nominated in the Live Action Comedy, Drama and Narrative category.

See the entire list of semifinalists.

Angelus winning films reflect values such as redemption, spirituality, dignity, tolerance, equality, diversity, hope and triumph of the human spirit. Winning films will be announced at a ceremony Sept. 19.

A brief description of the "Mind the Gap": "When the realities of her father's job hit, Sara copes with her grief the best way she knows how. In the pitfalls of life, sometimes all we can do is mind the gap."

Watch the trailer:

A brief description of "The Sneakers": "Emily lives in South Boston with her daughter, Fara. Struggling to make ends meet on her waitress wages, she tries to protect her daughter from the harsh realities of their economic situation. But when Emily cannot afford shoes for her family she must choose between her own needs and her daughters sense of belonging. The Sneakers is a work of social-realism that focuses on the issues so many working families face today."