An Ogden-filmed experimental comedy titled "Number 7: A Space Opera" won three awards at the Carbon County Film Festival, according to a August 31 report. The seven-minute short, written and directed by Brandie Lee McDonald, earned the Audience Award, Best Sound, and Best Cinematography.
The film was shot in a single take on Aug. 5 at Ogden Contemporary Arts. McDonald intended the project to be a love letter to independent filmmaking, utilizing a style known as a "oner" where the story unfolds through one uninterrupted camera take. The production involved 45 cast and crew members and required 10 complete takes to achieve the final version.
McDonald stated that the project faced challenges when finding a location, but Venessa Castagnoli, the executive director of Ogden Contemporary Arts, provided a space at the end of July. The film stars McKelle Shaw as Rebecca and was produced by Ryan McDonald, with Brad Kendrick serving as director of photography.
In addition to the Carbon County Film Festival wins, the film received quarterly jury honorable mentions for Best Director and Best Experimental Film at the Zepstone International Film and Music Festival (ZepFEST) in Murray, Utah. These mentions qualify the film for the festival's annual awards.
The film was scheduled for a showing at Funk ’n Dive Bar on Monday, Aug. 31, featuring a short Q&A. The event was free for guests 21 and older.
