The 17th Annual Short Film Festival lit up the Hemmens Cultural Center on Saturday, Sept. 20, showcasing filmmakers from across the United States and around the world.

Audiences enjoyed five short films in the categories of Live Action and Animation, with host and homegrown talent Daryl Nitz guiding the evening with humor and storytelling. A panel of local celebrity judges, along with audience voting, determined this year’s winners:

• First Place: “Why Did You Come Back Every Summer” (Spain)
• Second Place & Audience Choice: “Grave Expectations”
• Third Place: “I Just Wanted a Photo with the Cool Cosplayer, But the Universe Said No”

Now in its 17th year, the festival continues to provide a platform for emerging filmmakers while celebrating the art of storytelling on screen.