Air Force wins top honors at international film festival

By Tech. Sgt. Eric Burks, 2nd Combat Camera Squadron

 HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah (AFNS) -- Two Air Force video productions won awards at the 23rd International Defence Film Festival in Rome last week, including the "Grand Prix - Plaque of the President of the Italian Republic” award for best overall production, according to a festival press release.

The “Grand Prix” award went to the “2nd Combat Camera in Action” mission video, while the Air Force also won top honors for the “Hispanic Recruiting" production in the "Promotion" category, both of which were produced by the 2nd Combat Camera Squadron here.

Forty-five productions from 13 nations were judged by an international panel of filmmakers at this year’s festival, organized by the cultural association Eserciti e Popoli (Armies and Peoples).

The awards were presented to a delegate of the American Embassy in Rome, said Italian Maj. Paolo Insalata, the IDFF executive director.

"It's a tremendous honor for the Air Force to earn this distinction," said Maj. Greg Hignite, the 2nd CTCS commander. "Our Airmen are always seeking new and compelling ways to communicate with our force. This recognition solidifies that commitment to their craft."

Adam White, a 2nd CTCS producer and director of the Grand Prix-winning production, said a lot of work went into the project, and the squadron is honored to be recognized at the festival. He went on to say that the goal of the mission video was to demonstrate the squadron’s unique capabilities through creative storytelling, rather than straight documentation.

“I think what’s interesting is the angle that was taken with this video, said Staff Sgt. Michael McCool, a 2nd CTCS broadcaster. “It had a fictional story that was laid out of a scenario that took place."

He added, “It was in all actuality an informative video saying ‘Here’s what we do as a squadron,’ but it did it in a fun, interesting and creative way.”

McCool, who shot much of the footage for the mission video, said, “We enjoy our jobs and we have a passion for it. I think when you watch the video, you see that passion.”

White said that work ethic and pride are evident in all the squadron’s efforts, not just those that result in awards.

“We’re honored to receive this award, and we’re proud of that video,” he said. “But we’re proud of all the work we do here, and so we’ll continue to come in, work hard, and love what we do.”