Conant grad part of winning team at Elgin Short Film Festival

“The Small Assassin,” a movie short based on a short story by Waukegan writer Ray Bradbury, won first place and $1,000 at the Elgin Short Film Festival Saturday night at the Hemmens Arts Center in Elgin.

The winning short, depicting a possibly homicidal infant, was produced by Conant High School graduate John Bosher and directed by Chicagoan Chris Charles. The two met at Columbia College Chicago.

“We never actually met Ray Bradbury,” Bosher said.

“But we corresponded by email,” Charles said.

This marked the third Elgin Short Film festival. Co-chair Joe Vassallo told the audience that next year's fest will include a special contest for score composers around the world. The three top scores submitted for a film short will be played live by the Elgin Symphony Orchestra while the film is playing, Vassalo said.

Second place award went to “Lars,” a Germany language short by Manuela Rossi. He received $700.

Third place award went to “The Good River,” directed by Shannon Lynch and photographed by Larkin High School graduate Ty Tuin of Elgin.