Yesterday I received an email (see below) from Best Shorts Competition to notify me that I had won multiple awards for my short film Santa Fe & Esmeralda – Crossroads. To say that I’m honored would be an understatement. The Best Shorts Competition, established in 2011, celebrates Short Films, Television and New Media Worldwide.
Dear Christel:
Congratulations!
On behalf of our entire staff and panel of judges, I am pleased to inform you that you have won a Best Shorts Competition Award!
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Season: December 2024
Christel Veraart (USA), Santa Fe & Esmeralda – Crossroads
Award of Merit Special Mention: LGBTQ+ Filmmaker
Award of Merit Special Mention: LGBTQ+ Theme
Award of Merit Special Mention: Narration / Voiceover Talent
Award of Excellence: Original Score
Award of Recognition: Animation
Award of Merit Special Mention: Film Short
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Each of the awards mentioned above represents a different aspect of the creative process that went into bringing my story to life. It’s incredibly gratifying to see that various elements – from the animation, LGBTQ+ Theme, voiceover talent, to my original score – have been recognized.
From Music to Film
Music
I’m especially proud of the Award of Excellence for Original Score, as music played a pivotal role in shaping the emotional depth and tone of the short film Santa Fe & Esmeralda – Crossroads. In fact, it all started with the music – the melodies I composed for my upcoming album Nostalgia laid the emotional foundation for the entire project. The melodies and themes of the Nostalgia album were deeply intertwined with my memories and emotions tied to Argentina, a place I once called home that has shaped much of who I am today.
Book
As the music evolved, I felt compelled to write the book, Santa Fe & Esmeralda, which chronicles the profound and enduring friendship between Kita, a young Dutch woman, and Lorenzo, the gay son of a prominent Argentine family. Set against the transformative backdrop of Argentina’s evolving democracy and its vibrant art scene from 1987 to 1996, the story explores their shared love of music and the complexities of navigating family dynamics and the harsh realities of AIDS. As Lorenzo’s caregiver, Kita not only preserves their bond through storytelling after his death but also celebrates a love that transcends boundaries, a testament to the power of connection in the face of adversity.
Film
When the music from Nostalgia and the narrative of Santa Fe & Esmeralda came together, they naturally sought visuals to enhance their stories. This led to the creation of a series of vignettes, each designed to capture the essence of both the music and the narrative. Santa Fe & Esmeralda – Crossroads marks the first vignette in this series, seamlessly blending sound, story, and visuals into a deeply personal and immersive experience. It was always my goal to create a film that not only entertained but also opened hearts and minds to new perspectives.
The awards I’ve received, particularly the Special Mentions for LGBTQ+ Filmmaker and Theme, reaffirm that there is a deep need for authentic representation and storytelling in today’s world. To see this message being celebrated is a true validation of the importance of inclusion and diversity in film.
Animation – Breathing Life into the Story
Another award that truly excites me is the Award of Recognition for Animation. Animation offers a unique creative freedom and visual expression that traditional filmmaking can sometimes struggle to capture. In Santa Fe & Esmeralda – Crossroads, the animated elements go beyond mere aesthetics; they become integral to the storytelling, enhancing the emotional depth and revealing the characters’ inner worlds. This fusion of art and emotion brings a level of nuance that elevates the narrative. In creating this work, I also took my first steps into integrating the new and exciting technology of AI. While many filmmakers remain cautious about AI’s role in creative processes, I’ve always been open to exploring innovative tools to push the boundaries of expression. Embracing technology allows me to experiment with new dimensions of storytelling, and in this case, it felt like a natural extension of the narrative itself.
As I reflect on this exciting achievement, I’m reminded of why I create in the first place – to tell stories that matter, to connect with others on a deep emotional level, and to spark conversations about important topics. These awards are not just a personal milestone but a reminder of the power of storytelling, art, and the incredible impact that art can have on the world.
Stay tuned for more updates!