The University of Miami School of Communication was a proud sponsor of the 2012 Miami International Film Festival's Short Film Competition.

Each year, hundreds of talented filmmakers from around the world submit short films in genres ranging from action to documentary for a chance at winning a cash prize of $2,500 and industry recognition.

The winners of this year's contest were announced on March 10, 2012 at the Gusman Center for the Performing Arts.

The University of Miami Grand Jury Award for Best Short Film went to Catharsis by Cédric Prévost (France, 2011). Catharsis tells the tale of an aspiring filmmaker struggling to escape from life stuck inside his unfinished film.  School of Communication Dean Greg Shepherd presented the filmmaker with the award.

 Prevost has directed eight short films before Catharsis (2011), Hymen (2010), Alter Ego (2008), Chimère (2000), Mal au Cœur (2000), Luna Park (1999), Méprise (1999), Eve (1997). He has written two novels : Trompe l’amour, Editions Actes Sud (France) and Sain et sauf , Editions Babel - 2004 (France). He is a drama professor at the European Acting School FLORENT in Paris, since 2000.

UM's participation at the 2012 Miami International Film Festival included several original films. Language of Love by motion picture student Shane Kinsler was the recipient of the "Best Romantic Comedy" and "Best Actress" awards at MIFF's CinemaSlam competition for college students. Other films selected for the festival were Beyond Assignment directed by visual journalism faculty Jim Virga, Life after Death by motion pictures student Will Godar, Poetry of Resilience by Academy Award-nominated motion pictures alumna Katja Esson, and The Beach Chronicles AGX by motion pictures alumnus Kevin Sharpley. 

This year as part of Miami International Film Festival activities, the UM Motion Picture program hosted Polish filmmaker Urszula Antoniak at UM's Bill Cosford Cinema for a conversation with motion pictures students led by professor William Rothman.

*See the trailer for Catharsis here: