ELIZABETH NIEZGOCKI TAKES MUSIC VIDEO CATEGORY FOR ‘COLOR TRUE’

It started in 2007 as a means to showcase student work. Now in its 16th year of existence, the Five16 Festival at the University of Northwestern has just showcased the work of Cottage Grove resident Elizabeth Niezgocki, a junior majoring in Media Production – Film and Video. The University of Northwestern is a non-denominational Christian college in Roseville, Minnesota, while the Five16 Film Festival takes its name from Matthew 5:16, and references Jesus’ words to let one’s good deeds shine before men as a witness to God.

Arriving at Northwestern out of homeschool, Niezgocki’s film “Color True” made its debut Monday at the Totino Fine Arts Center on the Northwestern campus, winning an award in the Music Video category. Color True is about the dream of a guitarist named Zack to make the big time, although the dream aspect only becomes apparent towards the end. The film for which Niezgocki is listed as the producer in credits, opens at a Homecoming Dance with Zack at the head of a band. The film includes pan shots and closeups of both the crowd and band, then ends in Zack’s bedroom where a poster saying “Color True” adorns the ceiling.

Following a series of categories including music video, animation, documentary, narrative short, cinematography, sound design, and acting, Niezgocki made some brief remarks on accepting the film award.

“There were so many things that could have gone wrong, but by the grace of God we’re here,” Niezgocki said , thanking the cast and others who helped as well.

Niezgocki was later mentioned in the narrative short category by award winner Ethan Connor, having served as producer on Connor’s film ‘Cold World.’ Past festivals are archived at https://www.five16filmfestival. com, with the festival sponsored by TWR and

Canon.