Winston, Weaver 'rapt' up Film Festival

The 12th annual Virginia Film Festival, "TechnoVisions," got under way Oct. 21 with a gala opening at the Bayly Art Museum.

(Top right) Among those attending were actor Sigourney Weaver (right), special effects artist Stan Winston (center) and festival director Richard Herskowitz.

(Bottom right) Winston, a 1968 U.Va. alumnus, received this year's Film Award. Some of his work is on display at the Bayly through Dec. 22, including a scale model of the velociraptor he created for the film, "Jurassic Park." (below) Photos by Stephanie Gross.

The festival, which wrapped Oct. 24, had several unique elements, and Herskowitz has been pleased with responses he's heard so far. "Sigourney Weaver made my weekend when she told me this was the 'Antidote Film Festival' -- her escape from the dealing and hyping that goes on at other festivals. I think

we provided our usual quantity of stimulating discussions. But I also think that the Odorama cards, Percepto buzzers, 3D glasses, and other accoutrements made this one a lot more fun than usual," he said.