2023 Aurora Winners

POETRY: "Slowing Down" by Jerry Derringer

“Slowing Down” explores the type of existential realization one might experience soaking up a sunset while simultaneously stuck in an unsavory situation with a collective of strangers. Enjambed lines, sharp word choice and vivid imagery give the poem an almost ethereal feel, as readers try to imagine a skyline of “lavender pressed onto fire” amid a “sandy pink glaze.” There is an almost pastoral quality, as contrasting sensory images like “cooling raindrops,” notes of “honeysuckle,” and “chamomile” rip the reader out of “acrid exhaust,” and lure them into a sunset shared among souls. Readers are invited to leave the machine for the garden.

CREATIVE NONFICTION: “The Diagnosis” by Abby Bell
“Diagnosis” is the creative nonfiction genre winner because it is a grounded and heartfelt story of a young person’s journey of understanding themselves. It shows the difference it can make to encounter people who are curious and interested in understanding instead of “fixing.” From a craft perspective, this piece is well-organized, and the speaker does not rely on exposition but drops the reader right into the world of the story. It also provides much-needed representation of stories from neurodivergent women!

FICTION: “Formaldehyde” by Katie Pennington
“Formaldehyde” blurs the borders of genre through its brief prose, guiding the reader through a curious journey of youthful delinquency and mystery. This piece is bursting with striking imagery, grounding the reader within the familiar, then augmenting the story’s final, sharp descent into the surreal horror of the unfamiliar.

PHOTOGRAPHY AND ART: “Consumerism” by Emelinda Perkins
This dynamic sculpture invites constant intrigue and interpretation from the viewer, leaving a lasting impression on the mind. It is unclear if the poor creature is being choked by another or if it is strangling itself; it’s dubious if it even recognizes its own peril. This obscurity, combined with the use of mixed media and layered colors, further elevates this piece to be best in show for its genre.

MUSIC: “Violin Duet" by Reina Mecham
"Violin Duet" layers together complex harmonies to make a stand-out, original score. The two violinists work together beautifully, creating music that draws the listener in from the first note. Overall, this piece makes a listener feel as if they have just made an entrance into a royal court, allowing listeners to go on a journey without getting up.

DRAMA/SCREENPLAY: “Strained Pears” by William McCann
“Strained Pears” is an interesting radio play with particularly good use of sound effects to portray location and background. The setting is vivid for a purely audio play and certainly stands out because of its unique format. The characters are also extremely compelling and always make the reader want to know more about them. It draws the reader in with a simple story about everyday people and leaves contentment with a satisfying ending.

SHORT FILMS: “The Fourth Floor” by Jossue Pacheco
“The Fourth Floor” combines erratic camerawork with suspenseful music, creating confusion and anxiety as the protagonist navigates a distorted setting that was once familiar. Though less than a minute in runtime, the film effectively conveys the sense of growing panic as it becomes increasingly evident that the fourth floor is utterly deserted. Coupled with an ambiguous ending, the viewer is left to dread the possible outcomes. Overall, “The Fourth Floor” is an excellent example of nail-biting cinema.