The Iberia Film Festival had to make some adjustments to pull off its annual showing in the age of COVID, but for the people who attended, the results were well worth their effort.

The festival’s backdrop, for those red-carpet moments, was set up outdoors, under the eave of the Essanee Theater’s marquee. Inside, the concession stand was closed, instead serving as a shelf for bottles of water for parched patrons.

But the trappings aren’t what the festival is really about, anyway. Inside the theater, the 40 people who attended were treated to a melange of short films of various genres, from mood pieces and dark comedies to horror flicks and, well, horror comedies.

Emcee and Iberia Performing Arts League President Charlie Robertson kept the pace brisk as the films proceeded through the afternoon, first with a two-hour screening of short horror films, followed by a second two-hour block of documentaries, local films, experimental work, and animation.

A nice touch was the wrapping for this year’s awards. Affectionately known as “The Mossy Oaks,” the silhouetted statues came packaged in their own socially safe and sanitary zip-locked bags, properly sterile for the winners’ protection.

Of the 15 films presented, only eight were awarded. One filmmaker, New Iberia’s James Edmunds, placed in two categories — best experimental film and best local film — with his short “Taste of Summer,” making the competition even more challenging.

Best Mobile Media Film – Punta Allen, by Simon Keller from Switzerland.

Best Experimental Film – Taste of Summer, by James Edmunds from New Iberia

Best Animation Film – Salty Duck, by Paul Schexnayder from New Iberia

Best Narrative Film – The Narrow Path, Directed by Michael Everett, Written by Richard Zeringue, Staring Richard

Zerinque, Rachel G Whittle and Robby Wilson. Producers

Frank C Schroeder and Charles Bush, III. Visual Effects

Dwayne Dupre and Chuck Bush

Best Horror Film – Good Man, Directed by Daniele Zinelli from Italy

Best Student Film – The Chills, Directed by Brooke Edler

Hebert from Youngsville. Staring Catherine Bailey, David

Hebert, Josh Boulanger and Helen Hebert

Best Local Film – Taste of Summer, by James Edmunds from New Iberia

Best Louisiana Film – Loup Garou in the Bayou Trailer. Directed by Bart Wild from Crowley. Staring Trevor Chapman and Cameron Metrejean.