DANVILLE — Those involved with the locally-made movie “Revolting” knew it was good — but it’s nice to know others think so, too.

The movie won Best Comedy Feature at the 2010 Illinois International Film Festival in Chicago last weekend. The tragedy/comedy is the brainchild of Mike Boedicker, audiovisual director at the Danville Public Library and an independent film maker.

The award doesn’t bring fortune and fame, but it does mean Boedicker can use the “laurel leaf” stamp when promoting the film to show that it placed at a legitimate festival. That, in turn, may carry some weight when looking for a company to distribute the film.

“It’s basically validation,” Boedicker said of the award. “It’s an outside source saying this film is good. You want independent recognition of a film beyond family and friends.”

Between 300 and 400 films were submitted for the festival; the features division included comedy, drama, documentary and horror. “Revolting” was one of three comedies that qualified.

The film focuses on a playwright who’s tried for years to duplicate his initial success in theater. When he tries to write a sequel to his first hit play, the characters/actors revolt against him.

Co-writer was Brian Wilson of Chicago.

Bill Kepner of Champaign, who plays the lead character Jeff, attended the awards presentation on Sunday night, along with Boedicker and his wife, Leslie, who also has a key role.

Kepner said he was floored when “Revolting” won because it was up against a movie with a $1.5 million budget.

However, the judges were people steeped in films, he said, and they must have seen something unique in the movie.

“These are people who watch films all the time … They want to see something they haven’t seen before,” he said. “The power of the piece is the writing and the look of the film.”

Like Boedicker, Kepner said the win means validation.

“What it tells me is that there are a lot of talented people (in the area). We’re not deluding ourselves,” he said. “It gave me hope — we can make films here and succeed and be noted.”

Of course, family and friends will say positive things about the movie, but this is honest feedback from those not involved with the movie, he said, adding, “This is validation from people who aren’t biased.”

Another area person also won at the festival: Thomas Nicol, a member of Champaign Movie Makers, won Best Animated Short for “It’s a Penguinful Life.”

Members of the Champaign Movie Makers were involved in “Revolting.” Scenes were shot in both Danville and Champaign.

Boedicker has his fingers crossed that “Revolting” will be accepted into other festivals. He’s entered nine others, but won’t hear until late December or January, at the earliest.

Just being accepted into a festival is considered an honor, he said, as the competition is fierce.

As for his reaction to winning the award, Boedicker said, “We were happy when we found out and still are. It’s a nice feeling.”

Most of the core cast was at the Chicago fest. Other actors include: Julia Megan Sullivan as Penelope/Tanya; Sharon Tipsword as Susan; Eric Sizemore as Frederick/

Blaine; and Leslie Boedicker as Janice/Gwen. Leslie also is co-producer, along with her husband.

ON THE WEB

Learn more about “Revolting” at http://www.revoltingmovie.com