Cellphone short swoops Tropfest prize!

Who says you need a ton of money and a bunch of expensive equipment to make a topnotch movie these days?! For director Jason van Genderen, all he needed was his camera phone and $57 to film his 3 1/2 minute short, "Mankind Is No Island." And he ended up taking home the $20,000 prize at TropFest NY, a free outdoor short film festival. Not bad for a $57 investment! Check it out above.

Celebrity judges Julianne Moore, Malcolm Gladwell, and Billy Crudup took the time to help single Jason's film out as the grand prize winner among the eight finalists. Nicole Kidman also helped to support short films by sponsoring the Best Actor and Actress prize.

So next time you're inspired to make a movie, don't be dismayed by your lack of resources. Just think of Jason, his camera phone, and his $20,000 prize! Check out tips for making your own film here.