ST. CHARLES | The Illinois International Film Festival was held in the Arcada Theatre in St. Charles, Ill. over the weekend, showing 48 films in three days.

I saw everything from a six-minute music video that played in reverse to a 90-minute-long documentary about vampires in the U.S. There were selections from Spain, Africa, Germany and the United States. The 48 films were chosen by a panel of film professionals including professors, producers, actors and writers.

The themes of this year’s selections tended to revolve around sex, drugs or ultra-violent horror — particularly involving teens having sex and doing drugs. The film genres ranged from experimental movies, dramas, comedies, documentaries, animations, horror, science fiction and even a porno. “Funk Off: Ze Musical” was actually a porno musical, only it had no sex or nudity and climaxed with a Broadway-like performance of a song called “Sex is Money.” I hated it and felt uncomfortable watching, but for some reason I can’t get it out of my head.

There were also a few DeKalb ties in this year’s festival. Laura Vazquez, associate professor of communication at NIU, produced two of the films: “Calling All Stations,” a short documentary about Chicago’s Swengoolie television show, and also a feature documentary called “10 Days in Malawi,” which won the award for the best feature documentary, and was easily one of the best films shown.

The 48 films competed for awards in 13 categories.

“December Ends,” the best feature drama award-winner, was about a freshman in college forced to sell drugs to support his family after his mother dies.

The appropriately titled “Incomplete,” which won best short comedy, was particularly memorable because it was about a guy who wakes up one morning to discover that his penis has disappeared.

“10 Days in Malawi” was about a group of four people from nearby Sycamore, who travel with a medical aid organization to Malawi, Africa to help the local people deal with the severe spread of AIDS.

“Dating Rubik’s Cube” was a chronicling of 12 people from Chicago who discuss all things on relationships — single-hood, marriage, breaking up, cheating, the bar scene, porn, Internet dating and more. It won best the award for short documentary.

“Y Que Cumplas Muchas Mas,” which I think means “happy birthday to you,” was a horror movie about the discovery of a child serial killer by a social worker. The best short horror winner was definitely unforgettable with a surprise twist at the end.

“The Last Stop for Paul,” which was easily as good as any major studio film from this year, won “Best of the Fest.” It was also my personal favorite. It was a fake documentary of two co-workers who, after the death of a friend, decide to travel the world and spread his ashes in each country they stop at along the way.

Even though there was more “Illinois” than “International” at this fest, it bodes well for local film makers and the area as a muse. It’s just too bad that the best films from the weekend won’t be hitting multiplex theaters any time soon.