The "Force" is strong with a Rockland County actor whose short film was awarded a top prize by fans at a California "Star Wars" convention.

When veteran actor Steven Komito agreed to be in the live-action fan film "Star Wars: The Lesser Evil," he had no idea it would become such a big deal.

"I do my films and I don't look back," Komito said. "When this happened, I was shocked. I was so happy."

The five-minute short beat out thousands of movies to take home the top prize at Star Wars Celebration, which was held from April 16-19 at the Anaheim Convention Center.

Described as an "out of space" western, "Lesser Evil" stars Komito as antagonist Darth Zeanis. The film, which is meant to pay homage to the "Star Wars" movie franchise, was shot over the course of two days in Rockaway, New Jersey. Jeff Moffitt produced and also acts in the film.

Moffitt says that while no money was awarded at the convention, the crew did win a lifetime of bragging rights.

Both Komito and Moffitt say they hope their film's surprise success opens the door for more film ventures on the East Coast.

"Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens," the next major installment in the mega-franchise, is set to open Dec. 18, 2015.