The IndieFEST Film Awards Announces Latest Winners!

The IndieFEST Film Awards strives to give talented directors, producers, actors, creative teams and new media creators the positive exposure and credibility they deserve.  IndieFEST discovers and honors the achievements of filmmakers who produce high quality films and new media.  Attracting both powerhouse industry veterans as well as talented new filmmakers, The IndieFEST is an exceptional, truly international awards competition, not a traditional film festival.  The goal of IndieFEST is about helping independent filmmakers gain the credibility and publicity they justly deserve.  Our talented IndieFEST award winners have gone on to win Emmy, Telly and other awards.

~ Best of Show ~ 

Marcus – J.R. Poli

J.R. Poli (USA), Marcus, Film Feature – Marcus has a checkered past and an unstable present. As he struggles mightily with mental illness, unexpected news brings a new opportunity for him to right old wrongs and make amends. He leaves his life behind and sets off on an adventure to find purpose, forgiveness and redemption. But Marcus will have to face the consequences of his past life and overcome the greatest obstacle of all in order to find happiness: Himself. A film about mental health, deeply seated in resignation and inspiration while deftly and capturing deeper truths.  With an exceptional and achingly authentic performance by Owen Miller (Graceland, Burn Notice) and supported by a very talented cast, Marcus delivers a film about life’s disappointments and redemption. Stars: Katana Malone (To Each His Own, Charlie’s Angels), Paul Wight (Fighting With My Family, Waterboy), Todd Bruno (I am Frankie) and Jennifer Lynn Sharp (Rough Winds, The Sinner).

~ Outstanding Achievement ~ 

Alexandre the Fool / Alexander Odyssey – Pedro Pires

Pedro Pires (Canada), Alexandre the Fool / Alexander Odyssey, Doc Feature – Emmy winner and Canadian Screen Award winner Pires – delivers a sensationally unique doc exploring the journey of a man with schizophrenia, Alex, who seeks his place in the world by pursuing an artistic journey and a quest for love that pushes him beyond his usual emotional boundaries. Skillfully combining journalistic documentation with artistic creation, stunning, exceptionally cinematic filming and imaginative edits – it reveals Pires’s desire to situate the subject in the present and the concrete. It is a film that is all at once an intimate, disturbing and sublime odyssey but unquestionably filmed with respect for Alex’s journey.

 ~ Award of Excellence Special Mention ~

Johnny DePalma (USA), 52 – A Tale of Loneliness, Children / Family Program – Emmy-winner Patton Oswalt (Ratatouille) narrates this charming tale – inspired by the true story of the 52 Hz whale. A creative, impactful and ultimately poetic story, both heart-rending and heart-warming. Beautifully messaged inviting viewers on a journey as unique as 52 himself. Deft direction, delightful animation and touching soundtrack.

Michael Schilf (USA), The Fixer, Film Short – Exceptional direction, gritty, raw, superb performances and pitch-perfect sound and technical craft – drive this crime drama. The emotions of the characters combine with a pinch of humor deliver a short with memorable impact. Danny Trejo (Heat), Jesse C. Boyd (The Highwaymen), Veronica Diaz Carranza (Dark Was the Night), Vincent van Hinte (Dutch).

Jonathan Bucari (USA), The Elephant in the Room, Film Short – The drama of a young couple questioning their relationship after a though political fight with his future in-laws on Thanksgiving. Insightful scripting, searing commentary and passionate performances. Seamus Davey-Fitzpatrick (Moonrise Kingdom), Clare Foley (Gotham), Tim Bohn (Law & Order), Amy A. Simmons (Violet Tendencies).

Gibelys Coronado (Venezuela), Two Autumns in Paris, Film Feature – Told through flashbacks of memories 25 years later a striking political activist and refugee from Paraguay escapes to Paris and falls in love with a rich law student changing their lives forever. The beauty of their love is challenged by a fervent devotion to fighting for a cause. Stars: Maria Antonieta Hidalgo, Francisco Villarroel, Slavko Sorman, Juan Belgrave.

Iara Lee, Cultures of Resistance (USA), Stalking Chernobyl: Exploration After Apocalypse, Doc Feature – These exceptional documentarians’ compelling film about Chernobyl 30 years later. Wildlife has returned in the absence of humans but illegal hiking adventurers, extreme sports enthusiasts and tours explore the ghostly landscape. An unsettling question about disturbing the sanctity of this horrifying man-made disaster.

Enrique Bencomo and Enrique Aranguren (Mexico), Die at Home, Web Series – A dystopian future in Mexico City, where COVID19 gets out of control and massively infects the city. Solo and Sola, two survivors search for a reason to move on in this desolate city. An imaginative, creative and compelling series with creative cinematography. Stars:  Enrique Aranguren, Maria Pia Sanz and Enrique Sanchez Flores.

Maverick Moore (USA), My Dinner with Werner, Film Short – Based on real events and real things Werner Herzog and Klaus Kinski actually said…this is a  wacky farce about a 1987 dinner date with a murder plot as the main dish. Deftly directed, creative, captivating and delightfully absurd. Carried by a talented cast. Stars Chynna Walker (Sam), Matthew Sanders (Volker Schlöndorff’s Return to Montauk), Andrew Perez and Grant Virtue.

Salim Kechiouche (France), Our Genes, Film Short – Educator and actor Karim is always playing stereotypical roles due to his Arabic origins. While at the theater with his free-spirited girlfriend he comes face to face with his own perceptions. Inspiring and thought provoking revealing  hidden biases in everyone. Led by talented actors Bellamine Abdelmalek and Sara Forestier with delightfully convincing performances by Karim’s students.

Pedro del Santo (Spain), Paranoid Girls, Film Feature – Three beautiful women gradually discover the dark side of modeling behind the glamour…including dangerous liaisons with a captivating and dark photographer and a powerful boss. Ultimately they learn the true value of deep friendships and simple pleasures. Stars: Mairen Muñoz, Marta Mir Martín, Patricia Valley, Antonio Ibáñez  and Bárbara de Lema.

Martin Garde Abildgaard (Denmark), TOM And His Computer “Future Ruins”, Music Video – A story about love, life and death told creatively through an unsettling story about a man and his attempts to find companionship. Imaginative concept, beautiful cinematography, lighting and tight editing deliver both hope and despair through the struggles of loneliness. Featuring Danish Pop Star Tom and his Computer.

 ~ Award of Excellence ~ 

Adam Weber (Australia), The Body, Film Short

Bogdan Anghel (France), The Mortola Tower, Documentary Short

C.J. Julianus (USA), The Misadventures of Mistress Maneater, Film Feature

Celine Parrenas Shimizu (USA), THE CELINE ARCHIVE, Asian, Documentary Feature

Chris Francis, Rosedale (USA), Making Lemonade: Our COVID-19 Story, Documentary Feature

Dale Fabrigar (USA), The Interview, Film Short

Dale Fabrigar (USA), Vegan And Then Sum, Film Short

Daniel Catullo (USA), Breathe, Nolan, Breathe, Documentary Short

David Shilale (USA), The Worcester 6: Heroes Remembered, Documentary Short

Deepak Reddy (India), Manasanamaha, Asian, Editing, Creativity / Originality, Post-Production Overall, Script / Writer, Cinematography, Direction, Viewer Impact: Entertainment Value, Experimental, Sound Editing / Sound Mixing

J.R. Poli (USA), Marcus, Actor: Leading (Owen Miller as Marcus)

Jake Diamond (USA), doin’ great, Web Series

Joe Lam (USA), Fugitive Zero, Film Short

Johnny DePalma (USA), 52 – A Tale of Loneliness, Animation, Film Short

Jonathan Bucari (USA), The Elephant in the Room, Actor: Leading (Seamus Davey-Fitzpatrick as Liam)

Layla Kaylif (United Kingdom), The Letter Writer, Islamic

Lucia Rinaldi (USA), Limbo, Film Short

Lucy Velik (Australia), Domicide, Women Filmmakers, Film Short, Actress: Leading (Kat Stewart as Molly)

Manoj Annadurai (USA), Get Happy, Film Feature

Manolo Campos (USA), Precursor, Liberation / Social Justice / Protest

Martin Reinhart and Virgil Widrich (Austria), tx-reverse, Experimental

Matthew Cichella (USA), Without Grace, Actor: Leading (Shannon Brown as Lucas)

Oshri Cohen (Israel), NEW WORLD (pizza) ORDER, Web Series

Patrick Cavanaugh, Valiant Productions (USA), #FitnessProblems, Actor: Leading (Scott Michael Wagstaff as Pete)

Paul Lacovara (USA), 38 Minutes, Film Short, Direction

Robert H. Lieberman and Deborah C. Hoard, PhotoSynthesis Productions (USA), Echoes of the Empire: Beyond Genghis Khan, Documentary Feature

Ryan Gentle and Austin Quarles (USA), Galileo, Film Short

Sanjin Mirič (Czech Republic), Seven Thousand Souls, Documentary Feature

 ~ Award of Merit Special Mention ~

Bradley Hawkins (USA), Calf Rope, Film Short, Movie Trailer

Cameron Barrett (USA), Think of Your Neighbors, Public Service Programming / PSA

Chris and Robert Smellin (Australia), In Love with Ally Barker, Actress: Leading (Laura Jane Turner as Ally Barker), LGBT

Derek Bauer (USA), Two Yellow Lines, Film Feature

Devi Morgan (USA), Like Daughter, Like Mother, Film Short, Actress: Leading (Devi Morgan as Myra)

Gigisha Abashidze (USA), BODY PLACE IMAGE, Documentary Short

Hongshi Zhong (USA), Almost May, Film Short (Student)

Joslyn Rose Lyons (USA), Looking Glass, Women Filmmakers

M. Rowan Meyer (USA), Patient, Television – Pilot Program

Marcelo Vogelaar, Graci Guarani, Alexandre Pankararu, Thiago Dezan, Leo Otero and Thomaz Pedro (United Kingdom), My Blood Is Red, Documentary Feature

Menelek Lumumba (USA), 1 Angry Black Man, Film Feature, Liberation / Social Justice / Protest

Michael Everett (USA), Canes Creek, Music Video

Myles Banks, Just Stunt Productions, LLC (USA), Not Just A Game -The Story of Savage, Documentary Short

Richard Zelniker (USA), Beckoned, Film Short

Russell Southam (Australia), Black Heart, Red Hands, Actor: Leading (Benjamin W Sullivan as Pete), Film Short (Russell Southam)

Seth Kozak (USA), Rendezvous, Liberation / Social Justice / Protest

Steve Chivers (USA), Dated, Film Short

Steve Gibson (USA), The Lost Within, Actor: Leading (David Gries as Jon Edens), Actress: Leading (Jami Tennille as Adelaide Zook), Film Feature

Thomas R. Bloom (USA), Human, Music Video

Tiffany Rhodes (USA), Harbor Island, Television – Pilot Program, Women Filmmakers

 ~ Award of Merit ~

Adam Maurer and Mike Yosh (USA), The Grail, Actor: Leading (Adam Maurer as Johnny), Actor: Supporting (Paul Alcaraz as Tim)

Akash Khurana (India), The River of Love, Film Feature

Amina Chaudary (USA), Third Base to Faith, Islamic

Amina Chaudary and Beth Murphy (USA), #LiveLikeHaris, Documentary Feature

Andrea Natale (Italy), Australian Dreams, Documentary Short

Anthony Calderella (USA), Laundrette Blues, Actor: Leading (Kevin Quigley as Frank)

Armando DuBon Jr. (USA), Reckoning, Actor: Leading (Armando DuBon Jr. as Nick Barros), Film Short

Luciano Barsuglia (USA), Social Distance, Actor: Leading (Jed Rowen as Stork Winters), Film Feature, Direction

Brandi Webb (USA), Betrayal of a Nation Part 1 & Part 2, Documentary Feature

Bushra Khanum (Australia), Chained to Traditions, Film Short, Women Filmmakers

Carmen Lamar Gonzalez (USA), Second to None, On-Camera Talent (Carmen Lamar Gonzalez)

Christaan Felber (USA), From Heaven is Cali, Documentary Short

Christina Zorich (USA), The New Abolitionists, Documentary Feature

Corey Koepper (USA), On The Floor, LGBT

Cydney Cochrane (Canada), Short Stay, Disability Issues

Cynthia M. Uhrich (USA), Misplaced Trust, Women Filmmakers, Film Short

David C. Whiteman (USA), Intermission, Documentary Short

Eduardo Ramirez (USA), Human Spectrum – Episode 1, Contemporary Issues / Awareness Raising, Miniseries

Erin Rooke (Canada), The Story of Special Woodstock, Documentary Feature

Federica Alice Carlino (USA), The Monster’s Club, Women Filmmakers

Fred Bonheim, Belair Productions LLC (USA), King of Angels, Film Short, Actor: Supporting (Jack Mulcahy as Sonny), Actress: Leading (Kat Miccio as Anastasia), Actor: Leading (Joe Nemchek as Vinny), Ensemble Cast, Actress: Supporting (Jamie Ragusa as Pam)

Ganesh Vinayakan (India), Thaen, Film Feature

Griffin Cubero (USA), Goyishe, Film Short (Student), Jewish (Student)

Heidi Germiane Schnappauf (USA), F-Word, Actor: Leading (Michael Wawrzynek as Mike), Actor: Supporting (Rob Klubeck as Principal Korin), Actress: Leading (Connie Shelhamer as Janet), Actress: Supporting (Jessica O’Hara Baker as Violet), LGBT, Women Filmmakers

Helen Alexis Yonov (USA), WE STAND TOGETHER, Public Service Programming / PSA

Hesam Rahmani (Iran), Faces without Visage, Film Short

Hiroaki Mizuno (Japan), Trouble on the Brain Front, Film Short

Hudson Hillin (USA), Letting Go, Children / Family Programming (Student), Young Filmmaker – 17 and younger

Isaac Padrós Suárez (Spain), Kayak No Limits – Menorca in the dark, Disability Issues

Ivy Tobin (USA), My Life as a Doormat, Television – Pilot Program, Web Series

J.J. Barmettler (USA), Eye & the Oracle, Web Series

Joao Butoh (Brazil), ALEPH, Film Short

Joe Nolan (USA), The Tuneful Trolley, Documentary Feature

John Robert Hammerer (USA), Severance, Script / Writer (Daniel Kirby)

JP Snell (USA), FREE, African American

Karim Mahdjouba (French Polynesia), The Children of the Coral, Documentary Feature, Nature / Environment / Wildlife

Kim Talikoff (USA), I’m Smart, Too, Documentary Short, Liberation / Social Justice / Protest

Kousuke Hishinuma (Japan), Hide & Sniff, Film Short

Kyle Cowling (USA), No Runners, Film Short

Lucia Rinaldi (USA), A Separation Story, Experimental

Marc Lucas (USA), Angry Young Man, Film Short

Mark Rose (USA), Alaska Long Hunters, Christian, Documentary Feature

Matthew Cichella (USA), Without Grace, Film Feature

Matthew Mirliani and Cesar Castillo  (USA), Keep Me, Music Video, Original Song (composed by Matthew Mirliani)

Michael L. Hopwood (USA), Living Legends 66-0, African American, Documentary Feature

Miguel Castanet (USA), La amable euforia de la danza, Documentary Short

Molly Flood (Canada), Band Ladies, Web Series

Mr. Kullachat Jitcajonwanich (Thailand), Heart of Gold, Asian, History / Biographical, Special Purpose Productions, Makeup (Ms. Kulwadee Jitkajornwanich)

Myra Lewis, Myroc Productions (USA), Love is in the Legend, Documentary Feature, LGBT, Women Filmmakers, Viewer Impact: Entertainment Value, Editing

Nathan Wilson (Australia), A Cruel Turn, Documentary Short

Nikki Estridge (USA), Don’t Make it Awkward, Actress: Leading (Nikki Estridge as Kate Manopolous)

Oluwatoyin Adewumi (Nigeria), STRAIN, Women Filmmakers, Drama Program / Series

Patty Butler Spiers and Jay Maloney (USA), Guadalcanal 1942: A Christmas Story, Documentary Short

Pedro Hector Canales (USA), Getaway, Latin / Hispanic (Student)

Peter Hiscock/Grant Dodwell of Australian Theatre Live (Australia), Lindrum: The Uncrowned King, Actress: Leading (Janne Clara Lindrum as Clara, Harriet, Violet, Joy and Jan)

Peter Kondra and Mikael Schallock (Germany), Good Old Friends, Film Feature, Actor: Leading (Peter Kondra as Pete)

Samantha Nolte (USA), Fair Haven, Actor: Leading (Bobby McGruther as Billy Gregor), Actress: Leading (Amandalyn McLellan as Heather Robinson), Film Feature, Women Filmmakers

Sarah Goff, James Meyer,  Rachel Morgan Perry, Elizabeth Usher (Australia), Sending Love Your Way, Music Video

Scott Ferril, RENT THE SKY FILMS (USA), Pay Me, Music Video

Shea Allen (USA), Safe Space, Women Filmmakers

Such Stuff as Dreams Productions (USA), What We May Be, Film Short, Women Filmmakers

Swaminathan Venkatraman (USA), The Neighbour, Film Short

Terry Ross (USA), A Castle in Umbria, Actor: Leading (Frank Papia as Rick), Women Filmmakers (Terry Ross and Lisa Bruhn), Actress: Leading (Lynn Allinger as Charlotte), Film Short

Thorsten Schade (Germany), The Invitation (Die Einladung), Film Short

Tommy G. Kendrick (USA), The Dark Places Film, Christian

Toshi Asaka (Japan), The Place of Memories, Asian

Travis Patten (USA), Nemeku Lights, Film Short (Student)

Victor Dean (USA), MRS. TAYLOR’S SHOW AND TELL – A PRINCE STORY, Animation

Wesley Shrum (Kenya), Pioneer Pizza, Documentary Short

Wesley Walker (USA), How the Sausage is Made, Animation (Student)

 ~ Award of Recognition ~

Adam Karsten (USA), Viceroy, Young Filmmaker – 17 and younger

Andre Blaze Rodgers (USA), The Mysterious Mr. Wizdom, African American

Angel N. Livas (USA), I AM BLACK: The Enlightenment, Liberation / Social Justice / Protest

Angelica Pique (USA), Escapism, Experimental

Antwione Saunders (USA), League 215, African American

Ayanna Laverne Ziegler (USA), A Word, African American, Web / Internet Programming, Women Filmmakers

Bea W. Bliss (USA), Aborted Traffick, Women Filmmakers, Contemporary Issues / Awareness Raising

Carmen Lamar Gonzalez (USA), Second to None, Latin / Hispanic, Web Series, Women Filmmakers

Casey Grant (USA), Boss Hoggin Road Trip Series – BMF 50, Web / Internet Programming

Chloe Spencer (USA), Phone Calls, LGBT (Student)

Chuk Otakpor and Richard Odilu (USA), The Anomalous, African American, Television – Pilot Program, Television – Program / Series

Dale Fabrigar and Suzanne DeLaurentiis (USA), Suzanne’s Saturday Night Scares, Television – Program / Series

Daniel J. Gillin and Todd Phillips (USA), Crypto Heads The Movie, Film Feature

Ed Lamberg (USA), Grace in High Heels, Television – Program / Series

Eddie DeBartolo (USA), Mansion on Maybelle Street – A Short Horror Film, Experimental (Student), Young Filmmaker – 17 and younger

Eduardo Ramirez (USA), Human Spectrum – Episode 1, Television – Pilot Program, Documentary Program / Series, Direction

Eric Hackler and Gian Carlo Durland (USA), Clutter Luck, Web Series

Erika Ágnes Bujdosó (Hungary), The Sky above Budapest, Christian, Women Filmmakers

Frank P. Mancuso (USA), Q-10 DINER, Film Feature

Frank P. Mancuso (USA), A glimpse of my life thru my eyes, Documentary Short

Gary M. Sanner (USA), Derivative, Film Short, Original Score (Composed by Gary M. Sanner)

Ghost (USA), Even in Darkness, Cities of Dreams Are Born, Christian, Actor: Leading (Ghost as Seven), Religion / Ethics, African American

Giovanna Caruso (USA), Double Faced, Film Short, Women Filmmakers

Golden Eagle Films (USA), Fire on the Ridge, Film Feature, Women Filmmakers, Actress: Leading (Corinne Meadors as Jessica), Actress: Leading (Sandra Dee Richardson as Gretta)

Greg Karnilaw (USA), Makuso II, Experimental

Jaewon Choi (USA), Chestnut Drive, Film Short

James Chen and Shihyun Wang (Taiwan), Life in Taiwan 2020 as a retired job Seeker, Asian

James Curry (USA), masterjam, Documentary Short

James Newman and Nick Hastings (United Kingdom), Love and Information: A Zoom Play, Web / Internet Programming

Jared Jay Mason and Clark Runciman (USA), The Great and Terrible Day of the Lord, Film Feature

Jimmy Dasaint (USA), The KARMA EFFECT, Film Feature

Jing (June) Wang (Canada), A Tango with Chino Perico, Special Purpose Productions

Joe Nolan (USA), The Tuneful Trolley, Liberation / Social Justice / Protest

John Robert Hammerer (USA), Severance, Film Short, Art Direction (Sally SangHee Bae), Cinematography (Andreas Mansson), Direction (John Robert Hammerer), Editing (Daniel Lewinstein), Sound Editing / Sound Mixing (Samuel Durand, José Villaman, Angel Alonso Sarmiento, Jesús Bermúdez)

Josh Karan (USA), Birth Of A Union, African American

Julia Deak (Hungary), Future Fractal, Film Short

Kaitlin Morris (USA), Do Us Part, Web Series

Kathryn Lewis (USA), Nowhere To Go, Music Video

Lallan Samaroo and Larry Horrell (Trinidad and Tobago), FRUITVILLE, Animation, Experimental

Leila Edelstein (Australia), Plunge, Young Filmmaker – 17 and younger

Maria Carpenter (USA), Learning To Keep The Planet Green, Young Filmmaker – 17 and younger

Matthew Lee (United Kingdom), Empty Shelf, Film Short

Michael Guigliano (USA), Cleithrophobia, Young Filmmaker – 17 and younger

Miriam Revesz (USA), Voices From the Invisible, Disability Issues

Nikki Estridge (USA), Don’t Make it Awkward, Film Short

Omar Casillas and Fernando Rodriguez (USA), Last Vacation, Actress: Leading (Lisa Christine Holmberg as Samantha)

Paul Chan and Shihyun Wang (Taiwan), Go with your heart, Asian

Peter Hiscock/Grant Dodwell of Australian Theatre Live (Australia), Lindrum: The Uncrowned King, Women Filmmakers

Ray Spivey (USA), Process, Film Short

Richard Buswell (USA), Order 86, Film Feature

Robert Brooks (USA), Background Noise, Film Feature (Student)

Ryan Zamo and Jordan Fraser (USA), Back Stabber- Season 2, LGBT, Web Series

Sarah Goff (Australia), Give it Space, Music Video

Scott Ferril, RENT THE SKY FILMS (USA), Pay Me, Animation

Sean Tretta (USA), Day 14, Film Short

Shihyun Wang (USA), Win the invisible war – Coronavirus, Documentary Short

Shihyun Wang, Paul Chan and James Chen (Taiwan), Taiwan- my home, Documentary Short

Sophia Romma (USA), Used and Borrowed Time, Experimental, Film Feature, Jewish, LGBT, Liberation / Social Justice / Protest, Women Filmmakers

Swaminathan Venkatraman (USA), The Neighbor, Film Short

Teddy Alexis Rodriguez (USA/Puerto Rico), Hell No, Actor: Leading (Moises Chavez as Franky), Latin / Hispanic, Actor: Leading (Teddy Alexis Rodriguez as Roberto)

Thorsten Schade (Germany), The Invitation (Die Einladung), Original Song (This old man composed by Christian Reisert, produced by Danny Seith, Pariah Music Studios)

Tom Andre (Canada), Wild Fire, Documentary Short

Victor Dean (USA), MRS. TAYLOR’S SHOW AND TELL – A PRINCE STORY, Documentary Short

Victor Verhaeghe (USA), Pandemic Softball, Film Short, Actor: Leading (Victor Verhaeghe as Bobby)