Winners of Reeling 2007: Chicago Lesbian & Gay Fest

Brenda Webb, Executive Director of Chicago Filmmakers and Director of the Reeling Film Festival, announced today the winners of Reeling 2007: The 26th Chicago Lesbian & Gay International Film Festival, which took place November 8-18, 2007.

Audience awards are the result of votes cast by festival attendees at Reeling screenings, while Jury awards were selected by industry experts. Winners were selected from among films "officially entered" into competition by their directors or producers. Films screened in the festival, but not "officially entered" in competition, were not eligible for awards.

Over the 11-day festival, Reeling presented 68 programs of 175 films representing 28 countries, with special events scheduled every day of the festival. Reeling 2007 received more than 600 submissions from filmmakers around the world with the final selections representing several national premieres and at least three world premieres. More than 50 artists presented their work in person and Reeling welcomed well-known celebrities, such as Bruce Vilanch, RuPaul, and Guinevere Turner.

JURY AWARDS

Best Narrative Feature:
"Butch Jamie" directed by Michelle Ehlen of the United States

Best Documentary Feature:
"Red Without Blue" directed by Brooke Sebold of the United States

Best Narrative Short Film:
"Pariah" directed by Dee Rees of the United States

Best Documentary Short Film:
"Love and Words" directed by Sylvie Ballyot of France

Best Experimental or Animated Film:
"For the Love of God" directed by Joe Tucker of the United Kingdom

AUDIENCE AWARDS

Best Narrative Feature:
"The Curiosity of Chance" directed by Russell P. Marleau of the United States

Best Documentary Feature:
"The Godfather of Disco" directed by Gene Graham of the United States

Best Narrative Short Film:
"Pariah" directed by Dee Rees of the United States

Best Documentary Short Film:
"Freeheld" directed by Cynthia Wade of the United States

Best Experimental/Animated Film:
"For the Love of God" directed by Joe Tucker of the United Kingdom