The IndieFEST Film Awards Announces Latest Winners! November 2021
Contact:
Rick Prickett, Competition Director
858-454-9787
TheIndieFEST.com
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 ~
Who is Amis Otis? – Greg Newberry
Greg Newberry (USA), Who is Amis Otis?, Film Feature – Adapted from the 2019 Pulitzer Prize- nominated stage play by award-winning writer/director Newberry – an enthralling film that expertly captures the zeitgeist of our current day. When a presidential assassin stands trial, he claims self-defense and that he’s on a suicide mission to save the world from his target’s actions. His provocative testimony puts our country on trial and confronts our divisive political climate head-on. Is he a mad man, a con man or a time traveling savior of the world? Only Amos knows in this searing, mind-bending political thriller. Deft direction, intriguing plot, exceptional script and a superb ensemble cast bring these complex characters to life. Stars: Josh Katawick, Rico Reid, Michael Bath, Derek Snow.
~ Outstanding Achievement~
Will Remond and Jim Remond (France), Resilience, Film Short (Student) – Leo is a lost and emotionally broken young man due to the recent loss of his father. He decides to find the grandfather he has never met and tell him about his son’s death. Jacques is a former great boxing champion has now turned into a fierce and uncompromising coach who is bitter and volatile. Their meeting awakens the deepest traumas in each of them. An absorbing short with authentic performances by veteran star Patrick Rocca (Baron Noir, Julie Lescaut) and newcomer Maël Cordier.
~ Award of Excellence Special Mention ~
Robert Griffith (USA), The Judge – Character, Cases, Courage, Doc Feature – Emmy-winner Justin Theroux narrates Griffith’s impeccable doc about legendary Judge Robert R. Merhige Jr., who fought to protect the environment, the rights of all people including groundbreaking decisions for racial justice. Exceptional story-telling, compelling script and poignant interviews. (The American Documentary Film Fund / Gravitas Ventures)
Nicolas P. Villarreal (Argentina), ON / OFF, Animation – Accomplished filmmaker Villarreal’s exploration of social media – help or distraction? Brilliantly told through the perspective of geniuses Frida Kahlo, Da Vinci, Beethoven, and Tesla. How would they have interacted with it and with their counterparts today. Inspired animation both whimsical and poignant with a timely message about technology in our lives. Redclover studios.
Thomas Verrette (USA), Zero Gravity, Doc Feature – Distinguished industry vet Verrette’s engaging and uplifting doc – following a diverse group of middle-school students as they embark on the journey of a lifetime – competing in a nationwide competition to code satellites aboard the International Space Station. Tight editing, compelling visuals and a polished score.
Jacky Song (USA), Incognito, Film Short (Student) – Student Academy Award nominee Song’s short about a woman who claims to have teleported from the past. Her mysterious story unfolds amidst a cold mental asylum. Beautiful cinematography and a moving score. Compelling performances by Jodi Bianca Wise (The Unicorn), Autumn Harrison (Boiling Pot), Greg Kriek, (The Other Side) and Tom Wade (Scar).
Michael Joseph McDonald and Joe Bluhm (Canada), FreeBird, Disability Issues – A story about a boy with Down Syndrome, his loving mother, absent father, bullies and a life-long crush. It asks “Why does the world assume that a disabled life is not profoundly beautiful?” Touching and deeply poignant. From L’Arche Charity, Academy Award-winning studio Tonic DNA and a soul stirring song by Jordan Hart.
Matt H. Miller and Michael Panico (USA), Carjack, Film Short – A hardened criminal takes a vehicle by force. As he escapes, he realizes there is a toddler in the backseat. Faced with the innocence of youth he is forced to reflect on consequences, how decisions can devolve into chaos and whether redemption is possible. Chilling and well crafted with an excellent performance by Mickey O Sullivan (Chicago PD). VINCO Creative
Marika Tamura (Japan), Final Deathtination, Animation (Student) – A suicidal man encounters a Grim Reaper – who is a “travel agent” – to find the best place to die. What ensues is a world tour of potential places and opportunities to end his life. Skillfully and colorfully animated with impressive and touching expressions – it is both technically beautiful and emotionally impactful.
Jonas Hofmann (Switzerland), Fit for the Future, Commercial – Talented motion designer, storyteller and animator Hofmann delivers a creative spin for a Coop Rechtsschutz commercial. The film showcases the unique strengths of the company by portraying their lawyers as protagonists in an illustrated game world. Inventive and original with complex yet perfectly executed technical aspects.
Brendan Meyer (Canada), Home Again, LGBTQ+ – After witnessing the end of her life as she knew it, Judith rescues childhood friend Adam from attempting to take his own. Embarking on a desert road trip they search for a familiar place as they struggle with death, life and how to go from one to the other. Stars Emily Siobhan McCourt, Corben Kushneryk, Bernadette Janssen, Rae Farrer.
Nolan Hieu Trifunovic (USA), The Other, Young Filmmaker – 17 and younger – Two combatants are trapped in a mysterious hotel where they can’t die or can’t leave. Stuck in an endless cycle of violence, they must change to save themselves. Tones of conflict and empathy – nuanced concepts and filmmaking far beyond Trifunovic’s 17 years. A young filmmaker to watch! Stars: Leila Perry, Joon Paul Kim, Krista Nicole Owens.
Julie Money (Australia), Graceful, Web Series – Follows teenage Grace as she navigates high school after the loss of her father – who is always present to help her with words of wisdom from the “other side”. Both creative and poignant with excellent performances from the entire cast. Stars: Talented teenager Grace Truman, Ben Wood (Top Of The Lake, Underbelly), Justine Clarke (Tangle, Mad Max) (Screen Australia).
~ Award of Excellence ~
Adam Orton (USA), The Aspirant, Film Short
Adam Roat (USA), Majestic 8, Television – Pilot Program (Student)
Alexei Chernenkoff (Canada), a stormy² day in July, Web Tube Length Video
Asger Krøjer Kallesøe (Denmark), Restless, Actress: Leading (Sarah Boberg as Tinna), Direction
Brendan Meyer (Canada), Home Again, Actress: Leading (Em Siobhan McCourt as Judith)
Cheryl Allison (USA), Pieces of Us, LGBT, Direction
Corina Mazzi (USA), Split Ends, Women Filmmakers, Concept
Cyle O’Donnell (USA), Big Trouble in Little Quartzsite, Documentary Feature
David Beatty (USA), Bereaved, Film Short, Actress: Leading (Julie Phillips as Carol)
Fella Cederbaum (USA), A Test, Script / Writer
Griffin Loch (USA), A Spark in Nothing, Young Filmmaker – 17 and younger
Isaac Te Reina (New Zealand), Whiti, Film Short, Native American / Aboriginal Peoples
Jacky Song (USA), Incognito, Direction
Jaume Domènech (Spain), GUSTAU, THE TRANSITION EXPOSED, Documentary Feature, Direction
Jerri I Sher (USA), QUIET EXPLOSIONS: Healing the Brain, Documentary Feature, Direction
Johannes Grenzfurthner (Austria), Masking Threshold, Film Feature, Cinematography (Florian Hofer)
Jolyon White (United Kingdom), Like I Said, Film Short
Julie Money (Australia), Graceful, amazing Grace series 2, Actress: Leading (Grace Truman as Grace)
Julie Phillips (USA), Judd and Nancy Across America, Actress: Leading (Julie Phillips as Nancy), Film Short, Actor: Leading (J. Cody Andersen as Judd)
Kara Herold (USA), 39 1/2, Women Filmmakers
Lina Lyte Plioplyte (USA), Pedacito de la Tierra, Documentary Short
Maggie Grant (USA), BROTHERHOOD, Women Filmmakers, Direction
Mary Apick (USA), The Cat, Women Filmmakers
Matt H. Miller and Michael Panico (USA), Carjack, Actor: Leading (Mickey O’Sullivan as Carjacker)
Maya Zankoul and Toni Yammine (Lebanon), Peek-A-Boom, Animation, History / Biographical
Michael Joseph McDonald and Joe Bluhm (Canada), FreeBird, Children / Family Programming, Music Video
Mira Amiras (USA), The Day before Creation, Animation, Educational / Instructional / Training, Film Short, Jewish, Women Filmmakers
Nahyun Beak and Dahyun Beak (USA), Stereotype, Animation
Navid Nikkhah Azad (Iran), The Recess, Film Short
Rane Jameson (USA), Stud, Film Short, Actor: Supporting (Rane Jameson as Austin)
Shailyn Farmer (USA), Legend of the Claw, Animation (Student)
Steve Meixell (USA), Unearthing Ogawa, Documentary Short, History / Biographical
Will Remond and Jim Remond (France), RESILIENCE, Direction (Student)
Woody Woodhall (USA), Contact High, Television – Pilot Program
~ Award of Merit Special Mention ~
Andrew Abbiw (United Kingdom), The Awakening, Original Score (The Awakening composed by Andrew Abbiw)
Angelina McCahey (USA), Trump America, a Ni, Documentary Feature
Benjamin Bryant (USA), Station to Station, Actor: Leading (David Eggers as Tom)
Bijan Daneshmand (United Kingdom), The Bahramis, Ensemble Cast (Bijan Daneshmand, Tahmoures Tehrani, Marjaneh Sabouri, Hossein Amirsadeghi, Mehdi Abbaspour, Rouzbeh Akhbari, Neda Kalali, Masoud Zianour, Payam Alijani, Foad Alijani, Shahrzad Sayyah, Afsaneh Karim, Cyrus Massoudi)
Brooke Tomlinson (Australia), Intuition, Film Short, Women Filmmakers
Deepti Pillay Sivan (India), DECODING SHANKAR, Documentary Short
Evangeline M. Mitchell (USA), Becoming Black Lawyers, African American
Fella Cederbaum (USA), WHO? CARES, Creativity / Originality
Griffin Loch (USA), A Spark in Nothing, Direction (Student)
Gwenfair Griffith (USA), Covid, y Jab a Ni, Documentary Feature
Jan Miller Corran (USA), Along Came Wanda, LGBT, Women Filmmakers
Jeff Schubert and Peter Paul Basler (USA), The Pragmatist, Film Short, Actor: Leading (Jack Maxwell as David Firrine)
John Jota Leaños and Sean Levon Nash (USA), L’Hesitance, Experimental
Keith Randal Duncan (USA), The Deepest Dark, Film Short
Lorena Jorge, Hidden Root Productions (USA), Black is the New Brown, Latin / Hispanic
Mark Kessell and Ruth Lingford (USA), The Girl In Question, Animation, Dramatic Impact
Marlin Darrah (USA), Amazon Queen, Direction, Film Feature
Rane Jameson (USA), Stud, Script / Writer (Rane Jameson)
Sean Gregory Tansey (Greece), The Pathos of Hamlet, Actor: Leading (Sean Gregory Tansey as Hamlet)
Susie Agoston (Australia), ONELAND DHARRMBUNGI MARRANGIGI, Native American / Aboriginal Peoples
Vineet Sharma (India), GAJRA, Film Short, Direction
~ Award of Merit ~
Alexei Chernenkoff (Canada), a stormy² day in July, Nature / Environment / Wildlife
Alfredo Ramos (USA), Welcome To Our World, Film Feature, Latin / Hispanic
Amin Behravan and Mohammad Javad Balali (Turkey), Awakening, Film Short
Andrew Abbiw (United Kingdom), The Awakening, Film Short
Baris Celiloglu and Lockedown Locked In ensemble of artists (United Kingdom), Lockedown Locked In, Liberation / Social Justice / Protest
Benjamin Bryant (USA), Station to Station, Actor: Supporting (Andrew Cawley as Casey), Asian, Original Score (Composed by Francis McGrath), Actor: Supporting (Jordan Getty as Jordan), Script / Writer (Benjamin Bryant)
Bérénice Achille (USA), Promise Me, Actor: Leading (Jamie Dufault as David), Actress: Leading (Bérénice Achille as Mara)
Brendan Daugherty (USA), Call Center, Web Series
Carlos Daniel Flores (USA), Goslings, Original Score (Goslings composed by Carlos Daniel Flores)
Carolina Cordero (USA), We Hear You | Now Hear Us, Disability Issues
Christopher A. Schultz (USA), Solitaire, Children / Family Programming, Film Short, Viewer Impact: Motivational / Inspirational
Cody Millett (USA), Big Mug, Animation (Student)
Dan Rippl (USA), Sun, Soil & Water, Documentary Feature, Viewer Impact: Motivational / Inspirational
Darío Higuera Meza and Trudi Angell (Mexico), La Recua – The Mule Pack Train, Documentary Feature, Latin / Hispanic
David Debris (Germany), Ecce Homo, Christian
David Sabbath (USA), Generation Hops Episode One, Direction, Webisode, Editing
DaVinChe (United Kingdom), B4U, Music Video
Dylan Mohan Gray (India), From Durban to Tomorrow, Liberation / Social Justice / Protest
Eric DePriester (USA), Treason, Film Feature
Eryc Taylor (USA), Uncharted Territory: Dancers in Isolation, LGBT
Ewa Bielska (USA), Her Call, Actress: Leading (Ewa Bielska as Mala), Direction, Film Short, Women Filmmakers
Fabio Grossi (Italy), Solitude, Experimental, LGBT
Fella Cederbaum (USA), A Test, Film Short
Fella Cederbaum (USA), WHO? CARES, Music Video
Fella Cederbaum (USA), Will You Hold Me, Script / Writer
Filiz Efe McKinney (USA), Reflecting on Anti-bias Education in Action: The Early Years, Educational / Instructional / Training, Use of Film / Video for Social Change
Griffin Lapham, LaGuardia High School (USA), Life, Young Filmmaker – 17 and younger, Creativity / Originality (Student)
Hiroki Kataoka (Japan), West End Girls, Film Short
Isaac Te Reina (New Zealand), Whiti, Disability Issues
Jacob Hotaling (USA), Dragonfly Boy, Actor: Leading (Ethan Rhoad as Graham) (Student), Film Feature (Student), LGBT (Student)
Jenny Ledikwe and Isaac Leano Marumo (Botswana), Dithunya tsa Rona (Our Flowers), Special Purpose Productions, Use of Film / Video for Social Change
Joe Chilcott (USA), ELEVATOR, Music Video
Krista Imbesi (USA), Our Feet Are Rooted, Documentary Short, Use of Film / Video for Social Change
Levi W. Catoe Jr., Kathel (USA), Friends, Music Video
Lisa Janae (USA), Common Characters, Documentary Short
Luke McCain and Ryan Knight (USA), The Ballerina, Documentary Short
Marquita Owens Robinson (USA), The Prayer Warrior, Christian
Marya Mazor (USA), Sophie in Hollywood, Web Series, Asian
Mathias Max Herrmann (Germany), THE SYSTEM IS YOU, Film Short, Concept
Megan Daniels (USA), Proper Pronouns, LGBT
Melissa Farris (USA), LONELY VOICES Grandparents Coping with COVID, Documentary Short, Direction
Niels Frandsen (Denmark), THE ECHO OF THE EPIDEMIC, Documentary Feature
Patrycja Micek (United Kingdom), Human Being, Animation (Student)
Ray Spivey (USA), The Pro Bono Watchman, Film Feature
Robert Cook (USA), My Whole Heart Is Blue, Music Video
Robert DeSanti (USA), The Epilogue of Gregory Archambault, Actor: Leading (Robert DeSanti as Gregory Archambault), Cinematography (Geoff Ryan)
Robyn Stalson and Lucien Kevin Johns, Rox Dare and Nick Wilson (USA/South Africa), Adventures of Zizwe, Webisode, Use of Film / Video for Social Change
Ron Cooper (USA), Knights of Early Los Angeles, Movie Trailer
Rui Ma (USA), Rewound Memory, Animation
Ruth Beni and Daniel Greaves (United Kingdom), All Of Our Shadows, Animation, Contemporary Issues / Awareness Raising
Ryan Osmond (Australia), The Ghoul, Direction, Cinematography
Sally Connors (USA), Martha, Actress: Leading (Sally Connors as Martha)
Sara Lattis (USA), Beats, Film Short (Student)
Steve Becker (USA), Lower East Asides, Television – Pilot Program
Susie Agoston (Australia), ONELAND DHARRMBUNGI MARRANGIGI, Documentary Short, Women Filmmakers
Tim Plowden (Singapore), The Circle of Life, Nature / Environment / Wildlife
Tom Chiappetta (USA), Far From Home: The Steve Dalkowski Story, Documentary Short
Tony Murnahan (USA), The Mood Kings – Dust and Bone, Music Video, Original Song (Dust and Bone composed by Herman Ospina, Joey Townsend and Mark Schwarze)
Tracey Cochrane (Canada), dead.boy., Documentary Short
Vadim Lasca (USA), The Stranglers – And if you should see Dave…, Music Video
Vic Compher (USA), Angels and Saints – Eros and Awe, Documentary Feature
Weijia Hou (United Kingdom), If Only, Animation (Student), Women Filmmakers (Student)
Yousef Alari (Jordan), Isha Prayer, Film Short
Yuki Wu (USA), Little Bell, Animation (Student)
Zubair Pradhan (India), The World’s Greatest Home, Animation (Student), Sound: Overall Impact (Student)
~ Award of Recognition ~
Aaron Turner (USA), Our Story: Once the Doors Opened, Documentary Short
Ahou Alagha (USA), little Adam example, Animation
Aleksei Podturkin and Olga Burenkova (Russia), Impasse, Film Short, Contemporary Issues / Awareness Raising
Alessandro Nardini (Italy), F stand for liFe, Experimental
Alfie Blue (United Kingdom), When She Waves Goodbye My Fingers Evaporate, Direction (Student)
Andrea Assaf (USA), Eleven Reflections on September, Experimental
Anna Gerasimova (USA), The Breath of Life, Animation
Antonio Bellido Marín (Spain), TRIP TO THE TAX PARADISE – RUMBO AL PARAISO FISCAL, Experimental
bellopropello (Switzerland), the game just got real, Animation
Benjamin Bryant (USA), Station to Station, Actress: Supporting (Cate Farrow as Sarah)
Benny Paul (benro) (India), DIE-OUT, Contemporary Issues / Awareness Raising
Bérénice Achille (USA), Promise Me, Editing, Direction
C Freedom (USA), Africans on the Mississippi, Documentary Short
Carlos Daniel Flores (USA), Goslings, LGBT
Carlos Diaz (USA), The Ballad of Emma Wright, Film Short, Latin / Hispanic
Carole Dolan Weed (Ireland), Artemisia 2021, Disability Issues
Carolina Cordero (USA), We Hear You | Now Hear Us, Documentary Short, Women Filmmakers, Contemporary Issues / Awareness Raising
Carona Davis-Diop (USA), The Opening, Women Filmmakers
Christopher E. Terry (USA), Silence Speaks Volumes, Film Short, Editing
Dana Crypto (USA), Welcome Home, Animation
Devon Padley and Jacob Andres Padilla (USA), Playing with Fire, Actress: Leading (Devon Padley as Hattie), Film Short, Original Score (Composed by Diego Rojas)
Donald F. Mann (USA), The Paddler, Film Short
Efriem Kahsay Quada (Eritrea), The Night’s Tune, Film Short
Emad Asfoury (USA), Homebound, Children / Family Programming, Television – Pilot Program
Fella Cederbaum (USA), Will You Hold Me, Film Short
Francesca Nobili (USA), Bedtime Stories, Animation, Narration / Voice-Over Talent (Taylor Storm as Hannah, Jonas Grosserhode as Daniel and Vivian Huang as Alice)
Harrie Verstappen (Curaçao), Edgar Palm in Otrabanda, History / Biographical
Hugo Teugels (Belgium), AnoMiC, Music Video, Cinematography
Ilja Rosendahl (USA), Remaining Chance, Film Short
Jacob Hotaling (USA), Dragonfly Boy, Actress: Supporting (Student) (Maddie Touri as Dahlia)
Jaeyoung Kim (USA), The Hijras we met : The 3rd Gender, LGBT
Jailyn Osborne (USA), Main Street, USA, Public Service Programming / PSA
Jeevan Singh (United Kingdom), Isolation, Film Short, Asian
Jill Frechie and John Ricciutti (USA), Life without Parole: The Story of George Martorano, Documentary Feature, Use of Film / Video for Social Change
Jim Wang (Taiwan), Remi Wonders – The interns, Editing
Jordan Skipper (USA), Divine Living Part II, African American, Television – Pilot Program
Ken Peters (USA), The death of a taxi driver, Asian
Kevin Gibson, Renegade Cinematics (USA), A Walk in the Shadows, Direction, Film Short, Actor: Leading (Chance Guerra as Tommy)
Kevin Veatch (USA), Sophie Goes Ape, Children / Family Programming, Narration / Voice-Over Talent (Samantha Blanchard)
Koh-Ichi Kashiwaya (USA), Looking for Ai, Actor: Leading (Kiyota Sage as Jim Thompson), Actress: Leading (Sano Izumi as Ai Kidou), Actress: Supporting (Sage Morris-Greene as Rose Lucas)
Lynne Slater and Margie Kelk (Canada), Half of Everything, Experimental
Marquita Owens Robinson (USA), The Prayer Warrior, Religion / Ethics
Martina Bell (USA), Bent, Film Short
Matthew Conway Williams (USA), Outreach, Documentary Short, Contemporary Issues / Awareness Raising
Merivelle Hannah (USA), First Gig, Young Filmmaker – 17 and younger, Women Filmmakers (Student)
Michael U. Olowu (USA), Desolation, Experimental (Student)
Nancye Ferguson (USA), SUE, Documentary Short, Women Filmmakers
Peter Strupp (USA), Cold Service, Actor: Leading (Drew Armstrong as Beau), Actress: Leading (Mary Magiera as Anna), Film Short
Polar Levine (USA), Strongman Sad, Animation, Liberation / Social Justice / Protest, Original Score
Radhika Jayanthi (USA), MAAYA, Women Filmmakers
René Schulz (Germany), Notas, Editing
Ricky J. Martinez (USA), I ELECT: Power Every Four Years, Liberation / Social Justice / Protest
Riley Del Rey (USA), Capitol Barbie, Television – Pilot Program
Roshi Givechi (USA), My Family Trees, Documentary Short
Ross Henson (United Kingdom), Door Salesman Dave, Actor: Supporting (Celal Can Orhan as Furkan), Film Short
Ryan C. Jordan (USA), Poor Guy, Women Filmmakers
Sean Cruser (USA), Convalescent, Film Short
Sean Gregory Tansey (Greece), The Pathos of Hamlet, Film Short
Sean Wever (Canada), Trend, Film Short
Sharon Hudson (Canada), Dark or Light – Extended version, Music Video
Shihyun Wang (Taiwan), The love story of Su, Shi, Asian
Shihyun Wang (USA), Messages from another time, Webisode
Shihyun Wang (USA), The comet in doomsday prophecy, Asian
Sofía Anderson (USA), Doloris, Documentary Short (Student), Women Filmmakers (Student)
Steven Jon (USA), Eliza Smiles, Documentary Short, Original Score
Susan Lim, Christina Teenz Tan and Samudra Kajal Saikia (USA), Evil Professor, Music Video
Susan Liverpool and Ada Frazier Turner (USA), The Lion and the Porcupine, Original Score (The lion and the porcupine composed by Susan Liverpool)
Susanne Deeken (United Kingdom), The Hairy Notion of a Green Afternoon, Animation
Sybil D. Jatta (USA), Akwaaba the Awakening, African American, Documentary Feature
Tony Holland (USA), Glove, Disability Issues (Student)
Travis Mills (USA), The New Frontier, LGBT
Whitney St. Ours (USA), YouBuddy, Women Filmmakers
Yuri Sasamoto (Japan), WHO IS BAD? The shouting of Rock-and-roll Samurai, Original Song (WHO IS BAD? composed by Altruist)
