By Maria Esteves – June 26, 2014
FIRST TIME FEST: The Second Time Around (FTF 2014) Gala Awards for extraordinary achievements in cinema by first time international filmmakers hosted by director of programming David Schwartz, First Time Fest, commenced Monday, April 7, 2014, 7:00pm at 42 West, New York. The Grand Prize Award presented by co-founders Johanna Bennett and Mandy Ward, First Time Fest, went to LOVE STEAKS, editor Gesa Jager accepted the award on behalf of director Jakob Lass. The award for Outstanding Achievement in Directing presented by Chief Film Critic Stephanie Zacharek, Village Voice, went to MARIEKE NIESTADT for Bittersweet.

The award for Outstanding Achievement in Acting presented by actor Nicholas Haden-Guest went to HILL HARPER for 1982. Hill Harper acceptance speech was read by director of programming David Schwartz, First Time Fest. The Special Jury Prize Award presented by Chief Film Critic Stephanie Zacharek, Village Voice, went to 1982, directed by Tommy Oliver. Oliver’s acceptance speech was read by director of programming David Schwartz, First Time Fest. The FTF 2014 Award for Outstanding Achievement in Storytelling presented by Chief Film Critic Stephanie Zacharek, Village Voice, went to YAEL REUVENY for Farewell, Herr Schwarz. Yael Reuveny acceptance speech was read by director of programming David Schwartz, First Time Fest.

The Award for Outstanding Achievement in Cinematography presented by actor Nicholas Haden-Guest went to ZACHARY GALLER for The Sleepwalker, directed by Mona Fastvold. FTF 2014 Award for Outstanding Achievement in Scoring presented by Anne-Katrin Titze, Eye For Film, went to SONDRE LERCHE and KATO ABLAND for The Sleepwalker. Writer and performer Lerche accepted the award.