By Maria Esteves - November 27, 2009 

The 29th Annual CMJ Music Marathon & Film Festival 2009 (CMJ09), Closing Night Audience Awards preceded the Premiere of THE MESSENGER, written and directed by Oren Moverman, held at the Chelsea Clearview Cinema, New York, Friday, October 23, 7:30 P.M. The award acknowledges the best in music films and emerging directors.

Since 1978, CMJ Network, Inc., founded by Robert K. Haber promotes the best in new music through interactive media, live events, and print. CMJ annually presents Music Marathon & Film Festival, the largest music industry event in the USA. CMJ Events founder/executive producer is Joanne Abbot Green; the directors are Matt McDonald (showcase), Rosemary Raposo (event), and Jordan Hruska (editorial). 

This year's film festival included 20 films (premieres, features, documentaries), 12 shorts, opening and closing night parties, Q&A sessions, special events, and awards ceremony.

2009 CMJFF sponsors were Agapantha Hand Crafted Jewerly, ASCAP, Big Picture Media, BULLDOG London Dry Gin, Clearview Cinemas, Legacy, Magic Hat Brewing Company, Norwood, Planet Green, PlayBack, RougeTomate Restaurant, Seagate, Sinise Colbran, Universal Pictures,
and ZIPLINE Entertainment.

2009 CMJFF ceremony included four awards within two categories. The awards were presented to the following winners:

· Best Narrative Feature, to director James Merendino for THE INVISIBLE LIFE OF THOMAS LYNCH.

· Best CineMini Narrative Short, to director Tom Justino for WITH ANCHOVIES, WITHOUT MAMA.

· Best Documentary Feature, to director Fred Zara for AVERAGE COMMUNITY.

· Best CineMini Documentary Short, to director Jonathan Epstein for I AM A MAN: FROM MEMPHIS, A LESSON IN LIFE.