The IndieFEST is proud to announce the latest winners. Congratulations to all the filmmakers who participated in the current season!The awards go to those filmmakers who produce fresh, standout entertainment and compelling documentaries. The IndieFEST is a top-tier international awards competition. It honors professionals, established and emerging, who demonstrate exceptional achievement in craft and creativity. The goal of The IndieFEST is to help the winners of this coveted award achieve the recognition they deserve. Additionally, each year IndieFEST also bestows a special award to productions that make significant contributions to social change or a humanitarian effort. Please visit www.TheIndieFEST.com to learn more about the IndieFEST Humanitarian Award.

Best of Show

Far From the Tree – Dave Thomas, WOW FILMS  

Dave Thomas, WOW FILMS (USA), Far From the Tree, Film Short – Single mom Abbie is strong and a survivor…but she struggles in her daily routine and in her relationship with her teenage son Evan. The effect of a sexual assault years earlier weighs heavy on her. As these deep embedded feelings work their way out like a splinter, Abbie and her son reach a pivotal moment in both of their lives. Deftly directed by industry veteran Emmy-winner Dave Thomas – he draws the audience into moments of anguish, directing a deeply emotional storyline with authentic characters. Exceptional performance by the utterly talented Cheryl Allison (No Letting Go, Illness), an achingly authentic portrayal of teenage angst by Gabriel Rush (Moonrise Kingdom, The Grand Budapest Hotel) supported by the convincing Angie Bolling (RoboCop). With thoughtful cinematography, exceptional sound design and an emotionally moving soundtrack by Grammy-nominated artist Moby.

Piscina (Pool) – Leandro Goddinho 

Leandro Goddinho, Cinema Transgenero (Germany), Piscina (Pool), Film Short – On a quest to understand her grandmother’s past, Claudia meets Marlene, an old woman who’s created an homage to her memories inside an empty pool. During the visit, the old lady reveals details of her life that intersect with Claudia’s grandmother’s past, a German fugitive of the 2nd World War. Pool is about gay persecution during the Nazi period and the achievement of LGBT civil rights in contemporary History. A unique portrayal of love and life directed by talented newcomer Leandro Goddinho and supported by an outstanding cast of women who elevate the story with soul-stirring moments and crushing reality and a talented crew featuring alluring cinematography and excellent sound design. Stars Luciana Paes(Necropolis Symphony, Don’t Call Me Son), Sandra Dani, Marcela Fetter, Carolina Bianchi and Ester Laccava.

Award of Excellence Special Mention

Rui Cui, University of Southern California (USA), To Pimp a Butterfly, Asian – A Chinese American teen in L.A. discovers his mother helping the family by selling her body and tries to save her. Lush cinematography, lighting and an emotional performance by Bai Ling (Lost, Star Wars: Episode III). George Liu (Bad Internet) and Eric Harrison (Limbo).

Jonathan and Rebecca Martin (USA / UK), Creatures of Whitechapel, Film Short – A creative Gothic love story of creation and madness, Frankenstein and Jack the Ripper. Beautiful lighting, cinematography and sound. Eceptional performances by Carlee Baker (Robot Chicken), Barrett Ogden(Gruntslingers), Rick Macy (Waffle Street) and Jillian Joy (Proper Manors).

David Fritzson (USA), Wireless, Film Short – An aging baby-boomer arrives at a cell phone store after hours seeking help with a smartphone. An empathetic employee creates a connection across generations helping him to say goodbye. An emotionally touching piece with achingly authentic performances. Elliott Bales (Legends and Lies) and Tim Torre (Daily Bread).

Aadiiv Kreation PVT LTD (India), Aami Joy Chatterjee (I am Joy Chatterjee), Film Feature –  A ruthless businessman, a kind doctor, a compassionate mom, spirited orphans and a Buddhist monk converge in a mystical tale of lost identity and found heart. Engaging and thought provoking.  Stars Abir Chatterjee (Byomkesh Bakshi), Joya Ahsan(Guerrilla).  Shivanggi Choudharry producer.

PCI Media Impact, UNICEF and KBS, 27 Empty School Buses, Contemporary Issues – Unforgettable visual action in the heart of New York sees empty school buses with different slogans highlighting the UN report that 27 million children worldwide are denied education due to war. Compelling visuals and impactful sound design drive this poignant piece.

Rich Robinson (USA), prophet, African-American – Lyricist Levi Fryer’swords engaging the audience to come along on a journey that uses poetry to challenge the Ego and put social issues into a perspective that is neither demoralizing or glorifying but focuses on BEING and the PRESENT. Moving and meaningful in its simplicity and profound message.

Tim Bonython (Australia), The Big Wave Project, Doc Feature – A raw journey into one of the world’s most exciting challenges – riding the world’s BIGGEST waves. Follows the sport’s legends around the world to record the biggest and most death-defying waves – it thrills with impressive cinematography and heart pounding action.

Award of Excellence

Alan King (Australia), A Way Back, Actor: Leading (Alan King as Leo Amsel)

Alejandro Molina Romo (Mexico), The Present Ones, Latin / Hispanic

Antony Beilinsohn (USA), Free Advice with Adam Chernick, Webisode

April Rouveyrol (USA), Shy, Film Short

Brian Herzlinger (USA), Smothered by Mothers, Actor: Leading (Shannon Brown as Bobby Davis), Actor: Supporting (Chuck Ardezzone as Charlie Brasi), Actress: Leading (Juliette Bennett as Cassandra Carter), Actress: Supporting (Heather Matarazzo as Annie Davis), Script / Writer, Casting, Sound Editing / Sound Mixing, Film Feature, Direction, Editing

Crystal Lowe, Whitehall Entertainment Incorporated (Canada), The Curtain, Film Short

Dan Dixon (United Kingdom), Clanker Man, Film Short

Danny Phillips (New Zealand), Presentiment, Film Short, Pilot Program / Series, Post-Production Overall, Special Effects: Non-Animation

Dave Thomas, WOW FILMS (USA), Far From The Tree, Women Filmmakers, Dramatic Impact, Script / Writer, Cinematography, Direction, Actress: Leading (Cheryl Allison as Abbie), Actor: Leading (Gabriel Rush as Evan)

Ernest Abdyjaparov (Kyrgyzstan), Sayakbay – Homer of 20th century, Film Feature

Fr3deR1cK (USA), Counter Histories: Rock Hill, African American

Ivo Marloh (United Kingdom), All The Wild Horses, Documentary Feature

Jane Hammond (Australia), A Crude Injustice, Documentary Short

Joel Fioroni (Switzerland), The King of the Market, Disability Issues

Jonathan Martin and Rebecca Martin (United Kingdom/USA), Creatures of Whitechapel, Actor: Leading (Barrett Ogden as Dr. Frankenstein), Actor: Supporting (Rick Macy as Dr. Pretorius), Actress: Leading (Carlee Baker as Igor/Jack the Ripper), Actress: Supporting (Jillian Joy as Mary Kelly)

Jude S. Walko, Blue Falcon Productions LLC (USA), The Incantation, Actor: Supporting (Dean Cain as Abel Baddon), Direction, Film Feature, Script / Writer, Cinematography

Lakshmi Devy, Unnikrishnan Parameswaran and Vishal Mundra (USA), Don’t Be Afraid (Daro Mat), Film Short

Marissa Lessman (USA), Phil., LGBT

Mark Knight, Window Channel Network (USA), WATER, Documentary Short

Matthew McKee (USA), BaseBallet, Documentary Short

Michael Proudfoot, Proudfoot Ltd (United Kingdom), Which Way Up, Documentary Feature

Michael Simsek (USA), Bless Her Heart, Actress: Leading (Karsyn Jarrett as Bonnie Belle Buchanan)

Mike Hill (Australia), Hippocratic, Documentary Feature

Nila Madhab Panda (India), Dark Wind, Nature / Environment / Wildlife

PCI Media Impact, UNICEF and Narbu Chee (USA), One World Many Children. Immunization for All, Animation, Use of Film / Video for Social Change

Pushkar Manohar (India), KANIKA, Film Feature

Robin Greenberg (New Zealand), TEAM TIBET – Home away from Home, Documentary Feature

Sofia Anastasiou (Cyprus), THE WAY THINGS GO, Women Filmmakers

Sonia Suvagau (Canada), Inward Edward, Actor: Leading (Andrew MacDonald-Smith as Edward)

Wesley Taylor and Alex Wyse (USA), Indoor Boys, LGBT, Web Series

Award of Merit Special Mention

Abie Axen (USA), Man With Beard, Film Short

Alexander Craven (USA), Ansel’s Elgar by Lynn Harrell, Music Video

Clayton Vila (USA), of_Angels, Film Short

Ellie Harvie (Canada), Scattered, Actress: Leading (Debra Sears as Cynthia), Actress: Leading (Kalyn Miles as Amy), Women Filmmakers

Gianluca Minucci (USA), Funeral Pyre, Music Video

Hannah Barbakoff (USA), Look On The Bright Side, Film Short

Madhura Berman (USA), The Wait, Film Short

Mandella  Saaid (Australia), Benny, Film Short

Michael Simsek (USA), Bless Her Heart, Film Short

Nils  Taylor (USA), Quarries, Film Feature

Sonia  Suvagau (Canada), Inward Edward, Film Short, Original Score (Inward Edward composed by Sebastian Hugeneck)

Yiyi Ma (China), Beyond Fields of Paper, Asian, Women Filmmakers

Yuri Alves (USA), GRIND, Documentary Short and On The Cusp, Documentary Short

Zayn Alexander (USA), ABROAD, Actor: Leading (Zayn Alexander as Jad)

Award of Merit

Aaron Kunkel (USA), The Moment, Film Short

Alexandra D. Levinsohn and D. Clifford Hart (USA), Alternate Side, Web Series

Ally Downs (USA), The Caregiver, Film Short, Women Filmmakers, Actress: Leading (Ally Downs as Angela), Actress: Supporting (Jazmyn Simon as Lisa), Actor: Leading (Dan Sutter as Ed), Script / Writer (Ally Downs)

Ally McKenzie (United Kingdom), Here We Are, Documentary Feature

Amber Agha (United Kingdom), Playground – A short Poetic Film, Experimental

Ana Parra Bernal (USA), Unbreakable Ties, Actress: Leading (Diana Perez Riveros as Diana)

Andres Ramirez (Canada), Frame, Actor: Leading (Marcelo Gonzalez as Alex), Actress: Leading (Bailey Olson as Sophia), Film Short, Art Direction (Erin Danes), Cinematography (Ali Zain Salim Mevawala), Direction (Andres Ramirez), Script / Writer (Andres Ramirez) (Student)

Astrid Hofstaetter-Fuerpass  (Austria), Summer, Film Short

Austin Harmon (USA), The Dead King, Film Feature

Badr Farha (United Kingdom), Margaret, LGBT (Student)

Benjamin Strack (USA), Outburst, Disability Issues (Student)

Cai Hall (USA), The Fourth Day, Women Filmmakers

Camara Rauen (USA), Going Mental, Disability Issues (Student)

Caspar Brun (USA), Fish, Film Short

Charles Mandracchia and Lynn Hunter (USA), We Are Friends, Animation, Children / Family Programming

Dean Donofrio (USA), Survive This, Film Short

Diana Nicolae (USA), One Mother’s Fire: The Gail Minger Story, Documentary Short

Ellie Gravitte (USA), Her Being Home, LGBT (Student)

Ellie Harvie (Canada), Scattered, Original Song (Scattered composed by Chloë Dolores)

ErinRose Widner and Vivian Kerr (USA), Alex & Amy, Women Filmmakers

Florencia Calcagno (Argentina), Margarita, Film Feature

Gail Osherenko and Margarita Del Valle (USA), BROKE: The Santa Barbara Oil Pipeline Spill of 2015, Documentary Feature, Nature / Environment / Wildlife

Gianlorenzo Albertini (USA), The Ribbon on the Kite, Film Short

Greg Bushell (USA), A Part, Film Short (Student)

Harrison Kross (USA), Miami Drive, Actor: Leading (Harrison Kross as Zak Speed)

Heather Hillstrom (USA), The King in the Ring, Women Filmmakers

Isabelle Sophie Arouë (France), Paulette in Paris, Film Short (Student)

Jack Hubbell (USA), Glacier “Crown of the Continent”, Documentary /  Series, History / Biographical / Travel, Script / Writer, Videography

Jackie Torrens (Canada), Small Town Show Biz: Two Dreams from a Harbour Town, Documentary Short

Jacob Wise (USA), Underground – Adalia Tara, Music Video

Jing Ma (USA), Cure, Film Short (Student)

Joseph Brandon (USA), The Train Trip, Film Short (Student)

Joseph Covas (USA), The Struggle is Real, Webisode

Jude S. Walko, Blue Falcon Productions LLC (USA), The Incantation, Creativity / Originality

Kate McCaslin and Eve Doherty (USA), I Am Rebecca, Documentary Short

Kaye Tuckerman (USA), Nil by Mouth, Women Filmmakers

Ken Lewis (USA), The Final Interrogation, Film Short

Krishna Ribeiro (USA), Brian For Hire, Web Series

Kristian Mercado (USA), Craig Finn – God In Chicago, Music Video

Marco Laguna (Belgium), Doubleplusungood, Film Feature

Marcus Mandal (Denmark), Digital Living, Disability Issues

Mark Stolzenberg (USA), Talk to Me, Actress: Leading (Judy Copeland as Dr. Jocelyn Fieldstone), Film Short

Martin Taidy (Indonesia), Fugitive, Film Short

Michael Yates (USA), The Ape Regards His Tail, Experimental

Miguel Almagro (Singapore), Sisters Islands, Film Short

Morgan/Sam Way/Doyon (Australia), La Poupee, Film Short

Nathanael Dunn (USA), Until Death Do Us Part, Film Short (Student)

Rachel Kleinman (USA), Guin, Film Short

Roger Chiang (USA), Travails To Truth, Documentary Feature

Salomé Da Souza (France), GENERATION Y  X SLUTS, Women Filmmakers

Shea Allen Borengasser (USA), The Only Thing Certain, Women Filmmakers

Shilpa Mankikar, Truth Force (USA), Diwal’oween, Web / Internet Programming

Sierra Glasscock, Kate Krassowski, Lindsey Schuberth, and Christina Cigal (USA), Dream Job, Web / Internet Programming

Simon Leslie (New Zealand), Art From the Hands of Ngai Tahu (Nga Ringa Toi o Tahu), Web Series

Steven J R Lawson (United Kingdom), MAN-AT-ARMS, Animation

Talya Klein, Aaron Ballard and Dano Madden (USA), Brokers 6 Episode Screener, Web Series

Tina Krüger (Mozambique), Living Art, Documentary Short

TJ Costronovo (USA), Lookin’ Up, Film Feature

Traycee King and Nick Krassowski (USA), Insane Jane, Webisode

Ze-Yu Chen (Taiwan), Return, Film Short (Student)

Award of Recognition

Adelina Suvagau, Imagine Freedom Films Inc. (Canada), That’s One Small Step, Women Filmmakers, Direction, Script / Writer (Sonia Suvagau)

Aditya Om (United Arab Emirates), The Dead End, Actress: Leading (Saidah Jules as Maya)

Adrian Pacini (USA), Beyond, Young Filmmaker – 17 and younger

Alejandra Alarcón (Mexico), To the Sun, Music Video

Andrew Truong (USA), First Generation, Asian

Angelena Bonet (Australia), Angelena: Change The World, Liberation / Social Justice / Protest, Original Song (Tragic Fairytale composed by Angelena Bonet and Erick Deeby)

Anne Gyrithe Bonne, Bonne Filmproductions (Denmark), Shadows – When the Past Rules the Present, Documentary Short

Aran Morris (USA), Be Mime, Film Short, Women Filmmakers (Student)

Ben Darkwa (United Kingdom), Pauline’s Diary, Liberation / Social Justice / Protest

Carolyn Bridget Kennedy, Richard McRae (Demure Duchess Pictures) and Neil Schell (Canada), Danger Pay, Actress: Leading (Carolyn Bridget Kennedy as Michelle)

Charles Childers (USA), Mustang Pride, Film Short

D.J. Rivera (USA), Torrent, Film Feature, Direction, Script / Writer, Art Direction

Daryl Denner (USA), Can She Stay, Music Video

Derek Spady (USA), Clay’s Tavern – Pilot, Television – Pilot Program

Dionne van den Berg and Vasco van den Berg, Framemotions (USA), Leaving, Women Filmmakers

Dr. Vertna Bradley and Onyx Keesha (USA), Shower, Experimental

Dylan Gill (USA), Exit., Film Short

Eddie Leavy and Jordan Van Clief (USA), #ToothFairies: Staying Relevant, Web / Internet Programming

Edward Levinson (Japan), Manhattan Mashup, Experimental

Elaine Wong (USA), Three Chen Sisters – Pilot, Webisode

Elvis Lu (Taiwan), The Shepherds, Documentary Feature

Enzo Hui (Hong Kong), Innocence, Asian (Student), Film Short (Student)

Felipe Kowalczuk (Brazil), Channel Diaries, Disability Issues

Fevered Sleep (United Kingdom), It’s the Skin You’re Living In, Nature / Environment / Wildlife

Fog Forest (China), The End of Wind, Film Feature

J.J. Tagle and Parisa Sungsunanun (Thailand), KHON KAEN APP, Asian

James Diep (USA), It was just a second, Young Filmmaker – 17 and younger

James Michael Marshall (USA), San Wont ‘Without Shame’, Film Short

Jarrod Anderson (USA), Changing Jane, Christian (Student)

Jay Do (Vietnam), Anthem to The Rain, Film Short (Student)

Jeanette Russ (Mexico), 1985, Documentary Short

Jeffrey Morin (USA), The Misplacement, Documentary Short

Jenn Page (USA), Cazadora, Actress: Leading (Amber Romero as Cazadora)

Joe McReynolds (USA), Six Pack Sam, Film Feature

Joseph Villapaz (USA), Tragic Consequence, Film Short

Kevin Iso and Dan Perlman (USA), Flatbush Misdemeanors, Webisode, Web Series

Kimberley Rai (South Africa), Don’t Hide the Madness, Documentary Short

Lio Mehiel and Alex Heller (USA), Bayberry, LGBT

Luca Leoni, CISA – Conservatorio Internazionale di Scienze Audiovisive – Lugano (Switzerland), OUTSIDE, Documentary Short

Manoj Verma (India), BHULAN THE MAZE, Film Feature

Marc Allen (USA), Speed Kills, Christian (Student)

Marilyn O’Connor (Ireland), Did you hear me crying?, Liberation / Social Justice / Protest

Matt  Hickinbottom (United Kingdom), 24/SEVEN – A Street Opera, Film Feature

Matthew Berg (USA), Aqua Rasa, Young Filmmaker – 17 and younger

Matthew J. Evans (USA), Song of the Earth, Experimental

Maxi Witrak (USA), BED, Women Filmmakers

Memekiyaye Deneke (USA), Mission, Liberation / Social Justice / Protest, Contemporary Issues / Awareness Raising, Use of Film / Video for Social Change, Viewer Impact: Content / Message Delivery, Dramatic Impact, Actor: Leading (John Archer Lundgren as James)

Michael Bojtos (USA), Dickinson Avenue: The [mostly] True Story of The Paddock Club, Documentary Feature

Michele Lyman (USA), Getting Over, Film Short

Monde Gumede (USA), Limbo, Film Short

Nancy Lunsford (USA), Mama Frances, the Family Pope, Women Filmmakers

Niki Byrne (USA), Solo, Film Short
 

Reza Shokrani (USA), Zaman, Young Filmmaker – 17 and younger

Sam Wickey (USA), The Earth Is Flat, Disability Issues

Stanlee Ohikhuare (Nigeria), Idahosa Trails, Christian, Actor: Leading (David Schifter as Thomas Book Jr.)

Tamara Bunker (USA), Sheep, Goats & Cows, Women Filmmaker

Tatyana Rodina (USA), 20 Grand, Film Short

Vanesa Prieto (USA), Like Me, Actress: Leading (Brooklyn Robinson as Lucy)

Vasco Diogo (Portugal), may I ? remix#, Experimental

Xander Turian (Sweden), Rotten love, Actor: Leading (Xander Turian as Leo), Film Short

Xiaohan Chen, New York University (USA), Against The Dying Of The Light, Experimental (Student)