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The IndieFEST Film Awards Announces Latest Winners!

La Jolla, CA, February 2020 – 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 ~ 

The Trials of Winnie Mandela: Who Holds 100% of Sainthood?

Mandy Jacobson
 

Mandy Jacobson (South Africa), The Trials of Winnie Mandela: Who holds 100% of Sainthood?, Doc Feature – Two-time Emmy and Peabody winner Jacobson delivers a powerful five-part documentary series. Structured around a lunchtime conversation between Winnie Madikizela-Mandela and her two granddaughters, Winnie speaks freely about her radical politics, her abuse suffered at the hands of the police, how she protected fiery youth from apartheid’s death squads and her unapologetic feelings toward those who judge her. The interactions are frank, heartfelt, emotional and uncomfortable. Most of all, they provide insight into the complexity of one person who lived an extra-ordinary life. With excellent pacing and tight editing she uses never-seen-before footage, exclusive interviews with family, friends, commentators, victims and activists as the series brilliantly uncovers a global figure shrouded in myths and mysteries and whose indomitable spirit helped shape South Africa”s democracy. Jacobson strikes the perfect balance in the delicate dance between greatness and human frailty, between the public and the private; between political constructs and in-between truths. It is a deeply personal, provocative and intricate examination of an icon, a grandmother and a human being that compels the audience to grapple with our own understanding of human frailty and capacity for good and evil. Using Madikizela-Mandela in her own words interwoven with a tapestry of competing voices – the film appropriately avoids one definitive portrayal – in the end it becomes as much a reflection of who we are as it is about the life story of Winnie Madikizela-Mandela. Produced by Indelible Media, African Oral History Archive with the Ichikowitz Family Foundation.

~ Outstanding Achievement ~ 

Gun and a Hotel Bible – Alicia Joy LeBlanc and Raja Gosnell
 

Alicia Joy LeBlanc and Raja Gosnell (USA), Gun and a Hotel Bible, Film Feature – Based on an award-winning play, it tells the story of a desperate man on the verge of a violent act and his encounter with a personified hotel bible named “Gid”. It creatively explores themes of betrayal, spirituality and loss as Pete comes “face-to-face” with everything he once believed in. The characters are relatable and at times even humorous as they bond and battle and are ultimately forced to deal with their inadequacies. Insightful dialog and superb delivery drive this provocative piece. Deft direction from industry veteran Gosnell (Home Alone, Mrs. Doubtfire, Scooby Doo) and LeBlanc (The Convergence: Mission) create the perfect tone and sharply honed performances by Bradley Gosnell (The Smurfs) and Daniel Floren (The Influencers) bring existential questions to life. Supported by a touching score from award-winning composer Ed Smart (Oscar-nominated Hank Aaron: Chasing the Dream) and edgy, realistic camera work from Robert Arnold (Big Little Lies).

 ~ Award of Excellence Special Mention ~

Peter Kelly (Ireland), Guns & Rosaries, Christian – Emmy & Golden Globe winner Martin Sheen (West Wing, Apocalypse Now) narrates the story of Father Patrick Peyton – and his”family who prays together stays together” campaign. He became an improbable media mogul, friend of Hollywood stars and unlikely CIA secret agent. Telly winner Kelly (CNN, Al Jeezera) weaves a tightly crafted and entertaining doc. Aired RTE Ireland.

Toma Enache (Romania), Between Pain and Amen, Film Feature –  An excruciatingly authentic account of the brutal and inhumane conditions of a torture “re-education” prison in communist Romania. Skillful direction, stunning cinematography along with excellent lighting and sound design support painfully authentic performances by talented actors. Constantin Cotimanis (Epicenter), Vali Popescu, Ioachim Ciobanu (The Cardinal).

Ben Galland and Barry Opper (USA), Parts & Labor, TV  Pilot Program – Decades sober Greg must come to terms with the resentful son he abandoned when Tim is released from prison. Father and son must forgive one another or die trying as they navigate the daily realities of living together again. Gritty and raw with authentic performances. SAG winner Michael Bowen (Breaking Bad), Ryan Dorsey (Ray Donovan).

Alexey Zlobin (Armenia), Lorik, Film Feature – A mysterious moment of divine intervention transforms an egotistical actor into a man with a heart of gold navigating through life’s injustices. Award-winning Zlobin’s film is carried by convincing and colorful performances, creative production design Armen Ghazaryan and superb musical score David Haladijan.  Michael Poghosian (The Earthquake), Evgeniya Dmitrieva (Loveless).

Leticia De Bortoli (USA), Queering (Season 2), Web Series – A LGBTQ comedy web series that follows Harper, who is ready to live the best phase of her lesbian life until the tables turn when her mom unexpectedly comes out as queer.  Simultaneously comedic and poignant with thoughtful scripting and authentic performances. Stars: Telly and Emmy winner Susan Gallagher, Sophia Grasso and Diana Oh.

Lauren Corber, Ryan West, Joe Kicak and Carmen Albano (Canada), Detention Adventure, Web Series – Mystery and adventure abound when a motley crew of sixth graders purposely get themselves thrown into detention after discovering  a hidden labyrinth of tunnels under school with a long lost secret. Stars Andrew Moodie and a talented young cast,  Alina Prijono, Jack Fulton, Tomaso Sanelli, Simone Miller.  Airs CBC Gem.

Farnoosh Abedi (Iran), Malakout (Divinity), Film Short – Multi award-winning director and film festival veteran (100+) Abedi delivers a dazzling and wickedly creative animation. A piano player tries to get his wife’s life back by making a pact with the devil – trading his hands. But the new hands awaken the devil’s forces inside him. Extraordinary animation technique with stunning lighting design deliver the ambiance and emotional impact.

Powei Su (Taiwan), Anpu – ZOEA, Music Video – Celebrated Taiwanese director Su (Nike, Disney) weaves a poignant tale highlighting the devastating impacts of environmental destruction through a charming but ultimately sobering tale of two mitten crabs who narrowly escape from a street vendor’s pot. Combing live action footage and impeccable animation it weaves a narrative of imagination and life metaphors.

Alexis Spraic (USA), The Last Harvest, Doc Short – A glimpse into the hopes, hardships and uncertain futures of family food growers in the U.S. and the critical labor shortage of harvesters. Workers are now facing a harsh reality of tightened immigration control and inefficient guest worker programs and no clear path to citizenship. An important perspective of the threats to the availability of fresh food and a thriving agricultural community. 

 ~ Award of Excellence ~ 

Alexey Zlobin (Armenia), Lorik, Actor: Leading (Michael Poghosyan as Lorik), Original Score, Dramatic Impact
Alicia Joy LeBlanc and Raja Gosnell (USA), Gun and a Hotel Bible, Actor: Leading (Bradley Gosnell as Pete), Christian
Angel Puado (Spain), Staring at the Sea, Dramatic Impact
Ashish Dahal (Nepal), Soch, Music Video
Bob Celli (USA), The Keeper, Film Short
Caroline Cory (USA), Superhuman: The Invisible Made Visible, Documentary Feature
Daniel Widdowson (Australia), Equivocal Redemption, Actor: Leading (Daniel Widdowson as Jason), Film Feature
Dawn Gifford Engle (USA), The Dalai Lama: Scientist, Documentary Feature, Women Filmmakers
Denise Schamens (USA), Choosing to be a Good Friend, Disability Issues
Dr. S Sunil (India), MORAL NIGHTS, LGBT, Liberation / Social Justice / Protest
Ema Kugler (Slovenia), Man with Shadow, Experimental
Erica Arvold and Meredith Grace Dabney (USA), Here Today, Film Short
Gretl Claggett (USA), STORMCHASER, Film Short, Television – Pilot Program
Harvey Moshman and Chuck Coppola (USA), EASTLAND: The Shipwreck That Shook America, Documentary Feature
Jane Velez-Mitchell (USA), Countdown to Year Zero, Nature / Environment / Wildlife
Julio César Bolívar (USA), HEROE, Liberation / Social Justice / Protest
Lauren Corber and Wendy Litner (Canada), How to Buy a Baby, Season 2, Web Series
Leticia De Bortoli (USA), QUEERING – SEASON 2, LGBT, Women Filmmakers
Louis Sayad DeCaprio and Khawla Al Hammouri (Jordan), A SYRIAN WOMAN | Human Stories from Jordan, Documentary Short, Women Filmmakers
Marc Russo (USA), Sheltering Sky, Animation
Michael Murphy (USA), Up From The Streets – New Orleans: The City Of Music, Documentary Feature
Mike Johnston (Canada), Synnopsis, Documentary Short
Mykee Del Mundo (USA), Poor Us, Web Series
Pouya Eshtehardi (Iran), Untimely, Film Feature
Qi Qi (China), The 14th, Film Short (Student)
Rory Kelly (Australia), Comican’t, Disability Issues
Spencer T. Folmar  (USA), Shooting Heroin, Film Feature
William Mazzola (Brazil), Andean Condor, Film Short

 ~ Award of Merit Special Mention ~

Alessandra Pedrotti Catoni (Italy), Upper Story, Documentary Feature, Special Purpose Productions
Andrew Chen (USA), Ghost in the Gun, Film Short
Aniruddha Rajandekar and Sandeep Dhumal (India), Chasing Whispers, Nature / Environment / Wildlife
Bob Celli (USA), The Keeper, Actor: Leading (Bob Celli as Robert), Actress: Leading (Betsy Adkins Johnson as Celeste)
Daniel “Danny” Ramos (USA), The Margarita Man, Latin / Hispanic
Daniel Widdowson (Australia), Equivocal Redemption, Actress: Leading (Sontaan Hopson as Samantha)
Hala Abouchakra (Lebanon), Soaked, Public Service Programming / PSA
Jianle Liu, NYU Tisch School of the Arts (USA), What We Talk About When We Talk About Lights, Camera, Action, Asian (Student), Film Short (Student)
Josh Quillin (USA), Epic Home Haunts, Documentary Feature
Leen Zayat (Syria), RSVP, Women Filmmakers (Student)
Marc Mouton (USA), Teen Musical – The Movie, Christian
Michael Kampa (USA), Broken Halos, Film Feature
Mykee Del Mundo (USA), Poor Us, Actor: Leading (Jeremy Dozier as Tanner Maxwell)
Nathan Crane (USA), Cancer; The Integrative Perspective, Documentary Feature
Sarath Kothalawala and Kumara Thirimadura (Sri Lanka), The Newspaper, Liberation / Social Justice / Protest
Tess Salamin (USA), Something BIG, Actor: Leading (Student) (Jake London as John), Film Feature (Student)
Thomas Luechinger (Switzerland), PATHS OF LIFE, Documentary Feature
Victoria Brown (United Kingdom), Haggis, Film Short

 ~ Award of Merit ~

Abhirup Halder and Raunaq Das (India), Ellipsis, Film Short
Alessandro Leo (Italy), INDESCRIBABLE, Film Short
Ali Matlock (USA), Blueberry Flytrap, Asian
Allen Kool (Canada), The Sanctuary, Film Feature, Actress: Leading (Lawrene Denkers as Edna Whalen), Actor: Leading (Rick Amsbury as Harley Whalen), Actor: Supporting (Dylen Michael Guiry as Wade Overton),
Allyson Rice (USA), Fine, I’ll Write My Own Damn Song, Actress: Leading (Allyson Rice as Allyson Rice), Music Video
Amir Athar Soheili (Iran), Women Who Run with the Wolves, Film Feature
Amir Jalali (Iran), Residents of the Last Floor, Film Short
Andrew Bond (USA), The Reading Room, Film Short
Anne Lewis (USA), Finding The Balance, Documentary Short
Anoushka Mohindra (USA), Ray of Change, Young Filmmaker – 17 and younger
Atefeh Rahmani (Iran), Changing Room, Film Short
Ben Morieson (Australia), Fieldwork The Colonies, Nature / Environment / Wildlife
Benjamin Freemantle (USA), Squeak, Film Short
Brandon Hugo Arroyo (USA), Cocotazo, Film Short
Bryan Downey (USA), 1,000 Years a Witness, Native American / Aboriginal Peoples
Bryce Saucier (USA), A Forest Bath, Film Short
Chelses Venkadathu (USA), Ephemera, Film Short
Chen Liangyu (Taiwan), 100% Girl, Young Filmmaker – 17 and younger
Danilo Stanimirović (Serbia), Bambiland, Film Short
Davin Simms (USA), diviate, Music Video (Student)
Dounia Benjelloun Mezian (Morocco), KIANA’S APACHE CEREMONY, Documentary Feature
Dusan Mrden (United Kingdom), Cathartique, Experimental
Emily Anderson (USA), Happily Ever Ally, Actress: Leading (Alyse Kenny as Ally Klein), Television – Pilot Program
Frank S. Petrilli, Robert Sciglimpaglia and Belair Productions (USA), Within and Without, Film Short
Graciela Cassel (USA), Citylife 2, Experimental
Hortense Lingjaerde (USA), Time’s Up, Women Filmmakers (Student)
Hyoung Joon Yoo (Korea), KINCET SIDE, Animation (Student)
James Purpura (USA), Perception: Seeing Is Not Believing, Documentary Feature
Jamie Baldanza (USA), Wild Lands. Wild Horses., Nature / Environment / Wildlife, Television – Pilot Program
Jolanta Warpechowski (Austria), Red Yellow Pink, LGBT
Joseph V. Brown (USA), Winter Cranes, Nature / Environment / Wildlife
Karin Lee (Canada), Plan B, Web Series
Katie Garibaldi and Marc Morgan (USA), Star in the East, Music Video
Kelly Galindo (USA), 26 Seconds, Women Filmmakers, Documentary Short
Kimi Howl Lee (USA), Kama’āina (Child of the Land), Native American / Aboriginal Peoples
Lindsay Clift (USA), Lexus IS Spec Commercial, Commercial / Infomercial
Luke Van Mol (USA), A Long Weekend, Film Short (Student)
Mac Cappuccino (USA), Malaisia, Film Feature
Marc Mouton (USA), Teen Musical “Behind-the-Scenes” Documentary, Documentary Feature
Michele Noble (USA), Reclamation: The Rise at Standing Rock, Native American / Aboriginal Peoples
Mick Napier (USA), Bong Zombies, Web Series
Mike Yacovone, Rob DePalo and Ken Kushner (USA), TAPESTRY, Christian
Mohammad Ali Wahaj (Iran), Athena, Setayesh and others, Experimental
Moriah HanJiaXiu Hayes (USA), California to Ghana, Documentary Feature (Student)
Mostafa Mehraban (Iran), CRADLE OF SILENCE, Film Short
Niklas Goslar (Germany), Mother of Tibetans, Documentary Feature
Noel Davis Poyner (USA), Precipice, Film Short
Patrick Baucelin (Martinique), Long ago in the Caribbean, Documentary Feature
Petra Zoepnek (Austria), Where is Lotte?, Experimental
Peyman Soheili (Canada), A Single Mom, Film Short
Philippe Azoulay-Siritzky (France), The Seacrets, Film Feature
Phinehas Yoon (USA), Sound of Desperation, Young Filmmaker – 17 and younger
Piano Whitman (USA), Woman From Mars, Documentary Short, LGBT
Ralph Hammann (USA), Richard Wilbur – Keeping the Difficult Balance, Documentary Feature
Rhyan Schwartz (USA), Artísta Obscura, Television – Pilot Program
Ron Goldin (Israel), Line 881, Documentary Short (Student)
Sahar Homaeifar (Iran), Du bist das Licht / You Are the Light, Film Short
Saiko Kitagawa (Japan), talk, Asian
Sally Steele (USA), Raised On Rock – The Burnette Family Legacy, Documentary Feature
Seng 2 KX and Andrew DeHaven (USA), Kahdiak’s Kitchen: Episode 2 – Rigatoni & Meatballs, Web Series
Seokwhan Stephen Jang (USA), Redemption Stage, Film Short (Student), Young Filmmaker – 17 and younger
Simone Amendola (Italy), No name in the end credits, Documentary Feature
Steve Snyder (USA), SHOT DOWN: Howard Snyder and the B-17 Susan Ruth, Documentary Short
Theo Kim (Canada), And Now This?, Actress: Leading (Margret Nyfors as Corinne), Film Short
Timothy Wolfer (USA), The Right Girls, Documentary Feature
Tom Seymour (USA), VHS Massacre Too, Documentary Feature
Tony Wilson (USA), Honoring America’s Heroes, Documentary Short
Tristan Mulcahy (Australia), The Adventures of Camila, Animation
Will Nordstrom (USA), Rita, Young Filmmaker – 17 and younger
William E. Simpson II (USA), Wild Horses – A Micro/Mini documentary, Documentary Short, Nature / Environment / Wildlife

 ~ Award of Recognition ~

Alisa Robinson (USA), Grandpa Gene, Women Filmmakers
André Almeida Rodrigues (Portugal), Break, Break, Break, Film Short
Artie Shaw, Jr. (USA), Urban Ninja, Web Series
Ayesha Adu (USA), Little Men, Film Short
Luciano Barsuglia (USA), Forgotten Legacy, Film Feature
Brian Barsuglia (USA), A Bard for the Ages, Documentary Short
Casey D. Grant (USA), Boss Hoggin Road Trip Series Episode 5 – DUBAI, Webisode
Cherie Kerr (USA), The Show Can’t Go On!, Film Feature
Daniel Glushefski (USA), Building For God: Orphanage, Churches and Lives, Christian
Don Tjernagel (USA), The Moving On Phase, Film Feature
Francesca N Borgatta (USA), The Spectre’s Bride, Film Short
Frank S. Petrilli, Robert Sciglimpaglia and Belair Productions (USA), Within and Without, Actor: Leading (Robert Sciglimpaglia as John), Actress: Leading (Gigi Cesare as Emily), Actress: Supporting (Clio Contogenis as Amber)
Heather Provoncha and Leo Hollen Jr (USA), XOXO: For the Love of Football, Documentary Feature
Hiroto Yokokawa (Japan), The Great Buddha Arrival, Asian
Howard Sherman (USA), Chemo Crossroad, Film Short
Ignacio Rivera, Gleeson Rebello and John Ventura (USA), Words Kill, Music Video, Public Service Programming / PSA
Janice L. Walker (USA), Always Hope, Christian
John Washburn (USA), The Dead Drop, Film Short
Johnnie Hector (USA), Witchwoods The Movie, Film Short
Jordana Valerie Allen-Shim (Canada), Gay As In Happy: A Queer Anti-Tragedy, Documentary Short
Joseph Neuman (USA), Say It with Your Vest, Actress: Leading (Lisa Christine Holmberg as Kiera Lewton)
Kevin Veatch (USA), The Little Witch Interview, Web Tube Length Video
Kyle Bethea (USA), Jury Duty, Film Short
Louis Djalili (United Kingdom), Letting Go, Film Short (Student)
Louis Taylor and Karl Jason, Shining Trauma Pictures (Canada), Spawn and Geezer, Web Series
Mark Deere (Australia), Who Killed Romeo & Juliet?, Web Series
Marten Leurdijk (Netherlands), Searching for Pura Vida, Nature / Environment / Wildlife
Mauricio Navarro (USA), The D Note, Film Short
Max R. Zabell (USA), Unearth, Film Short (Student)
Maya Table (USA), Hit The Road, Film Short
Monnoj Baishya  (India), Rising Sun, Disability Issues
Muck Sticky and Linda Kaye Lowery (USA), Mysterious Events: Crazy As A Loon, Film Short
Nejla Demirci (Turkey), The Decree, Documentary Feature
Nicholas Anderson (USA), Empty Nester, Film Short (Student)
Niko Volonakis, Graffi Media Inc (USA), Demons, Well-Seasoned: Book III of The Secret Spice Cafe Trilogy, African American
Reetu Shah (USA), Behind the Walls, Liberation / Social Justice / Protest
Sandra Tamkin (USA), Iric, Documentary Short, Liberation / Social Justice / Protest, Women Filmmakers
Steven J R Lawson (United Kingdom), Diseased Freaks, Film Short
Thomas Akins, Jr. (USA), American Dreams, Actor: Leading (Thomas Akins, Jr. as Marcus), Film Short
Timothy A. Coons  (USA), The Purple Dragon, Film Feature
Timothy Collins (USA), Maelstrom, Film Short (Student)
Wendi Sun (USA), Damaged, Film Short