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The IndieFEST Film Awards Announces Latest Winners!

La Jolla, CA, May 2024 - 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.

May 2024

~ Best of Show ~ 

My Mercury – Joëlle Chesselet and Pippa Ehrlich

Joëlle Chesselet and Pippa Ehrlich (United Kingdom), My Mercury, Documentary Feature – Oscar-winner Ehrlich (My Octopus Teacher) teams up with director Chesselet to deliver a doc that is as gripping and complicated as it is wildly compelling. At 28, conservationist Yves Chesselet abandons modern comforts to live alone on Namibia’s remote Mercury Island for 8 years amidst a cacophony of constant sounds and smells. His mission: relocate 15,000 seals, making room for endangered seabirds. Through Yves’ diaries and video footage, his sister Joëlle unfolds a tale of environmental urgency, human struggle, Yves’ troubled past, his unrelenting internal torment and his moral choices. We witness a hermit’s ethical battle against nature’s harsh beauty, where saving one species means harming another. Ultimately, it’s a triumph for the birds, but with a haunting cost. This intimate documentary explores re-wilding as a complex dance between man, nature and our human psyches.

As Yves grapples with the moral complexities of his mission, we are forced to confront our own notions of ethics and responsibility. What sacrifices are we willing to make in the name of conservation? How do we reconcile the harsh realities of nature with our innate desire to protect and nurture it?

My Mercury is more than a documentary—it’s a meditation on the fragile balance between man and nature, and the profound impact of our choices on the world around us. It challenges us to reevaluate our relationship with the environment and consider the true cost of our actions. In the end, it leaves us with a haunting question: what are we willing to sacrifice for the greater good. Ultimately, it reminds us that the fate of earth, and all that live here, rests upon the choices we make and the compassion we embrace toward a world that we are destroying.

A24 Films & Dog Star Films. Written by Emmy-nominee Jinx Godfrey, Producers: Emmy nominee Ben Cotner, News & Doc Emmy winner Adriana Banta, News & Doc Emmy Nominee Emily Osborne, Mandy Chang, Nick Shumaker, Nicole Quintero Ochoa.

~ Award of Excellence Special Mention ~

Angad Aulakh (USA), Resurrektor, Film Short – A gripping tale of loss and desperation, explores the lengths one woman will go to reunite with her deceased sister. Suspenseful and supernatural, expert storytelling supported by haunting performances, dramatic lighting and cinematography from Emmy-winner Charlie Wuppermann. Stars: Taylor Cooper (The Morning Show), Guy Kent (The Atomic Dream), Lestonja Diaz (Nashville).

Iara Cardoso (Brazil), The Human Era, Nature / Environment / Wildlife – In this riveting documentary, actor and environmentalist Marco Palmeira takes us on a journey through air, fire, water and earth in Brasil, revealing how human nature fuels climate change. Well researched with expert insights and diverse perspectives, it’s a compelling exploration of our impact on the planet. Informative and inspirational.

Justin (Marmo) Marmorstein, Marmo Films (USA), Coyote – “Pocho” featuring Mc Magic, Music Video. Featuring Emmy-winner Mario Lopez as a cowboy in the wild west, this short film is part comedy, part spoof, a spotlight on cultural considerations for the Latinx community and ultimately a memorable musical performance. Features the beats and music of artists Coyote and MC Magic “Pocho” in a creative music video.

Elisabeth Harris (USA), Stand UP, Speak OUT – Reproductive Rights: Know Your Rights, Doc Short – Vividly traces American women’s reproductive rights evolution, celebrating past victories and spotlighting current threats. Tightly crafted it is exceptionally well researched and rich in history. Featuring diverse voices it sheds light on pivotal moments that shaped women’s autonomy and the urgent need to defend it.

Christopher Schultz (USA), Enemy No More, Film Short – In WWII, an American soldier escapes a prison camp only to be caught by a Japanese soldier who left the war. As they bond, they ultimately discover a chance to aid each other’s journey home. Engaging plot and compelling performances by Jonathan Tanigaki (NCIS: Hawai’i), Jake B. Miller (Daisy Jones & The Six) and Anzu Lawson (Chicago Med).

Antonio Hrynchuk (Canada), Paramedics: Emergency Response, Season 7, TV Series – This thrilling series delves into Saskatoon’s paramedic world, showcasing the adrenaline-fueled 911 responses and the real life drama that can quickly unfold on any call. Raw footage and firsthand accounts immerse viewers in the high-stakes EMS world, revealing the dedication and bravery of these first responders. Fahrenheit Films

Aaron Erol Ozlevi (Turkey), EXILE, Film Feature – Set against the 1955 Istanbul pogrom, this drama follows a Greek businessman’s expulsion, intertwined with Eleni and Sedat’s love story, set amidst religious and financial challenges of the time. The film authentically portrays the era’s emotional depth, with a gripping narrative and relatable performances. Saadet Aksoy, Tolgahan Sayisman, Mahir Gunsiray, Ruhsal Ocal, Macit Sonkan.

Khatuna Vashadze (Georgia), Devil’s Paradise, Film Feature – This captivating film intertwines two parallel stories in a restaurant and a hospital room over one night. It explores complex inner worlds, relationships, and life’s profound themes with rich character development and surprising plot twists. Compelling script and performances. Stars: Rezo Chkhikvishvili, Zurab Kipshidze, Mariam Jologua.

Anthony Igra (Australia), Final Broadcast, Film Short – Australia under invasion sets the stage for a gripping saga at a military hospital. The PM’s team faces a crucial task: drafting a surrender speech. Their plans are upended by a mysterious stranger in a wheelchair with a hidden agenda. Compelling story and performances. Brendan Donoghue (Outback), Keith Robinson (Mystery Road), Allison Cratchley (Sanctum).

Steve Vilhem (Switzerland), Iceland, On the Trail of Democracy, Doc Feature (student) – Delves into the 2008 Icelandic Pots and Pans revolution, showcasing efforts to draft a new Constitution through citizen participation. The documentary, led by three students, offers colorful presentations and fresh interview perspectives, all highlighting a unique approach to democracy and the ongoing issues.

~ Award of Excellence ~

Aaron Erol Ozlevi (Turkey), EXILE, Liberation / Social Justice / Protest
Angad Aulakh (USA), Resurrektor, Actor: Leading (Guy Kent as Paul), Direction, Casting (Michael Sanford, CSA), Ensemble Cast (Taylor Cooper, Guy Kent, Lestonja Diaz, Ella Thomas)
Anna Gerasimova (USA), The Breath of Life: Dark Matter, Original Score
Anthony Igra (Australia), Final Broadcast, Cinematography (David Gribble ACS), Original Score (Daniel Zines), Direction (Anthony Igra)
Antonio Hrynchuk (Canada), Paramedics: Emergency Response, Season 7, Direction, Editing (Ryan Malone)
Bernie Forster (Switzerland), House of Switzerland, Television – Pilot Program
Brett Eric Hoffman (USA), SALTWATERx, Disability Issues, Documentary Feature, Health / Medicine / Science
Christopher Schultz (USA), Enemy No More, Direction
Gustavo Andres Menese (Argentina), Nerd, Animation, Cinematography, Art Direction
Hudson Hillin (USA), Newman’s Block, Children / Family Programming (Student), Editing (Student), Film Short (Student), Young Filmmaker – 17 and younger
Iara Cardoso (Brazil), The Human Era, Contemporary Issues / Awareness Raising, Nature / Environment / Wildlife
Imelda O’Reilly (USA), Suspicious Minds, Women Filmmakers
Jan Miller Corran (USA), Concerto for Abigail, LGBTQ+ Theme
Jana Miley (USA), Little Issues, Film Short, Women Filmmakers
Joëlle Chesselet and Pippa Ehrlich (United Kingdom), MY MERCURY, Women Filmmakers
Justin (Marmo) Marmorstein, Marmo Films (USA), Coyote – “Pocho” featuring MC Magic, Cinematography (Cesar Withingham), Editing (Justin (Marmo) Marmorstein, Marmo Films)
Kevin Short (United Kingdom), BONNIE & CLIVE, Film Feature, Ensemble Cast, Original Score
Khatuna Vashadze (Georgia), Devil’s Paradise, Women Filmmakers, Ensemble Cast
Lukas Ratka (Austria), My Invisible Friend, Original Score (Tobias Alexander Ratka), Sound Editing / Sound Mixing (Diana Macalova)
Lynn H. Elliott (USA), Be Prepared For What?  Episode 2, THE BOY WHO EARNED HIS MAGIC, Script / Writer
Marcelo Ricardo Ortiz (Canada), Bring Back Christmas, Latin / Hispanic Filmmaker
Martin Lloyd, Anja Ramaroson and Richard Tomes (Portugal), Doll#195, Actor: Leading (Paul Hughes as Walter)
Niv Ende (Canada), Machine, Actress: Leading (Carolyn Yonge as Maya)
Robert Michael, GEEPAK Entertainment (USA), Oblivious, Ensemble Cast, Original Score (Composed by Robert Michael), Original Song (“On That Day”, featuring Brooke Weirick, composed by Robert Michael)
Roland Paul Marconi and Gary Null (USA), Sublimation Nation, Documentary Feature
Sabina Sattar (United Kingdom), Mum Said, Children / Family Programming, Original Score
Siros Kerdouni (USA), DISHONORABLE, Film Short
Tim Gray (USA), Village of Death: Oradour-sur-Glane 1944, Documentary Feature
Timur Khvan and Alexander Guryanov (Russia), Commander, Film Feature

~ Award of Merit Special Mention ~

Arthur James (USA), Everlasting Steps: The Path to Healing, Documentary Short
Drew Chamberlain and Gage Morgan (USA), Scars & Stripes: The Shane Vincent Story, Documentary Short (Student)
Esther Takac (Australia), THE NARROW BRIDGE, Script / Writer, Direction, Religion / Ethics
Jake Hunsicker (USA), Meatloaf and Pie at the Sunset Cafe, Ensemble Cast
Jeff Sewald (USA), Go To The People, Documentary Feature
Kelly Galindo (USA), 26 Seconds ISIS Sex Slaves, Women Filmmakers, Documentary Feature, Use of Film / Video for Social Change
Mark Edward Lewis (USA), THE ICARUS MANEUVER, Webisode
Martin Lloyd, Anja Ramaroson and Richard Tomes (Portugal), Doll#195, Film Short, Original Score (Natasha Pikoul)
Martin Perry Lutz (USA), The 8th Note of Ramon Amado, Cinematography, Direction, Film Short
Niv Ende (Canada), Machine, Film Short, Cinematography (Dallis Swiatek)
Rebecca Harris-Smith (United Kingdom), Out Of Time, Film Short
Reza Beheshti Atashgah (Iran), VIEW, Islamic Filmmaker
Ryan Kurt Whiting (USA), The Dog Days, Film Short, Original Score (Zack Baltich), Sound Editing / Sound Mixing (Roy Waldspurger)
Silvio Carrillo (USA), Forging Heroes, Contemporary Issues / Awareness Raising
Warren Andrew Fischer (USA), The Serena Variations, Actress: Leading (Dylan Brown as Serena), Original Score

~ Award of Merit ~

Al Buchanan and Mr. Riddlestone (United Kingdom), Sirens, Music Video
Al Dubinsky (USA), The Redeemables 2, Television – Pilot Program
Alice Hjorth (Denmark), GOLIA, Women Filmmakers
Ana Jobrail (USA), The Enforcers, Television – Pilot Program, Latin / Hispanic Filmmaker, Women Filmmakers
Anabelle Corneau (USA), Julie, Original Score (Student)
Arezoo Monfared (Iran), DOUBLEX, Asian Filmmaker
Barrye L. Price and Florita Bell Griffin (USA), Interview With a King – An Animated Short Film, Script / Writer
Brent Heise (USA), The Girl Who Faded Away, Music Video, Direction, Cinematography (Bill Ward)
Brett Eric Hoffman (USA), SALTWATERx, Personal Growth
Bryan Chadwick (USA), FENCES, Liberation / Social Justice / Protest, Use of Film / Video for Social Change, Contemporary Issues / Awareness Raising
Cari Sudmeier (USA), Frequency Over Time, Native Peoples Theme, Women Filmmakers
Chad Brown (USA), Blackwaters, African American Filmmaker, African American Theme
Chase Dudley (USA), BROKEN INNOCENCE, Film Feature
Chi Fan Wang (USA), The Life, Animation, Art Direction, Arts / Cultural / Performance / Plays
Dan T. Hall and Philip Paluso (USA), NOBLE VISION, Contemporary Issues / Awareness Raising, Dramatic Impact, Script / Writer
David Papa (USA), I Love You, Elise, Film Short, Asian Filmmaker, Actress: Leading (Caitlin Kirkel as Elise)
Davis Young Lee (USA), A+ Deception: Step by Step, Young Filmmaker – 17 and younger
Drew Chamberlain and Gage Morgan (USA), Station 20, Documentary Short (Student)
Fabrizio Nota and Giovanni Negro (Italy), A COLORFUL WORLD, Liberation / Social Justice / Protest, Viewer Impact: Content / Message Delivery, African American Theme
Gal Salomon (Israel), Blue Marks, Women Filmmakers (Student)
Gwendolyn G. Cassady (USA), If It Could Happen to Me, It Could Happen to You, Contemporary Issues / Awareness Raising
Heidi Duckler (USA), I Will Remember What I Forgot, Experimental
Jake Hunsicker (USA), Meatloaf and Pie at the Sunset Cafe, Direction, Actress: Supporting (Sophia Lucia Parola as The Server)
Jakob Schaefer, Abagail Vanmerlin and Liam Dunning (Canada), The Theatre Documentary, Documentary Feature
John Cornelissen (USA), The Projectionist: A Collector’s Journey, Documentary Short
Juliana Bergstrom, Keara Barnes and Brenda Whitehall (Canada), Harbour, Film Short, Ensemble Cast, Original Score
Lukas Ratka (Austria), My Invisible Friend, Young Filmmaker – 17 and younger
Macabit Abramson (Israel), Woman Alive, Women Filmmakers, Actress: Leading (Lihi Zemel as Shlomit), Women Theme
Mark Anthony Short (USA), SELF, Film Short
Martin Lloyd, Anja Ramaroson and Richard Tomes (Portugal), Doll#195, Original Song (Street of Judgement by Natasha Pikoul), Actress: Leading (Lou Gala as Doll), Actor: Supporting (Fergus Foster as Cain)
Megan Ashley Alan and Ken J. Griggs (USA), Cheers! Portland, The Strip Club Capital of America, Documentary Feature, Women Filmmakers, Women Theme
Michele Adams (USA), PRISONER OF LOVE, Film Feature, Women Filmmakers, African American Filmmaker
Mike Jeffers and Richard A. Bass (USA), Untamed, Film Feature, Direction, Cinematography
Mina Isabella JafriMalik and Zainab “Izzy” Malik (USA), The Asifa Bano Story, Direction, Documentary Short, Liberation / Social Justice / Protest, Women Filmmakers
Oliver Brubaker (USA), The Toad in the Hole, Animation (Student)
Richele Caragianis (USA), Wandering Star, Contemporary Issues / Awareness Raising, Script / Writer, Women Filmmakers, Women Theme
Rick Bedrosian (USA), I Could Eat, Pilot Episode, Television – Pilot Program
Romy Nordlinger (USA), The Feeling Part, Film Short (Romy Nordlinger), Actress: Leading (Romy Nordlinger as Liv), Cinematography (Bryan James Hamilton)
Sabina Sattar (United Kingdom), Mum Said, Title / Credit Design
Salvatore Riggio (USA), Heroes, Just For One Day (Breaking Thick Ice), Script / Writer
Shawn E. Jones (USA), Six Strang – The Life and Times of Stanley Jones, African American Filmmaker (Student), Documentary Feature (Student), Christian Filmmaker (Student)
Shawn McLaughlin (USA), THE REFLECTION OF MARCUS JOHNSON, Script / Writer
Sierra Productions (USA), Troy’s Story, Original Score (Patrick Rundblad)
Thomas Biebers (USA), Generation to Generation: “We Choose to Live”, Jewish Theme
Tom Lovegrin (USA), Shadows, Film Short
Victor Ginzburg (USA), The Restless Garden, Documentary Feature
Victoria Monai Richards (USA), Tricked and Treated, Christian Filmmaker, Women Filmmakers
William Preising (USA), God’s Plan, Christian Filmmaker, Christian Theme, Cinematography, Documentary Feature
Yaar Harell (Germany), Kibitzer, Film Short, Jewish Filmmaker
Yana Osman (Russia), TWIN FENCES, Documentary Feature
Yuanchun Cao (Italy), Tsing Yi Role of the Dignified Lady, Asian Filmmaker

~ Award of Recognition ~

L. Jobrail (USA), Changes, Christian Theme, Television – Pilot Program, Latin / Hispanic Filmmaker
Alicia McClendon (USA), Killings of the Land, Webisode, African American Filmmaker, Women Filmmakers
Anabelle Corneau (USA), Julie, Film Short (Student), Women Filmmakers (Student)
Ash Khan and Vana Bond (United Kingdom), Busker Square, Documentary Feature
Barry Atticks (USA), O Come Emmanuel, Music Video, Viewer Impact: Content / Message Delivery, Concept
Barrye L. Price and Florita Bell Griffin (USA), Interview With a King – An Animated Short Film, African American Filmmaker, African American Theme, Animation, Christian Theme
Bryan Chadwick (USA), SAY IT AIN’T SOHO, Contemporary Issues / Awareness Raising, Public Service Programming / PSA
Bryan Chadwick (USA), A PEEK INSIDE, Documentary Short
Chad Brown (USA), INWARD, African American Theme
Chris Cardillo (USA), Second Chance City, Film Feature
Emmett Sparling and Josiah Gordon (Canada), The Desert Knight, Film Short
Ignacio Maiso (United Kingdom), The Girl with the Fork, Film Feature
Jacob Estrada (USA), Brother, Young Filmmaker – 17 and younger
Joe Costa (USA), She Is 17 Again, Film Short, Women Theme
Juha Toivaala (Finland), YARDWORK, Film Short
Karin Schill (Sweden), Snow Angels, Actor: Leading (Mohammad Arvan as Mike)
Katsuhide Yamago (Japan), THE JOURNEY FOR COMING OUT, Documentary Short
Kyle Browne (USA), Spirit Sensing: Anima of the Quarry, Editing, Original Score
Kyle Edward Chase (USA), Plus or Minus (Inspired by “Oppenheimer”), Young Filmmaker – 17 and younger
Lexi Goldi (USA), Baby, Movie Trailer, Women Filmmakers, Contemporary Issues / Awareness Raising
Lorenzo West (Canada), Beware the Red Robot, Animation, Creativity / Originality, Television – Program / Series
Maria A. Labonte (USA), The Water Shaman Eternal Love Oath, Movie Trailer
Mary C. Ferrara (USA), Wallie’s Gals, Women Filmmakers, Actress: Leading (Roe Pacheco as Maxine), Ensemble Cast
Max Sterling (USA), The Liberry, Film Short
Neil w Young (Canada), What In The World Is The World Coming To, Music Video, Contemporary Issues / Awareness Raising, Dramatic Impact
Niklas Röholm and Christina Danielsson (Finland), Litterator – The One Who Teaches Letters, Filmmaker with Disability, Disability Issues, Humor / Humorist
Oleg Livits and Karsten Blue (USA), Friendly Heat, Documentary Short
Robyn Killian (USA), RIOTS VS. TSUNAMIS, Contemporary Issues / Awareness Raising
Roman Gerodimos (United Kingdom), Fellows Hall, Film Short
Sallie Hines (USA), Blurred Ties, Webisode, African American Filmmaker, Women Filmmakers
Sergio Pérez Leonís (Spain), Psycho Lovers, Film Short (Student), Creativity / Originality (Student), LGBTQ+ Filmmaker (Student)
Sheldon A. Woodson (USA), Vessel, Actor: Leading (Joshua Christian-Azali as Marcus Surgeons), Actor: Supporting (Sheldon Woodson as Manny Mullen), Actress: Leading (Mya Richardson as Vanessa Downs)
Shihyun Wang (South Africa), South Africa – Rainbow Nation, African American Theme, Contemporary Issues / Awareness Raising
Sierra Productions (USA), Troy’s Story, Direction (Joseph Henderson), Film Short
Stephen A. Schrum (USA), Doomsday: Password, Film Short
Traci L. Slatton (USA), One Soldier’s Journey, Documentary Short