Big Sky Documentary Film Fest Announces Award Winners

The Big Sky Documentary Film Festival is pleased to announce the 2007 winning films, each of which will be screened during a special encore presentation Wednesday, February 21, at Missoula's historic Wilma Theatre.
Best Feature
The Cats of Mirikitani
Director - Linda Hattendorf

Best Short
A Revolving Door
Director - Marilyn Braverman

Best MiniDoc
Ha Ha Ha America
Director - JD Ligon

Big Sky Award
Salvation Mountain
Director - Travis Peterson

Artistic Vision Award
The Colour of Olives
Director - Carolina Rivas

Artistic Vision Award
Seeds
Director - Wojciech Kasperski

Awards Night Screening Schedule
Wednesday, February 21, 2007 - Wilma Theatre/Missoula, Montana

6:15 pm -
A Revolving Door
Ha Ha Ha America
Seeds

7:45 -
Salvation Mountain
The Cats of Mirikitani

10 pm -
The Color of Olives

Feature Jury:
Sky Sitney (SILVERDOCS)
Mike Steinberg (Webster Film Series)
Doug Whyte (KDHX/St. Louis)

About THE CATS OF MIRIKITANI, the jury said, "We recognize this film for the ability of cinema to transform not only the lives of the viewers who witness it, but also the transformation of the lives of the filmmaker and the subject - an impact that is often understated or denied in the documentary filmmaking process, but in this case is embraced when the events of life surpass the conventions and expectations of filmmaking itself. This is a film that renders the true depth of the importance of artists in society. This film introduces us to an extraordinary, and previously unrecognized 'Grand Master Artist' - Jimmy Mirikatini. His creations are both a source of coping with his tragic past and a catalyst for his salvation. We celebrate the ability of the filmmaker to show great restraint as she navigates the potential land mines of politics. The film skillfully references an aspect of America's dark racist past and creates a poignant parallel to current events. We honor this film for its artistry, social consciousness, humanity, and for demonstrating the real impact documentary can have on people's lives."

About THE COLOUR OF OLIVES, the jury said, "This film transports us into a time and place through its artistic vision. It allows the viewer to observe from the vantage point of those living in the midst of a difficult conflict - a Palestinian family imprisoned in their own home. The film artfully conveys the truth and poignancy of this situation without the limits of more conventional filmmaking techniques."

Short/MiniDoc Jury:
Sarah Jo Marks (At Risk Films)
John Sinno (Typecast Films)
Greg Snider (Filmmaker)

About SEEDS, the jury said, "We would like to honor SEEDS with an Artistic Vision Award. If Chekov and Rembrandt had collaborated on a documentary film, it might have the visual richness and dramatic insight of SEEDS."

Big Sky Award Jury:
Phoebe Brush (Full Frame Documentary Film Festival)
Michael Falter (Pickford Cinema/Bellingham, Washington)
Steve James (Filmmaker)

About the Big Sky Award competition, the jury said, "We would like to acknowledge the wealth of important issues explored via the films in this category. We elected, however, to give the Big Sky Award to a modest yet artistically realized portrait, SALVATION MOUNTAIN. It is a beautifully shot film that does not judge the artistry or convictions of its subject whose work in scale and execution could only belong to the American West. This year's Big Sky Award goes to Travis Peterson's Salvation Mountain."

Special thanks to Sponsors of the 2007 Big Sky Documentary Film Festival, including Bresnan Communications, HBO Documentary Films, Discovery Channel, The Missoula Community Foundation, WestRidge Creative, Red Lion Inn, Modern Digital, Days Inn University, Best Western Grant Creek Inn, Greg Twigg, The University of Montana, Montana Film Office, The Resort at Paws Up, Current TV, Prudential Missoula, Dollar Rent-a-Car, Missoula Independent, Allegiant Air, Media 100, Alpha Cine Labs, Missoula Art Museum, The Trailhead, Patagonia, The Maureen and Mike Mansfield Center, International Documentary Challenge, dB Audio, Vanns, and the Holland Lake Lodge.