WINNERS

MONTH OF APRIL

Unbind

When Jacinth’s best friend/roommate Romero suddenly dies, he (Jacinth) delves into a state of deep grief and refuses to accept the outcome. In doing so, he carries on with their normal morning routine of hot scrambled eggs with the intent to cojole Romero to visit and have eggs. Every morning for an entire month, Jacinth sets a plate for himself and Romero at the kitchen table. Then, one morning Romero visits to eat eggs and to deliver a most important message.

Best Film on African Americans, natives & visible minorities (Under 40min) - Directed by Daryl Sledge

Sense Of Wonder - One Small Step

Once upon a time before the internet three friends navigated the wilds of childhood along their favorite Texas river.

Sense of Wonder - One Small Step is part of a limited short film series consisting of three films set in the 60s and 70s.
Best Film (Under 40min) Directed by Brian Gregory

Day 4

Instead of being open with her son about a traumatic event from her past, a woman decides to repress the details, which ultimately damages their relationship.

Best Screenplay (under 40min) Simona Calo

Send Pic

Everybody has secrets they want to hide from their family. Especially, when it comes to the contents of their mobile apps. Julie, a divorced mother, snoops into her son's phone, discovering a shocking detail in his life. Jeremy lies to his mother to avoid further explanation, but it turns into an awkward revelation. They just want to be happy in their lives. Why are they pretending to be somebody they aren't?

Best LGBTQ+ Film (Under 40min) Directed by James Cooper

Shine

A short film about looking for those who have left you behind and the hope to shine bright together again someday. Made in honor of my sister, mother and father who all have passed away.

Best Animated Film (Under 40min) Directed by Theodore Daley

The Four Walls Of Charlotte Moreland

Based on a true story, The Four Walls of Charlotte Moreland takes you on a journey into the gaslighting and confusion of life post abusive relationship. In the aftermath Charlotte is agoraphobic. Panic and depression overwhelm her as she can't remember the girl she once was and is now redefined by lies and by the messages of her abuser. There is hope, and Charlotte emerges as a stronger version of herself through small but significant moments, and the kindness of people who have not given up on her. Healing is possible and contrary to popular belief it takes time. This film intends to illuminate the long, arduous healing process, have an impact in terms of the perception of healing, create a discussion, and engender empathy around this subject. We are hoping to be the voice for those who are too afraid to speak up.

Best Director (Under 40 min) Joe Benedetto, Alison Stover

Best Editor -Charlotte Purser

Best Lead (Female) -Alison Stover

Go To Sleep

A 20 years old Ziad with Oedipus complex, trying with the help of an imaginary mother to stop his widowed mother Nadia from marrying her lover Habib.

Best Emerging Filmmaker (Under 40 min) - Yvan Chamoun

The Fifth Chair.jpg

A conservation Christian is lured to a bible study by an opposing sect and finds himself in more danger than he could possibly imagine.

Best Producer (Under 40min) - Chris Vaughn, Ernest O'Donnell

Best Cinematography - Alex Gray

The Fallen Elves

A young boy's mother reads a story on Y2K Christmas Eve about the mysterious Fallen Elves banished from the North Pole. Could this story from their deep ancestry hold some truth? Jack soon finds that some Christmas fables are better left shelved

Best Emerging Filmmaker (Under40min) - Kenneth Perkins *Shared

Camping

A young man follows a woman's directions, which are supposed to take him to a forest campsite.

Best Emerging Filmmaker (Under40min) - Akram Adouani *Shared

The Micro

The MICRO is a character-driven, hard-hitting film which examines police misconduct, urban crime, personal responsibility, and race relations.

The MICRO looks into the complex worlds of policing, family values (or lack thereof), civil indifference, and examines how they impact our society.

Best Film on African Americans, natives & visible minorities (Under 40min) - Directed by Brian K. Burns

If I Could Ride

The story is about two teenage girls with totally different backgrounds. Jodie Davis was born with a physical disability. She lives with her mother and grandfather on a dilapidated old farm. After the recent passing of her dad, Jodie`s mom Sandy works two jobs to make ends meet. Jodie`s first love is to someday ride horses and eventually compete in horse shows. But physical disabilities and financial problems make this vision quite impossible.
Bridgett Van Heusen lives a complete opposite life. She resides on a beautiful farm and has a championship horse, as well as a talented horse trainer named Jimmy. She is very spoiled and wants for nothing. Both of her parents are involved in everything but their daughters love. Bridgett is an extremely talented rider.
Witness how fate brings together these two distinctly different young girls. See the magnificence of unconditional love that transcends physical and emotional trials throughout the film. A roller coaster of emotions will consume the viewer. A family film with many of life`s lessons that can be enjoyed by the entire family.

Best Producer (40min & Over) - Don Miller

Best Film - Directed by Shawn Welling