Contact:
Rick Prickett, Competition Director
858-454-9787
TheIndieFEST.com
Info@TheIndieFEST.com
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 ~
Pierre et Jeanne – Clémentine Célarié
Clémentine Célarié (France), Pierre et Jeanne, Film Feature – The Roland family lives in the beautiful seaside village of Etretat. Jeanne, the youngest, learns that she has inherited a fortune from Mr Marechal, an old family friend of her parents that she hasn’t seen in many years. Pierre the elder brother, bogged down in questions, questions the sacredness of the family. Is this money hiding a heavy secret? Talented veteran actress Célarié (Police de Caractères , Two is a Family) not only delivers a very potent performance, she also makes her directorial debut – and delivers a film that is both beautifully crafted and poignant. Creative cinematography (Vincent Le Borgne) supports a very talented cast of actors with powerful performances. Stars Loris Freeman (Everything Went Fine), Mathieu Amalric (Quantum of Solace), Elodie Godart (Play), Philippe Uchan (Don’t Worry About the Kids), Sergi Lopez (El laberinto del Fauno), and the always delightful Dominique Pinon (Cassandre, Amelie).
Produced by Matthieu Rubin – Sazia Films.
~~ Awards of Excellence Special Mention ~~
Cheryl Allison (USA), Honk, Women Filmmakers – Talented Emmy-nominated actress turned director Allison shares a personal and deeply moving story about her unlikely friendship with a goose named Honk – a friendship that opened her eyes and changed her life forever. Educational, beautifully crafted, enlivening and heart-stirring. Utterly charming. A skillful filmmaker using her voice for good.
Thomas Latter (USA), Red Elvis: The Cold War Cowboy, Documentary Feature – A tightly crafted and excellent doc about Dean Reed, the American popstar- turned-activist who defected to the Soviet Bloc in the ’70s and became a superstar – then a political radical for socialism. Deft direction, thorough research, spot-on editing, creative cinematography and imaginative graphics. With SAG nominee Mark Valley.
Lorraine Kabbindi White and Mike Hill (Australia), Deadly Heart, Documentary Feature – The inspiring story of how remote Aboriginal communities in Australia are adopting innovative strategies to eliminate Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD) and outlines the failures of government to eliminate this preventable disease. Wisdom from indigenous leadership, with compelling interviews and moving stories.
Tommy Jackson (USA), Devils Whiskey, Film Short – On a frigid day Detective Jones faces more than just his fears. His partner gets shot, he pursues the suspect on foot and must confront his own demons and those of racial justice and historical abuse. A compelling story with authentic performances by Justin Mobley, Jessica P. Gillispie, Dimitri Mareno, Ian Griffin and Charlie Bain.
Jesus M. Rodriguez (USA), Two Weeks to 29, LGBTQ+ – Told with raw intensity, the film captures the nuances of the relationship between 51 year old photographer Ricardo and 29 year old Paulo – mirroring their deepest insecurities and desires. What starts as sex turns into a deep and complex relationship and soul examination. An achingly authentic performance by Rodriguez (Lucy & Ricky). Also stars Luis Cherubini (The Promise).
Adriano Falconi (USA), Thomas, LGBTQ+ – Thomas is sensitive and introverted and likes to wear girl dresses. But a small town in North Carolina is no place to be different. Determinate to face his fear, Thomas eventually goes back to his neighbor to parade his true self. Falconi’s direction creates a visceral experience and Thomas’s pain and frustration are truly palpable. Stars Drew Hauge.
Rebecca Charlotte Scott (USA), Together Forever, Film Short – Luna and Ben, a young couple deeply in love struggle to face the reality of Luna’s impending death – a brutally difficult time. Upon learning about the existence of a clone – a surprising series of events begins to unfold. Stars Christopher Sky (American Gangster), Megan Cochrane (Bloodline), Rebecca Ritz (Dhar Mann).
Rick Van Velsor (USA / Germany), Keeping Christmas, Doc Feature – Biography of a man that overcame a handicap to create a successful company making unique Christmas ornaments. A life hindered by pandemic, depression, world wars and the annexation of his homeland by the Russians. Excellently crafted, beautiful cinematography (Elias Danner), tight direction and editing. Narration by Jack Daniel. Mammut Studios.
Austin T. Vincent (USA), Duino, Animation (Student) – A charming story about a young boy named Pete who manages to bring a little robot to life. Little does he know, it will come with a few surprises and ultimately change the way he views his life and world. Talented new filmmaker Vincent creates a story that mimics the real world of achievement, imperfection and sheer heart. A bright future for this young animator.
Oleksandr Lozytskyi (Ukraine), Tierra del Fuego, Nature / Environment / Wildlife – From an exciting expedition to Tierra del Fuego in Chile and Argentina in November 2021 – entrepreneur turned filmmaker Lozytskyi delivers a moving mediation featuring unique environmental footage – documenting the glaciers of South America set to heart-stirring music. A much needed salve during these turbulent times.
~~ Awards o f Excellence ~~
Adriano Falconi (USA), Thomas, Public Service Programming / PSA
Belinoff Robert (USA), Almost a Masterpiece, Film Short
Brandon Mathis (USA), B.L.U.E. — Print, African American, Experimental, Creativity / Originality
Caroline Cory (USA), A Tear in the Sky, Documentary Feature, Movie Trailer
Cécile Nordegg and Patryk Senewicki (Austria), BELLARIA, Original Score
Cheryl Allison (USA), HONK, Nature / Environment / Wildlife, Children / Family Programming
Chris Hite and Dennis Ford (USA), Firestorm ’77 The True Story of the Honda Canyon Fire, History / Biographical
Czharcus Marquis Jones and Darius Montrezz Frye (USA), Reparations, Film Short, African American
Elizabeth Usher (Australia), Please Don’t Turn Away, Original Song (Please Don’t Turn Away composed by Elizabeth Usher)
Emily Anderson, Kate Battersby, and Elizabeth Usher (USA/Australia), Share Your Messy With Me, Original Song (Share Your Messy With Me composed by Emily Anderson, Kate Battersby and Elizabeth Usher
Filip Koren (Norway), Losing Sleep, Music Video
Guy Zimmerman (USA), Gary’s Walk, Actor: Leading (John Diehl as Gary)
Haley Seppa (USA), Ataraxia, Actress: Leading (Student) (Stephanie DeMott as Mickey), LGBTQ+ (Student), Women Filmmakers (Student)
Jaime Urquiza (Mexico), Black Constellation, Dramatic Impact
Jesus M. Rodriguez (USA), Two Weeks to 29, Film Short, Latin / Hispanic
Joshua Nelson (USA), Faces Of Dead Women, Ensemble Cast
Douglas Silverstein (USA), The Relentless One, Direction, Documentary Short
Maria Juranic (USA), A Feast That Never Comes, Music Video, Experimental
Matthew Margo (USA), ROUGH CUT, Script / Writer, Television – Program / Series, Web Series
Matthew Margo (USA), CODE 10, Script / Writer
Michael Avenson (USA), Sketch of love, Film Short
Mike Hill (Australia), New School, Documentary Short
Mike Hill (Australia), Conquering Cancer, Documentary Feature
Niva Ben Hanan Sapir College (Israel), On the Edge, Experimental (Student), Women Filmmakers (Student)
Rebecca Charlotte Scott (USA), Together Forever, Direction
Rick Van Velsor (USA), Keeping Christmas, Narration / Voiceover Talent (Jack Daniel), Original Score (Composed by Raphael Fimm)
Rob Margolies (USA), Lola Does Manhattan, Actress: Leading (Eve Austin as Lola and Heidi)
Thomas Latter (USA), Red Elvis: The Cold War Cowboy, Direction
Tommy Jackson (USA), The Devil’s Whiskey, Actor: Leading (Justin Mobley as Detective Jones)
Wendy Xu (Canada), Til It Blooms, Film Short (Student), Asian (Student)
Yoagendran Rako (USA), We Are Who We Are – Video, Music Video
~~ Awards of Merit Special Mention~~
Alex Zarfati (USA), Samsara, Film Short
Alexander McDaniel (USA), Guns and Stuff, Young Filmmaker – 17 and younger
Alexey Kotolevskiy (USA), Bribe, Film Short
Elizabeth Usher (Australia), Please Don’t Turn Away, Liberation / Social Justice / Protest
Jaime Urquiza (Mexico), Black Constellation, Film Short
Janine Molinari (USA), We’re Gonna Come Back, Music Video
Joe McNeal (USA), Angels Do Fly West, Disability Issues, Viewer Impact: Motivational / Inspirational
Joseph Graves (China), SHADOWS AND LIES, Film Feature
Joshua Butler and Brooke Lewis Bellas (USA), Red Rooms, Ensemble Cast
Linda Kudzmas (USA), Misfortune, Animation, Narration / Voice-Over Talent (Meg Arbo)
Luisa Tamara Coronado García (Mexico), Oliver, Film Short (Student), Women Filmmakers (Student)
Nayon Lee (Hong Kong), Smother, Young Filmmaker – 17 and younger
Onur Tukel (USA), That Cold Dead Look In Your Eyes, Actor: Supporting (Alan Ceppos as Dennis), Film Feature
Peter English (USA), The Sun Line – Your Eyes Music Video, Music Video
Richard M. Carrillo and Casey Showalter (USA), Pale Shelter, Film Short
Sanay Saboo (USA), Laddoo, Young Filmmaker – 17 and younger
Tom Jenkins (USA), BED AND BREAKFAST, Ensemble Cast
Tommy Jackson (USA), The Devil’s Whiskey, Cinematography
~~ Awards of Merit ~~
Adrian Guterman (Argentina), musical liberation, Music Video
Alex Andre (USA), SADA, Actress: Leading (Sheida Rahni as Sada), Direction, Film Short
Alex Martins (USA), Ink & Quill, Script / Writer
Alexander McDaniel (USA), Guns and Stuff, African American (Student), Film Short (Student)
Alexey Chiginsky (Russia), Beyond the Infinity of Lies, Disability Issues
Alexey Kotolevskiy (USA), Bribe, Creativity / Originality
Amber Jones (USA), Brunch, Ensemble Cast (Student), Webisode (Student), Direction (Student)
Amir Hossein Nouri (Iran), NIRVANA – Music Video, Music Video
Andrew M. Volpe (USA), Cat Scratch Fever (The Cat Video), Public Service Programming / PSA
Andy Stapp (USA), DESTINATION MARFA, Film Feature, Narration / Voiceover Talent
Annika Maria Udo Winther (Norway), BomPaPa (text), Animation
Anthony Nelson (USA), Time At Fort Peck, Film Short
Anya Pia Kenner (Australia), Have you heard about Charlie?, Film Short
Arun Bhattarai and Matthew Schuelka (FORA Education Productions) (Bhutan/USA), Dreams of Birds Flying in the Sky, Disability Issues, Documentary Feature, Contemporary Issues / Awareness Raising
Ben Hirschhorn (USA), Goggles, Film Short, Direction
Carlos Moreno Jr. (USA), Numb, Actress: Leading (Luella Hill as Dr.Lola Enochs), Ensemble Cast, Film Short
Casey Oberhansli (USA), Pony Express, Direction, Film Short
Cate Caplin (USA), Mating Dance, Direction, Film Feature, Script / Writer (Cate Caplin)
Cécile Nordegg and Patryk Senewicki (Austria), BELLARIA, Music Video
Chong Zhang (China), Stones From Other Mountains, Film Short, Contemporary Issues / Awareness Raising
Chris Hite and Dennis Ford (USA), Firestorm ’77 The True Story of the Honda Canyon Fire, Documentary Short
Dale Fabrigar (USA), THE SAVE, Television – Program / Series
Damir Yaqouti and Hassan Yaqouti (Morocco), Morning flavors, Film Short, Direction
Daniel Bergeson (USA), Hazard, Film Short, African American
Elizabeth Usher (Australia), Please Don’t Turn Away, Music Video
Emerson Little, Whittier College (USA), In Another Place, Experimental (Student)
Film Students at Trinity College Dublin (Ireland), Is There Anybody Out There? Young Voices From Inside a Pandemic, Documentary Feature, Editing, Concept
Hernan A. Ancerra (USA), Nonino’s Gift, Film Short, Latin / Hispanic
Huanshuo Wang (China), The Dilemma of Extra-Curricular Institutions in China, Young Filmmaker – 17 and younger
Itamar Isaak (Israel), Down The Rabbit Hole, Music Video (Student)
Jamieson Tabb (USA), Glory & Injustice, Film Short (Student), Young Filmmaker – 17 and younger (Bella Zoe Martinez), Direction (Jamieson Tabb)
Jared Zook (USA), Rocket Dreams: The Story of Sandrock Gaming, Documentary Short
Jørn Nyseth Ranum and Aaslaug Vaa (Norway), Children of Stars, Nature / Environment / Wildlife
Joseph Graves (China), SHADOWS AND LIES, Actor: Leading (Joseph Graves as Sonny Ray Briggs), Actress: Leading (Summer Wei as Bobo Lin)
Joshua Butler and Brooke Lewis Bellas (USA), Red Rooms, Web Series, Direction (Joshua Butler)
József Gallai (Hungary), I Hear the Trees Whispering, Film Feature
Kala Shreen (India), ICON – Memoirs of a Master Craftsman, Asian, Women Filmmakers, Religion / Ethics
Kayla Marie Waddleton (USA), The Lily Pad Home, Animation (Student)
Keara Barnes and Brenda Whitehall (Canada), The Stepmom, Direction, Script / Writer
Kevin de la Isla O’Neill (Ireland), Si se llevan se aguantan, Direction
Kozue Nomoto (Japan), Journey of 3653days, Women Filmmakers
Letícia Lopez Rangueri, Lucas Brassanini Flores and Carolina Bonformagio da Silva (Brazil), Beyond Masks, Animation, LGBTQ+
Lindsay Clift (USA), I Would Do Anything For Love, Film Short, Script / Writer
Matthew King (Australia), Henrietta, Film Short
Merete Muenter (USA), Through The Ages, Experimental, Direction
Michael Kumar (USA), REMEMBRANCE, Film Short
Michael Monteiro (USA), To Kill A Cop, African American, Direction
Michael Thoenes and Brannon Hollingsworth (USA), Blissview: Where’s Jake?, Animation, Children / Family Programming
Monece Starling (USA), Mo Pies Commercial – “In Love”, Commercial / Infomercial, African American
Nayon Lee (Hong Kong), Smother, Film Short (Student), Script / Writer (Student)
Nela Wagman (USA), Come Find Me, Film Short (Student)
Nilesh Chandrakant Nevgi (India), The Silent Scream, Liberation / Social Justice / Protest
Niva Ben Hanan, Sapir College (Israel), On the Edge, Actress: Leading (Student) (Niva Ben Hanan as shira84183)
Pelan Le (USA), Bootycall, Film Short, Original Score (Composed by Ben Winfield)
Philippe Demers and Olivier Ste-Marie (Canada), The Cleaners, Film Feature
Ra Ven and Shu Shigemura (Japan), The Legend of Yoshikane: A Tale from Ashikaga, Animation, History / Biographical
Rainer Bartesch, Alexander Kleinrensing and Vincent Wild (Germany), Our World is on Fire – Oratorio for our Future, Nature / Environment / Wildlife, Contemporary Issues / Awareness Raising
Sally Champlin (USA), Waltzing Mathilda, Music Video
Sasha Salama (USA), Natasha Cvikevich: WWII and Beyond, In Her Own Words., Documentary Short, Women Filmmakers
Victor Dean (USA), Survivors High – The Anthology, Animation, Direction (Victor Dean)
Wilbur W. Henderson (USA), Remember This, Script / Writer
Yufeng Wang (China), Keyboard, Asian, Cinematography
~~ Awards of Recognition ~~
Abdul Kamara (USA), Wild Flowers, Film Short (Student)
Adelino Matias de Carvalho and Venício Fonseca (Brazil), Wake up, Zé! Your wife is on her feet! (DEAF), Disability Issues
Alex Goldblum (USA), The Thin Green Line, Jewish
Alex Martins (USA), Art, Film Short
Amal Morse (USA), Displaced, Documentary Short, Women Filmmakers
Andy Stapp (USA), DESTINATION MARFA, Script / Writer
Angel Alvarez (USA), Misophonia, Film Short
Batya G. Cruz (USA), Blood Dust, Ensemble Cast (Batya G. Cruz, Pam Renall, Marty Lindsey, Tami Nichols Reilly)
Brian Choi, Busan Foreign School (Korea), Lion Dance, Film Short (Student)
Charles Victor Nunley IV, Honor Flow Productions Films, Marymount California University (USA), Made In America, Documentary Short (Student)
Charli Brown (USA), Seasoning of the Soul, Webisode
David Charles Bird (USA), The Polar Bear, Film Short
Dexter Carver (United Kingdom), Life In The Blood, Editing, Ensemble Cast, Film Feature
Don Tjernagel (USA), Singles, Direction
Ed Breeding (USA), Traditional Indigenous Ways of Being, Documentary Feature, Nature / Environment / Wildlife, Narration / Voice-Over Talent (Geronimo Vela)
Emily Anderson, Kate Battersby, and Elizabeth Usher (USA/Australia), Share Your Messy With Me, Music Video
Emma Dickson, Neoteric Dance Company (United Kingdom), Through Her Eyes, Contemporary Issues / Awareness Raising
Giacomo Cardone (Italy), Cortona 70s – Idiots armed and dangerous ! – The Artifact, Film Feature
Gianfranco De Micheli (Italy), InTheHeartOfMystery, Experimental
Guy Zimmerman (USA), Gary’s Walk, Film Feature
Harrison Ainsworth (USA), Twins, Experimental
Hisham Zreiq (Germany/Palestine), Don’t Cry, Animation, Direction
Huanshuo Wang (China), The Dilemma of Extra-Curricular Institutions in China, Women Filmmakers (Student)
Isaiah Crawford (USA), TheSpiritChildren, Animation
Scott Simmons and David Johanssen (Mexico), DENIAL: The Armenian Genocide, Documentary Short
Jake Oletsky (USA), The Diary of Aaron Stanford, Film Short (Student)
James Chen (Taiwan), Mom’s war time stories, Asian, History / Biographical
Jamieson Tabb (USA), Glory & Injustice, Disability Issues (Student)
Jeremy Licht (USA), Here to There-Ep 3, Actress: Leading (Melissa Archer as Casey Cardwell)
Jermaine Foster (USA), CAWDOR STREET THANES, Film Short, Viewer Impact: Entertainment Value
Jesse Foy (USA), Who’s Watching You, Film Short
John Badalamenti (USA), Horse Heroes, Disability Issues, Documentary Feature
Jonathan Moore (USA), Listening, Disability Issues
Joseph Daniel Rodriguez (USA), Atone, Animation, Narration / Voice-Over Talent (Talen Winchester)
Joseph Polito (USA), The Persistence Of Amazing Grace, Script / Writer
Joseph Thomas (USA), Untitled, Film Short
Ken Smyth (United Kingdom), Skookum Jim and The American Dream, Liberation / Social Justice / Protest
Kevin de la Isla O’Neill (Ireland), Si se llevan se aguantan, Actress: Leading (Susan Barrett as Claire)
Kim Wozniak (USA), Here to There, Actor: Leading (David A. Gregory as Andrew McGinniss), Actress: Leading (Melissa Archer as Casey Cardwell)
Lisa A. Sniderman (USA), Tell Me What to Eat, Disability Issues, Health / Medicine / Science
Matt Dooley (USA), Let Me In, Film Short
Matthew King (Australia), Henrietta, Actress: Leading (Teirah Green as Henrietta)
Melissa Millard, Sara Maurelli and Brandon Brown (United Kingdom), Ups… I did it again!, Film Short
Michael Farrell (USA), The StoneMan, Documentary Feature, Research
Monica Martinez and Jack Marziliano (USA), Flawless, Film Short
Nehanshu Gupta (India), The Colour Of Blood, Film Short, Viewer Impact: Content / Message Delivery
Nic Best (USA), Shit City Funland, Animation (Student)
Nicholas Kundrat (USA), Spiritual Avail, Experimental
Pamela PerryGoulardt (USA), Underwater Hazards, Script / Writer
Paul Heron (United Kingdom), Paracide, Film Feature
Rafael Altamira (USA), When You Are Gone, Film Feature
Raymond Edwards and Marisa Nikole (USA), No Apologies, Music Video, Liberation / Social Justice / Protest
Richard M. Carrillo and Casey Showalter (USA), Pale Shelter, Cinematography (Nick Korompilas)
Rob Margolies (USA), Lola Does Manhattan, Television – Pilot Program
Robyn Roots (USA), 2020 Year of the Nurse, Documentary Feature, Viewer Impact: Motivational / Inspirational
Rock Wilk (USA), The Center of Distance, Original Score (The Center of Distance composed by Steve Peckman)
Saibal Mukherjee (India), MYSTERY AT JATINGA, Nature / Environment / Wildlife
Samuel J. Punto (Germany), The Holding Room, Young Filmmaker – 17 and younger, Original Song (Escapades (Mermaid Song) composed by Jonathan Feist)
Sayef Zaman (USA), A Road To Nowhere, Narration / Voiceover Talent (Thomas J. O’Brien), Creativity / Originality (Sayef Zaman, Ivana Windel, Phill Katz, Thomas J. O’Brien)
Sergio Jimenez (USA), Man in a Maze, Film Short, Direction
Shelby Phoenix (USA), Cronch, Film Short, Women Filmmakers
Shihyun Wang (Taiwan), Doomsday War and Anti-Christ according to Nostradamus, Editing
Steve Downey (United Kingdom), We are the Lost Girls, Disability Issues
Thomas Gidlow (USA), Camisado, Television – Pilot Program, Dramatic Impact
Tyris Lemon (USA), Child of Wood, African American, Dramatic Impact
Vera Howard (USA), Mirror Mime, Film Short
Wilbur W. Henderson (USA), Remember This, African American, Actress: Leading (Adrien Cannon as Mora Camille)
William J. Thinnes (USA), A World Of Sphericals, Animation
