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  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

  Rick Prickett, Competition Director

  858-454-9868

  AccoladeCompetition.org

  Info@AccoladeCompetitio.org

   

  The Accolade Announces Latest Winners!

  La Jolla, CA, March 2020 – The awards go to those filmmakers, television producers and videographers who produce fresh, standout entertainment and compelling documentaries. The Accolade is an international awards competition that honors those who demonstrate exceptional achievement in craft and creativity.

   

• ~ Best of Show ~ 

  Chris Gero – The Sound of Us

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• Chris Gero (USA), The Sound of Us, Doc Feature – 12-time Emmy Award winner and Grammy-nominated record producer Gero delivers an inspiring ode to the power of music – to change our lives and impact the world. Filmed over the course of 2.5 months, across five countries, in the midst of the global COVID-19 pandemic, this groundbreaking film helps define the magic of music, in an epic celebration of hope, humanity and unity. It aims to give voice and sound to the inexplicable, exploring not only the impact of music on our current environment and existence but also its historical impact through varied seasons of humanity. “The Sound of Us” weaves inspiring stories about the beauty and goodness of music with interviews and compelling stories (such as Italian composer Francesco Lotoro who has dedicated his life to finding and resurrecting songs written in World War II concentration camps) 

~ Outstanding Achievement ~

Maria Brendle – Ala Kachuu (Take and Run)

Maria Brendle (Switzerland), ALA KACHUU – Take and Run, Film Short – 19-year old Sezim wants to fulfill her dream of studying in the Kyrgyz capital when she gets kidnapped by a group of men and taken to the hinterland. There she’s forced to marry a stranger. If she refuses, she is threatened with social stigmatization and exclusion. Torn between her desire for freedom and the constraints of Kyrgyz culture, Sezim desperately seeks for a way out. Based on true fates of thousand of young women each year, “Ala Kachuu” brings this practice to light through a story that is both eye-opening and gut wrenching. Beautiful cinematography and authentic performances. Stars: Alina Turdumamatova, Nurbek Esengazy Uulu, Madina Talipbekova, Jandat Djamanbaeva, Taalaykan Abazova, Aybike Erkinbekova.

Klaus Naumann, Naumann Film –Villeroy & Boch – Innovations 2021

Klaus Naumann, Naumann Film (Germany), Villeroy & Boch – Innovations 2021, Sales / Branding / Product Demonstration – An exquisitely produced sales film which chronicles the history of Villery & Boch and imaginatively transitions into their present-day diverse collections of wellness and bathroom products. Showcasing their offerings with artistic cinematography it also highlights the ease of planning using their technology as well as their focus on sustainability. Klaus Naumann and the team of Naumann Film consistently deliver a high standard of impeccability – including concept, creative cinematography, elegant soundtrack, impressive sound design and tight flawless editing – which has earned them over 265 awards. Collaboration with Hielcom.

~ Awards of Excellence Special Mention ~

Melissa Jo Peltier (USA), The Game Is Up: Disillusioned Trump Voters Tell Their Stories, Doc Feature – Two-time Emmy winner Peltier delivers an impactful look into the cultural phenomenon of Trump supporters and a deep dive into their motives for voting, their doubts, and the epiphanies that changed their minds. Excellent research, outstanding craft and compelling interviews weave a cautionary tale for our times.

Faraz Ansari, Futterwacken Films (India), Sheer Qorma, Film Short, LGBTQ+ – A touching story of identity, acceptance and family.  A mother is forced to confront her beliefs through her Muslim daughter’s relationship with her wife. A poignant tale delivered by an exceptionally talented cast. An achingly authentic performance by the legendary Shabana Azmi. Stars Divya Dutta, Swara Bhasker,  Kalyanee Mulay, Priya Malik, Jitin Gulati.

Bertrand Loyer (France), The Sand Eating Shark, Nature / Environment / Wildlife – Veteran award-winning nature producer Loyer’s (National Geographic) enlightening and heart-warming tale of a lemon shark named Manoela off the coast of Brazil. Filming over three years – he discovers unsuspected alliances and unusual behaviors. With a gorgeous orchestral soundtrack by Samuel Safa. National Geographic Channels.

Jacky Song (USA), Incognito, Film Short (Student) – Student Academy Award nominee Song’s short about a woman who claims to have teleported from the past. Her mysterious story unfolds amidst a cold mental asylum. Beautiful cinematography and a moving score. Compelling performances by Jodi Bianca Wise (The Unicorn), Autumn Harrison (Boiling Pot), Greg Kriek, (The Other Side) and Tom Wade (Scar).

Drew Leung (USA), The Chemical Factory, Experimental – Art Directors Guild winner and industry veteran concept artist and visual effects expert Leung (Black Panther, LA LA Land, Mulan) delivers a creative animation with an important message from mother to son– encompassing the tumultuous 1950’s communist China and today’s COVID 19 pandemic. Creative animation, lush sets and potent message.

Adithi Krishnadas, Studio Eeksaurus Productions Pvt. Ltd. (India), Kandittundu (Seen It), Animation – An innovative, quirky and utterly delightful animation following the wanderings of the ever-vibrant Mr. P. N. K Panicker as he embarks on a moonlit stroll with unusual supernatural encounters. Wildly creative with exceptional sound design. From Studio Eeksaurus Productions, Adithi Krishnadas – Director and Nilima Eriyat – Producer.

Alex Tullo (USA), Barking Orders, Animation – When the entire British Royal family tragically dies, the Queen’s corgi finds himself next in line for the throne and in the seat of powur. Delightfully animated with amusing nuances, expressions and clever scenes. A young filmmaker to watch – just nominated for the 2021 Student Academy Awards for Computer Animation! @RinglingCollege.

Jessy Langlois (France), Deus Ex Machina, Film Short – A young man finds his long-lost biological father and realizes that he never really ran away as he was told. What he discovers is his father suffers from Prosopagnosia, an inability to recognize faces. The events of one fateful night will redefine how they see the world forever. Outstanding performances by Tom Leeb (Plan B) and Christian Charmetant (Plus belle la vie).

Dimitar Dimitrov (Bulgaria), The Hunt For Salamander, TV Program – An intriguing crime drama featuring complex and interesting characters. An unconventional tough cop who never recovered from his child’s death, his ex-wife arrives as his boss, a mysterious call girl and a crime syndicate that bind them all together. Julian Vergov, Ana Papadopulu, Hristo Petkov, Iva Mihalic, Elena Telbis, Martin Radoev.  Nova Broadcasting Group.

Sajjad Shahhatami (Iran), Identibye, Film Short – Love, loathing, identity and truth collide in this dilemma of choosing between sense and sensibility regarding one’s innermost feelings. The haunting story of a couple finding their place within a forbidden truth that changes their world forever. Nasim Moslemi and AmirHossein Sabbaghan give memorable and impactful performances with an excellent supporting cast.

~ Awards of Excellence ~

Alana DeJoseph (USA), A Towering Task: The Story of the Peace Corps, Documentary Feature, History / Biographical
Andrea Kalin, Spark Media (USA), Scattering CJ, Documentary Feature, Viewer Impact: Motivational / Inspirational, Use of Film / Video for Social Change
Artur Muharremi (France), EXIT, Animation
Bev Gandara (USA), Concrete Wings, Latin / Hispanic, Personal Growth
Catherine Dwyer (Australia), Brazen Hussies, Liberation / Social Justice / Protest, Women Filmmakers
Drew Leung (USA), The Chemical Factory, Animation, Asian, Documentary Short, Film Short
Eric Carosella (USA), A Tale of Redemption and Regret with Sunny the Heat, Actor: Leading (Stephen Sorrentino as Sunny the Heat)
Erix Mercedes (USA), Thank You Big Brother spec, Commercial / Infomercial
Florence Ordesh (Ireland), An Extinction, Actress: Leading (Florence Ordesh as Aoife)
Frances Hernandez, South Florida PBS (USA), Changing Seas “Alvin: Pioneer of the Deep”, Documentary Program / Series
Frances Hernandez, South Florida PBS (USA), Fauci: The Virus Hunter, Documentary Short
Garik Sukachov and Andrei Tomashevsky (Russia), REMEMBER, Music Video
Hung Cheng Chang (Taiwan), Invisible Justice, Film Feature
Jeff Joslin (USA), Sparks-The Ken Sparks Story, Documentary Feature, Christian
Jerri I. Sher (USA), QUIET EXPLOSIONS: Healing the Brain, Documentary Feature
Johannes Grenzfurthner (Austria), Masking Threshold, Film Feature, Original Score (Masking Threshold / A Soundscape composed by Tina “Tina 303” Gruensteidl and Mathias Augdoppler), Sound Editing / Sound Mixing (Lenja Gathmann)
Jonathan Bucari (USA), The Elephant in the Room, Film Short, Actor: Leading (Seamus Davey-Fitzpatrick as Liam)
Karl Talbot and Chad Murdock (Canada), Silenced, as Mercury Rises, Documentary Feature, Contemporary Issues / Awareness Raising
Katherin Hervey (USA), The Prison Within, Documentary Feature, Liberation / Social Justice / Protest
Klaus Naumann, Naumann Film GmbH (Germany), Villeroy & Boch – Innovations 2021, Direction, Editing, Cinematography, Concept
Larry Wade Carrell (USA), Girl Next, Film Feature
Mr. Mostafa Davtalab (Iran), Psycho, Film Short
Melissa Jo Peltier (USA), The Game Is Up:  Disillusioned Trump Voters Tell Their Stories, Liberation / Social Justice / Protest, Movie Trailer, Special Purpose Productions, Women Filmmakers, Contemporary Issues / Awareness Raising, Use of Film / Video for Social Change, Post-Production Overall, Viewer Impact: Content / Message Delivery
Michael Lints and Aaron Stewart (Singapore), Broken Chains Documentary, Documentary Feature
Rui Huang (USA), THERE YOU ARE, Animation (Student)
Scot Fure (USA), Put Your Hand on the Line, Documentary Feature
Simone Piccoli (Italy), BEACONS OF HOPE, Nature / Environment / Wildlife
Thomas I. Parrish V (USA), B1 – The Awakening, Movie Trailer (Student)
Udi Aloni and Ayana Stafford Morris (USA), Why Is We Americans?, Documentary Feature
Uriya Hertz (Israel), Devek, Film Short

~ Awards of Merit Special Mention~

Alan J. Chriest (USA), Fake, Film Short
Alex A. Harz (USA), THE QUEST: Nepal, Documentary Feature, Viewer Impact: Motivational / Inspirational
Alexandra Alekhina and Lilya Markalaynina (Russia), She is Siberian, Children / Family Programming (Student)
Andra Tevy (USA/Netherlands/Romania), Crossroads Life, Educational / Instructional / Training, Film Short
Danfeng Meng (China), The moon and I, Documentary Feature, Arts / Cultural / Performance / Plays, Documentary Program / Series, Women Filmmakers
Daniel Le (Australia), Broken (The Video), Music Video
Dastan Khalili, DGA (USA), The Way, Film Feature, Direction
Erix Mercedes (USA), Thank You Big Brother spec, Cinematography
Kristy Espinoza (USA), They are Fine, Documentary Short, Women Filmmakers
Nima Soofi and Daniel Ricardo Irias (USA), The Author, Documentary Feature
Oskar Sjöberg (Canada), Can Someone Hear Me?, Film Short
Phil Strongman (United Kingdom), Interview With A Deadman; Three Years in Lockdown, Documentary Feature
Sean Gregory Tansey (Greece), The Pathos of Hamlet, Actor: Leading (Sean Gregory Tansey as Hamlet)
Shanti Thakur (USA), TERRIBLE CHILDREN, Documentary Short, Experimental
Terri DeBono (USA), My Name is Belle, Women Filmmakers
Tevin Everett (USA), Diversity Hires, Television – Pilot Program, Ensemble Cast
Tom Jenkins (USA), BED AND BREAKFAST, Film Feature

~ Awards of Merit ~

Abigail Kim (Korea), Unbinding Our Blindness, Young Filmmaker – 17 and younger
Adio Ash and Christopher Booth (USA), Forward – Episode 1.1 Too Late, African American, Web Series
Alex A. Harz (USA), THE QUEST: Nepal, History / Biographical
Anaya Kunst (Brazil), Breath, Music Video, Original Song (Breath composed by Tania Mara Botelho, Anaya Music)
Anthony Anderson (USA), We Hold These Truths To Be, Public Service Programming / PSA
Armartes Williams (USA), Truth & Reconciliation Conversations, African American
Blanca Ninwen (United Kingdom), Acceptance: Nicole Faccio, Documentary Short, Women Filmmakers
Catherane Skillen (USA), AVA:  A Twist in the Road, Web Series
Chris Caccioppoli (USA), Vax, Film Short
Christina Rose (USA), A Woman’s New World, Documentary Short, Women Filmmakers
Cynthia Matty-Huber (USA), For Love of the Land, Documentary Short (Student), Women Filmmakers (Student)
Dr. Teresa Mular (USA), Can’t Stop the Sun from Shining, Women Filmmakers, Viewer Impact: Motivational / Inspirational
Erdil Onur Kocatürk (Turkey), Sahakyan, My Family: Samatya Sahakyan Choir, Christian, Documentary Feature
Ettore Pasculli (Italy), HUMANITY KEY, Animation, Arts / Cultural / Performance / Plays
Federica Pontari (Italy), Marzia, Film Short
Florence Ordesh (Ireland), Quiche isn’t Sexy, Actress: Leading (Florence Ordesh as Jackie), Film Short
Frank Felipe (USA), Behind Door Two, Film Short
Geoff McLeod (Australia), The Childeater, Film Short
Haleh Saberi (USA), Broken, Film Short
Hara Choi (Korea), A Message from Artists, Young Filmmaker – 17 and younger
Hinano Tekurio Tanielu and Manu Tanielu  (USA), Tapu, Actor: Leading (Joshua Leomiti as Arona), Christian, Television – Pilot Program, Sound: Overall Impact
Ivan Gulas (USA), Celebration: Broadway Jewish Composers, Jewish, Entertainment / Drama / Dance / Variety
James Kahn (USA), Risin’ of the Sea, Music Video
John McCloskey (USA), Cold Heat, Television – Pilot Program
Jonathan Fisher (USA), In a Whole New Way, Documentary Short, Contemporary Issues / Awareness Raising
Kittu T, Methagu Thiraikkalam (India), METHAGU, Asian, Liberation / Social Justice / Protest
Laura Sophia Rentz (Germany), Dust Catcher, Experimental (Student), Arts / Cultural / Performance / Plays (Student)
Maria Svoliantopoulou and Antonis Renieris (Greece), Remind Me (Gia thimise mou), Actress: Leading (Amalia Zargianaki as Vasilia)
Mario Fidalgo (Portugal), El Arena, Documentary Feature
Mark Joy (USA), WHERE THERE’S A WILL, Film Short
Mary Apick (USA), The Cat, Animation
Matthew Solomon (USA), Sex, in Cars, Film Short, Direction
Melissa Jo Peltier (USA), The Game Is Up:  Disillusioned Trump Voters Tell Their Stories, Special Effects: Animation
Monica Sanguigno, Daniel James and Ashlee Jensen (Australia), Seven Times Short Film, Film Short, Use of Film / Video for Social Change
Negar Vand Alvand (Iran), 50 years love, Film Short
Pake Salmon (USA), Mana i Mauli Ola, Documentary Short, Native American / Aboriginal Peoples, Women Filmmakers
Patrick Lazzara (USA), RESTLESS, Film Short
Paul James Houghton (USA), From Under The Bridge: When Bullies Become Trolls, Film Short
Phil Strongman (United Kingdom), KYIV UNBROKEN: Director’s Cut, Documentary Feature
Pooya Misaghi (Australia), Turn, Film Short (Student)
Quinn Early (USA), The Shoulders of Giants, African American, Documentary Short, Educational / Instructional / Training, Sports, Fitness / Nutrition, Original Song (Smack Dab in the Middle composed by Kevin Burt)
Ray Spivey (USA), The Pro Bono Watchman, Actor: Leading (Mike Gassaway as Hank Cassidy), Film Feature
Robert DeSanti (USA), The Epilogue of Gregory Archambault, Actor: Leading (Robert DeSanti as Gregory Archambault), Cinematography
Sadie Duarte (Spain), The Lights of Dawn, Movie Trailer, Narration / Voice-Over Talent (Iván Gisbert)
Sean Gregory Tansey (Greece), The Pathos of Hamlet, Film Short
Sibo Zhu (China), The Memories of A Song, Film Short (Student), Asian (Student)
Simone Piccoli (Italy), BEACONS OF HOPE, Documentary Short
Susan Hillary (USA), The PRATT in the HAT, Documentary Short
Tihana Jana Vukic (Croatia), Baka, Women Filmmakers
Tomek P. Chenczke (Portugal), Floaters, Cinematography
Vandon Gibbs (USA), You Called, Women Filmmakers (L.A. Winters – A Thousand Word Pictures,LLC), Actress: Leading (L.A.Winters as Mom)
Wade Gibb (Canada), EYE MUST, Webisode
Yin Xin (France), Portrait of a Missionary, Christian
Zubair Pradhan (Canada), The World’s Greatest Home, Animation (Student), Viewer Impact: Content / Message Delivery (Student) 

~ Awards of Recognition~

Alanna Naomi Crouch and Keira Nicole Crouch (United Kingdom), Hollow, Young Filmmaker – 17 and younger
Alex Kannan (USA), La Cita (The Appointment), Documentary Short, Latin / Hispanic
Ana A P Braunstein (USA), This Case & My Life, Actress: Leading (Ana A P Braunstein as Kathy Welch), Actress: Supporting (Claire Waterhouse as Bridget Glenn), Film Short
Ann-Maree Graham (Australia), Behind Murmuring, Documentary Short, Women Filmmakers
Bo Apostolache (USA), POLES: A BIPOLAR STORY, Film Short, Disability Issues
Bumba Ibrahim (Ghana), Think Back Movie, Film Feature
Chris Caccioppoli (USA), Vax, Direction
Christina Pietrowski (USA), The Spiritual Warriors: Danza Omecoatl, Documentary Short, Native Peoples
Dan Tudor (Romania), THE HOUSE WITH ONE MAN, Film Short, Actor: Supporting (Dan Tudor as Louis)
Dina Six (USA), The Movement, Christian
Dion Voss (Australia), Live A Little Die A Lot, Film Short, Actress: Leading (Elisha Moore as Madelaine Reynolds)
Don Tjernagel (USA), SIN, Film Feature
Elizabeth Usher, Catrina Seiffert and Ben Chai (Australia/USA), Pat Pattison’s Curse, Music Video, Original Song (Written by Catrina Seiffert and Elizabeth Usher)
Elizabeth Usher, Robin Ruddy and Ben Chai (Australia/USA), Christmas on an Island, Music Video, Original Song (Written by Robin Ruddy and Elizabeth Usher)
Geoff McLeod (Australia), The Childeater, Actress: Leading (Charlotte Ridley as Darcy)
Hannie May and Shaoxin Wang (USA), CAtalyst, Actress: Leading (Student) (Hannie May as Joanna), Webisode (Student)
Harmeet Singh Grewal (USA), Mirror Mirror, Film Short, Direction
Harrie Verstappen (Curaçao), Edgar Palm in Otrabanda, History / Biographical
Isabel Fryszberg (Canada), End Of An Era, Music Video, Original Song (Composed by Isabel Fryszberg, Asher Ettinger and Rebecca Campbell)
Jeremy Northcote (Australia), Mountain Bear, Music Video, Original Song (Composed by Don P.,  Epistra, Anno Domini Nation and Jeremy Northcote)
John Lawrence Johnsen (USA), Snake Oil: The Paranormal Carnival, Documentary Feature
Johnse Martin Jose (India), Jeevan, Film Short, Liberation / Social Justice / Protest, Nature / Environment / Wildlife
Lanessa Miller and Ahren Buchheister (USA), This Time, Music Video, Women Filmmakers
Lanessa Miller Studio  (USA), Baptized In Jordan, Christian
Lyralen Kaye (USA), Assigned Female at Birth, Season 2 Episode 1, Webisode, LGBTQ+
Malik S. Bailey (USA), Betrayal, Film Short, Editing
Margie Kelk (Canada), Half of Everything, Experimental, Animation
Mark Lacy jr (USA), MarkVision, Documentary Short
Mark Tarrant and Otto Khoo (Australia), Devil in a Lawyers Suit – a Rapist Posthumous Logos, Documentary Short
Matthew Francis Valvardi and Lizzie Dean (USA), Poseidon’s Crush, Actor: Leading (Matt Valvardi as Callan)
Melanie Belmonte (Spain), Matrixfication, Experimental
Meral Uslu, Paul Cohen, Martijn van Haalen and Maria Mok (Netherlands), Lifelines, Documentary Feature
Paul James Houghton (USA), From Under The Bridge: When Bullies Become Trolls, Actor: Supporting (Luc Clopton as Kyle Badger), Actress: Leading (Piper Reese as Clare Taylor), Actress: Supporting (Sara Wolfkind as Stacey Brown)
Paula McTaggart (New Zealand), Italians, Documentary Short, Direction
Peter Stewart (USA), Three Lighthouses, Christian
Piero Cannata (Italy), ROMANCE, Film Short, Actress: Leading (Maria Luce Bondì as Girl)
Rajen Das (India), LIFE IN A PUPPET, Film Feature
Ralph Isenberg and Joe De La Fuente (USA), Four Motherless Children, Liberation / Social Justice / Protest
Robyn Stalson, Rox Dare and Nick Wilson (USA), Adventures of Zizwe, Webisode
Rose Collis (United Kingdom), The Boy and The Bear, LGBTQ+
Sharon Sadeghinia (USA), Call to Action, Documentary Short, Educational / Instructional / Training
Shihyun Wang (USA), Messages From Another Time, Web Series
Steven Hoffen (USA), Growing Peace in the Middle East, Documentary Short (Student), Nature / Environment / Wildlife (Student), Young Filmmaker – 17 and younger
Talamieka W. Brice (USA), 5, A Mother’s Journey, African American, Documentary Feature, Liberation / Social Justice / Protest, Women Filmmakers
Tina A. Wake (Australia), I’m Super, Disability Issues
Tomek P. Chenczke (Portugal), Floaters, Film Short
Travis Mills (USA), The Pleasant Valley War, Documentary Feature
Van Allen Cooper (USA), Jonnie Sunset, Film Short, Actress: Supporting (Rachel Taggart as Professor Bernard)
Vir Srinivas (Australia), Orders from Above, Jewish (Student)
Will Altemeier (USA), The Demons We Carry, Film Short (Student)
Yantra de Vilder (Australia), Have We Paid Our Dues?, Music Video