By Maria Esteves – June 26, 2014

FIRST TIME FEST: The Second Time Around (FTF 2014) Gala Awards for extraordinary achievements in cinema by first time international filmmakers hosted by director of programming David Schwartz, First Time Fest, commenced Monday, April 7, 2014, 7:00pm at 42 West, New York. The Grand Prize Award presented by co-founders Johanna Bennett and Mandy Ward, First Time Fest, went to LOVE STEAKS, directed by Jakob Lass. The John Huston Award for outstanding achievement in cinema went to JULIE TAYMOR. Two awards went to 1982 including best actor Hill Harper and THE SLEEPWALKER including best film score Sondre Lerche.

The First Time Fest founded by Johanna Bennett and Mandy Ward in 2008, acknowledge the best of first time films and renowned filmmakers for theatrical productions. The festival annually presents First Exposure and International Competition films, special presentations, panel discussions, gala receptions and awards ceremony.

The 2nd First Time Fest 2014 included 20 films from 7 countries including 6 narrative and 4 documentary features made their New York, U.S. or World Premieres in this year’s competition. The Grand Prize recipient received theatrical release by Cinema Libre Studio and a one week vacation to a writer's cottage in Northern Sweden by Scandinavia Locations. FTF 2014 Awards were judged and presented by:

Anne-Katrin Titze - Eye For Film

Nicholas Haden-Guest - actor

Stephanie Zacharek - film critic, The Village Voice

This year’s ceremony included an amazing art exhibit & auction. The FTF 2014 winners by category are:

Grand Prize Award

LOVE STEAKS, directed by Jakob Lass (Germany)

John Huston Award

JULIE TAYMOR, director, A Midsummer Night's Dream

Special Jury Prize

1982, directed by Tommy Oliver (USA)

Best Director

MARIEKE NIESTADT for Bittersweet (Netherlands)

Best Actor

HILL HARPER in 1982 Watch trailer

Best Film Editing

GESA JAGER for Love Steaks 

Best Cinematography

ZACHARY GALLER for The Sleepwalker (Norway)

Best Storytelling

YAEL REUVENY for Farewell, Herr Schwarz (Germany/Israel)

Best Film Score

SONDRE LERCHE and KATO ABLAND for The Sleepwalker (Norway)