The Tahoe/Reno International Film Festival (T-RIFF), featuring Films as a Force for Positive World Change, announced the winners of their 2006 festival held August 23-28. This year T-RIFF received over 1,500 submissions from filmmakers around the world, with the final selections representing several World, North American, and U.S. premieres.

Festival Executive Director Katrina Wilson said “This years Filmmaker Awards exemplify the talent, diversity and uniqueness that makes T-RIFF one of the most profound Film Festivals and a world-class event. We greatly appreciate the support of our amazing host and sponsor, the Resort at Squaw Creek.” Added David Shor, President of the Board of Directors, “We can now provide Festival attendees with a multiplex of theaters, technology, and social activities to give audiences access to the kinds of films and events that make this festival great.”

Actress, Director and Producer Melissa Joan Hart received this year’s Celebrity Tribute. She was honored for her 26 years in show business and for making a positive impact on family values. Hart said “I was overwhelmed and honored not only for my short film Mute to be on exhibition during the fest but also receiving a tribute just made my year.”

And the winners are:

Best of the Fest
Feature – Illusion - Michael Goorjian, Director – USA

Live Action Short – Avatar - Lluis Quilez, Writer/Director – Italy

Documentary – Giant Buddhas - Christian Frei, Director - Zurich, Switzerland

Short Animation – Mantis Parable - Josh Staub, Writer/Director – USA

Foreign Film – The End of Silence - Anita Doron, Writer/Director – Canada

Student Film – My Backyard was a Mountain - Adam Schlachter, Writer/Director – USA

Feature Adventure Film – Zen & Zero - Michael Ginthor, Director - Austria

New American Director – Mute - Melissa Joan Hart, Director – USA

New Foreign Director – Photograbber - Tosi Pascal, Director – France


Social Action:

“Wake up Call” - Crude Awakening - Ray McCormack and Basil Gelpke, Directors – USA/Mexico

“Inspirational Triumph” - Real Dirt on Farmer John - Taggart Siegel, Director – USA

"Spiritual Vision" - 10 Questions of the Dalai Lama - Rick Ray, Director - USA

Adventure Film – Nomads: Wondering Women of the Whitewater Tribe - Polly Green, Director – USA

Audience Awards:

Short Documentary – Recycled Life - Leslie Iwerks, Director – USA

Feature Documentary – Nobelity - Turk Pipkin, Director - USA