The Impact DOCS Awards Announces Latest Winners!
La Jolla, CA, July 2020 - The Impact DOCS Awards goal is to discover and honor the achievements of filmmakers who produce high quality documentaries. Impact DOCS puts filmmakers first and provides a direct opportunity for recognition and publicity for high quality productions. It is international in scope and has granted awards to producers in Argentina, Australia, Canada, Ecuador, France, Germany, Greece, India, Indonesia, Israel, Italy, Korea, Lithuania, Malaysia, Malta, Monaco, Nepal, Nigeria, Norway, Palestine, Poland, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United Republic of Tanzania, and the United States.
~ Best of Show ~
The Green Book: Guide to Freedom – Yoruba Richen, Smithsonian Channel
Yoruba Richen (USA), The Green Book: Guide to Freedom, Doc Feature – Emmy-nominee Richen’s insightful doc tells the unknown story of the emergence of the black middle class and their road trips from the 1930’s to the 1960’s – trips that were often perilous – arriving where they were unwelcome, threatened and harmed. To counteract this, Victor Green, a black postal carrier from Harlem, published a book that was part travel guide and part survival guide. It was called The Negro Motorist Green Book, and it helped African-Americans navigate safe passage across America. Meticulously researched and presented, it explores some of the segregated nation’s safe havens and notorious “sundown towns”. It gives witness not only to stories of struggle and indignity but also opportunity and triumph. It is a generous, complex exploration of the book’s practical function and cultural legacy. It illuminates the places where history was made, the ubiquity of black entrepreneurship and biographies of brave people fighting against the times. With commentary from important figures, a glimpse into the few businesses that remain today and the historical preservation efforts that are underway to protect some of them. Profound and poignant offering a wider lens on American history. A Smithsonian Channel production.
~ Outstanding Achievement Documentary Short ~
Claire – Nick Reed and Ryan Azevedo
Nick Reed and Ryan Azevedo (USA), Claire, Doc Short – Oscar-winner Reed and Azevedo bring to life the story of Claire Wineland who inspired millions of people through her popular YouTube channel, where she chronicled her battle with cystic fibrosis and helped “dignify people who are sick.” Told through insightful interviews and Claire’s footage, this tightly crafted, engaging and emotionally powerful doc successfully delivers on it’s intention to share Claire’s humanity, wisdom and passion for living your best life. Says Reed, “Claire taught us to not run from the terrifying parts of life and to live a life that you are proud of. My words cannot do justice to her wisdom, but she may inspire you to take one small step towards a more profound, fulfilled life. A Youtube Channel original.
~ Outstanding Achievement Documentary Feature ~
Alexandre the Fool / Alexander Odyssey - Pedro Pires
Pedro Pires (Canada), Alexandre the Fool / Alexander Odyssey, Doc Feature – Emmy and Canadian Screen Award winner Pires – delivers a sensationally unique doc exploring the journey of a man with schizophrenia, Alex, who seeks his place in the world by pursuing an artistic journey and a quest for love that pushes him beyond his usual emotional boundaries. Skillfully combining journalistic documentation with artistic creation, stunning, exceptionally cinematic filming and imaginative edits – it reveals Pires’s desire to situate the subject in the present and the concrete. It is a film that is all at once an intimate, disturbing and sublime odyssey but unquestionably filmed with respect for Alex’s journey.
~ Award of Excellence Special Mention ~
Gillian Mosely (United Kingdom), The Tinderbox, Doc Feature- BAFTA-winner Mosely delivers an extraordinary, balanced and heart-wrenching examination of the Isreali-Palestinian conflict – never before presented. Ancient and recent history, geopolitical issues, psychology and a deeply personal journey challenge what we think we knew. Producers Emmy-winning Andre Singer, and Emmy-nominated Richard Melman.
Horacio Alcalá (Spain), My Kingdom Come, Doc Feature – The story of Simón González – the thirteen-time Spanish kickboxing world champion whose career tragically ended by fall that left him in a wheelchair. A beautiful ode to life, love and service told though his truth and kindness. Creative construction, excellent technical craft, stirring soundtrack and stunning cinematography by David Palacios. Producer Raquel Menor.
Jethro Waters (USA), F/11 and Be There, Doc Feature – A commentary on civil rights, race, social justice, and art, told through the lens of legendary photographer Burk Uzzle. Waters deftly matched the aesthetic of Uzzle’s work resulting in a creatively stylized and emotionally stirring doc – carried by an exceptional fresh soundtrack by acclaimed musicians Natalie Prass and Eric Slick. A NY Times Critic pick.
Shane Vermooten (South Africa), Kusasa, Doc Feature – Under the guidance of spirited and heartful coaches – a young football team from a shanty town in South Africa goes on the adventure of a lifetime to Sweden – to play in the largest youth football tournament. A wildly inspirational character driven journey, with pitch-perfect pacing and outstanding audio and lively cinematography. Producer Vlokkie Gordon.
Oliver Goetzl (Germany), Mt Suswa, Life in a Volcano, Doc Feature – Goetzl brings his exceptional wildlife filmmaking talents to Mt Suswa in Kenya – the only place in the world where baboons roost in caves. A rare and mysterious place – showcasing an abundance of wildlife and previously unseen behaviors. A well-crafted script, exceptional footage, entertaining narration and beautiful cinematography. Aired NDR.
Alan Martin, Linda Goldman and David Royle (USA), Smithsonian Time Capsule: Beyond Stonewall, Doc Feature – Veteran director Martin delivers an impactful doc highlighting the history and the attitudes and activism around LGBTQ rights that came about after the Stonewall riots. Combines well researched information with heart-warming personal stories and the pivotal role the Smithsonian is playing in preserving important pieces of culture and history.
Jon Bowermaster (USA), A Living River, Doc Short – A tightly and deftly directed doc from award-winning filmmaker Bowermaster of the Hudson River and the dedicated people and organizations fighting to revitalize it defying decades of oppression and using the lessons of the past as an ecosystem to protect the future. Beautiful cinematography, poignant interviews and inspiring footage of youth programs.
Jane Bardon (Australia), Songlines: Solutions to Climate Change, Doc Short – Walkley Award winner Investigative journalist Bardon delivers a unique take on climate change – turning to the wisdom of Australia’s indigenous peoples, bringing 60,000 years of caring for the country to combat environmental destruction…. and highlight the deeper problems humanity is facing. ABC News Australia.
David Shilale (USA), Worcester 6: Heroes Remembered, Doc Short – A touching tribute to six brave men, their families and a fire department that will never forget the city’s most tragic incident. Marking the 20th anniversary, it celebrates their memory through touching interviews, their children who are now firefighters and the philanthropic efforts of Denis Leary to prevent future tragedies in his beloved hometown.
~ Award of Excellence ~
Adam Fischer (USA), Murder in Mobile, Documentary Short
Alexander Craven (USA), In the Same Direction: Jeff Pifher & Socrates’ Trial, Documentary Short
Alexander Lind and Jakob Jakobsen (Denmark), The Remandee, Documentary Feature
Alyscia Cunningham (USA), I Am More Than My Hair, Documentary Short
Amel Tresnjic (Australia), Talk For Life: English as an Additional Language, Documentary Feature
Anna Vinokur (Russia), Dance for it, Documentary Feature, Women Filmmakers
Anthony Sarracco (Canada), TENDENZA, Documentary Feature
Bruno Colella (Italy), Napoli Eden, Documentary Feature, Viewer Impact: Motivational / Inspirational
Cam Cowan (USA), OPEKA, Documentary Feature
Cheryl Jacobs Crim (USA), RESISTERHOOD, Documentary Feature
David Arond (USA), The One and Only Jewish Miss America, Documentary Feature
David Barnhart (USA), Flint: The Poisoning of an American City, Documentary Feature
Gareth Gwyn (USA), Something to Give, Documentary Short
Gillian Mosely (United Kingdom), The Tinderbox, Viewer Impact: Content / Message Delivery, History / Biographical
J Mitchell Johnson (Russia / USA), Saving North – A Russian American Odyssey, Documentary Feature
James William Theres (USA), The SixTripleEight, Documentary Feature
Jane Bardon (Australia), Songlines: Solutions to Climate Change, Native American / Aboriginal Peoples
Jim Bernfield (USA), Me To Play, Documentary Feature
Julio Méndez (USA), God is not to blame, Documentary Short
Kamaran Karym (USA), Don’t Forget Them, Viewer Impact: Motivational / Inspirational
Keren Perlmutter (USA), Determined: The Story of Holocaust Survivor Avraham Perlmutter, Original Score (composed by Steven Chesne)
Kevin Flannagan, Streetlight Movies (USA), Love Goes Public, Documentary Feature
Laurens Grant, Charles Poe and David Royle (USA), Black in Space: Breaking the Color Barrier, Documentary Feature
Melonie Kastman and Igor Kovalik (USA), FIGHTING FOR SURVIVORS, Documentary Short
Michael Murphy (USA), Up From The Streets- New Orleans: A City of Music, Documentary Feature
Mirra Bank (USA), No Fear No Favor, Nature / Environment / Wildlife
N.Shanmuga Sundaram and Nilanjan Neil Lahiri (Singapore), GRIT, Documentary Feature
Roman Gerodimos (United Kingdom), Deterrence, Documentary Feature
Richard Yelland (USA), Seeding Change: The Power of Conscious Commerce, Use of Film / Video for Social Change, Documentary Feature
Selket Kaufman (USA), A Voice for Whales, Documentary Short
Shannon Robinson (Australia), Ofeina’o Lesieli, Documentary Short
Shareable (USA), The Response: How Puerto Ricans are Restoring Power to the People, Documentary Short
Toni Escandell and Jordi Escandell (Spain), MENORCA, BIOSPHERE RESERVE, Documentary Feature
~ Award of Merit Special Mention ~
Amanda Rodriguez (USA), Stories Happen in Forests, Documentary Short
Amber Ostergaard (USA), Swipe Left: The Age of Disposable Relationships, Documentary Short (Student), Women Filmmakers (Student), Contemporary Issues / Awareness Raising (Student)
Chantal Potter (USA), Balloon Man, Documentary Feature
Jockey Club Water Initiative on Sustainability and Engagement (JC-WISE) Project, Faculty of Social Sciences, The University of Hong Kong (Hong Kong), The Hidden Costs of Water, Documentary Short, Nature / Environment / Wildlife
John Hart (Australia), 9 in 10 – Loss and Suicide in Aboriginal Australia, Documentary Feature
Kamaran Karym (USA), Don’t Forget Them, Documentary Feature
Kate Siegenthaler (USA), Land of Lights and Shadows, Documentary Feature
Kaufmann Productions Pty Ltd (Australia), Visible Farmer, Documentary Short
Kern Konwiser (USA), Still A Black Star, Documentary Feature, Asian, Use of Film / Video for Social Change, Nature / Environment / Wildlife
Mirra Bank (USA), No Fear No Favor, Documentary Feature, Viewer Impact: Content / Message Delivery
Paul Cooke (United Kingdom), The Art of Fremantle Prison, Documentary Short
Simla Sooboodoo, Indresh Singh and Rishabh Nayan (Australia / India), Dehlight, Documentary Short
Taka Octz (Japan), Living in the Age of Miracles, Documentary Feature
Trickster Cultural Center (USA), Connecting Our Generations: Voices of Native Veterans, Documentary Short
~ Award of Merit ~
Adam Kavanagh (Australia), God of Hope, Documentary Short
Austin Sanchez (USA), Unfit to Stand, Documentary Short (Student)
Brandon Bjorkman (USA), Return to Nam, Documentary Feature
Bruce Hyer (USA), Mountains + Movies, Documentary Feature
Cameron Barrett (USA), The Fire Triangle, Documentary Short, Women Filmmakers
Chris Temple, Optimist (USA), The Undocumented Lawyer, Documentary Short, Use of Film / Video for Social Change
Clare Staples and Jamie Baldanza (USA), Pass The Safe Act: The Story of Louisa, Star, and Baby Skye, Documentary Short
Crystal Nichols (USA), The Monument, Documentary Short (Student), Women Filmmakers (Student)
Cyan Meeksv (USA), Phainesthai, Documentary Short
Damien Donnelly (Ireland), Homo Sapiens in Space, Documentary Short, Viewer Impact: Entertainment Value
Daniel Catullo (USA), Breathe, Nolan, Breathe, Documentary Short
Davelle Barnes (USA), Ebony War Porn, Documentary Short
David Lee Morea (USA), We Are Mermaids, Documentary Feature
David Rives (USA), God’s Living Treasures Volume 2 – Animals of Alaska, Documentary Feature
Donnie Dodge (USA), All the King’s Men- 1910 Cornhusker Football, Narration / Voice-Over Talent (Donnie Dodge)
Eda Benjakul (USA), Home Restaurant, Documentary Short, Public Service Film, Women Filmmakers, Use of Film / Video for Social Change
Gabrielle Blackwood (Jamaica), Unbroken, Documentary Short
George Wingard (USA), We Came A Long Way By Faith: Catholic Hill and St. James the Greater Catholic Church, Documentary Feature
Global Health Reporting Center, Emma Watts (USA), A Diary From The Frontline – Dr. Davey Smith, Documentary Short, Contemporary Issues / Awareness Raising
Global Health Reporting Center, Emma Watts (USA), A Diary From The Frontline, Documentary Short, Use of Film / Video for Social Change
Holistic Health Community (USA), Holistic Health Community: an emerging healthcare model based on the Economics of Generosity, Documentary Short
Hope Ballard (USA), Thoughts & Prayers, Documentary Short
James Muir (New Zealand), A Broken Earth, Documentary Short
Jamie Baldanza (USA), Wild Lands Wild Horses, Documentary Feature
Jane Bahk, Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkeley (USA), Being Kinder to Yourself, Documentary Short, Health / Medicine / Science, Concept, Creativity / Originality
Jason Killian Meath (USA), CPAC: The World is Watching, Documentary Short
Javan K. Bernakevitch (Canada), Facing Fire: Building Resiliency to Wildfire, Documentary Short, Narration / Voice-Over Talent (Javan K Bernakevitch)
Jella Bethmann (Denmark), Selfie Rebels, Documentary Feature, Contemporary Issues / Awareness Raising
Joaquín Ramón Herrera, LeFrancis and Mazet Studios (USA), Pipetown, USA, Documentary Feature
Kassia Binkowski and AJ Oscarson (USA), Human Desire, Documentary Short
Kelly Stoner (Australia), Truth Telling, Documentary Short
Kelwin Kwan (Hong Kong), Choi Chang Sau’s Present to the Qin Makers of the 22nd Century, Documentary Feature
Keren Perlmutter (USA), Determined: The Story of Holocaust Survivor Avraham Perlmutter, History / Biographical
lafi Abood (United Arab Emirates), Hummus A story of appropriation, Documentary Feature
Leo Santos (Brazil), COORDINATES, Documentary Short, Contemporary Issues / Awareness Raising
Lucie Bakala and Jiri Bakala, Ascent Films inc (Canada), The Biggest Wish, Documentary Feature, Women Filmmakers, Cinematography
Maggie Burnette Stogner (USA), Unbreathable: The Fight for Healthy Air, Documentary Short, Contemporary Issues / Awareness Raising, Health / Medicine / Science
Marc Grandsard (France), The Visit, History / Biographical
Marina Petrovskaia (USA), For Fear of Kofi, Documentary Feature
Marissa Chanelle McDonald, Ice Storm Entertainment Group (USA), GOD and the MASTER MAGICIAN The Un-Synonymous Connection, African American, Documentary Feature, Women Filmmakers
Matt Rice (USA), The Ballad of John Henry, Documentary Feature
Melinda Boyer (USA), Beyond The Secret – The Awakening, Documentary Feature
Michael Reynolds (USA), Under the Great Oak, History / Biographical
Michele Citoni (Italy), 5×7, Documentary Short
Michi Marosszeky, Woven Threads (Australia), Woven Threads – Olive, Documentary Short, Use of Film / Video for Social Change
Min-gyeong Jo (Korea ), ARROWHEAD HILL, THE 66 YEARS FROZEN IN TIME, Documentary Short
Mirella Martinelli (USA), Frenemies, Documentary Feature
Monika Koeck (United Kingdom), Coronavirus Pandemic: Making Safer Emergency Hospitals, Documentary Short
Mykhailo Bogdanov (USA), WHAT GOD WANTS, Documentary Short
Nicholas Jones (United Kingdom), A Greenlander, Documentary Short
Ozlem Ayse Ozgur (USA), Taste Bud Memories, Documentary Short
Patryk Wezowski and Kasia Wezowski (Belgium), Impact, Documentary Feature, Direction
Rakel Gardarsdottir and Ágústa M. Olafsdottir (Iceland), UseLess, Documentary Feature
Rick Walters (USA), The River, Documentary Feature
Sarah Sabatke (USA), Thoughts and Prayers, Documentary Short (Student), Women Filmmakers (Student)
Stephanie Castelete-Tyrrell, Four Wheel Drive Productions (United Kingdom), Living In Fear, Documentary Feature
Stephen Bentley (USA), The 40-Year Bake Sale, Documentary Short
Stephen James (USA), Conversations with Solomon Episode 5 Bigotry, Documentary Short
Steve Snyder and Clayton Snyder (USA), SHOT DOWN: Howard Snyder and the B-17 Susan Ruth, Documentary Short
Sufian Abulohom (USA), Immigrant at Home, Documentary Short, Direction
Susan Hackley (USA), Veteran Children: When Parents Go To War, Documentary Short
Timothy Wolfer (USA), The Right Girls, Documentary Feature
Tina Preschitz (Spain), Transhumance – Routes of a disappearing life, Documentary Feature
Yakima Waner (South Africa), The Harvest, Documentary Feature
Yolonda Johnson-Young (USA), Finding Elijah, Documentary Short, Use of Film / Video for Social Change
Yu Hao Ting, Deep Waters Digital Support INC (Taiwan), The Change in Education, Documentary Short, Script / Writer
Zac Miller (USA), Trailblazers: The Untold Stories of Six Women Engineers, Documentary Short
~ Award of Recognition ~
A. Buchanan (USA), The Adventures of Kehaulani, Documentary Short, Women Filmmakers
Amin Maher (Germany), Letter to my mother, Documentary Short
Anand Acts (Singapore), BLACK BOX, Documentary Short
Andre Menras (France), Vietnam, a cry from within, Documentary Feature
Aswin Ramachandran (USA), Wolf & Duce, Documentary Short
Benjamin Connell (USA), Wings of Angels, Documentary Short
Brian Walsh (Australia), Men and Love, Documentary Short
Carla Sacco (Canada), A Kind Era, Documentary Short
Charles and Mary Love (USA), The Dream Revisited, Civil Rights in Perspective, Documentary Short
Connor Moran amd Joel Primus (Canada), Raising Global Citizens, Documentary Feature
Dale Jakubowski (USA), Springtime Odyssey, Documentary Feature
Diogo Varela Silva, Hot Chilli Films (Portugal), Zé Pedro Rock n Roll, Documentary Feature
Donnie Dodge (USA), All the King’s Men- 1910 Cornhusker Football, Documentary Feature
Eleanor Goldfield (USA), Hard Road of Hope, Documentary Feature
Giorgio Citarella II (USA), Hotlines: Now More Than Ever, Documentary Short (Student)
Hadasah Ingrid Cornell (USA), Why Kap Kneeled, African American
James Curry (USA), masterjam, Documentary Feature
Japna Tulsi (India), Windfall of Grace, Documentary Feature
Jenn Lindsay (Italy), Quarantined Faith: Rome, Religion and Coronavirus, Documentary Short
Joel Van der Molen (United Kingdom), The Magnificence of You, Documentary Short
John Pings (USA), Oregon Water Colors, Cinematography
Jonathan Smith (USA), Remembering Elwood Higginbottom, Documentary Short
Joshua S. Bischof (USA), Burn With Us, Documentary Feature
Kaye Tuckerman (USA), The Last Queen, Documentary Short
Keren Perlmutter (USA), Determined: The Story of Holocaust Survivor Avraham Perlmutter, Documentary Feature
Leah Manasseh (Lebanon), I Bleed, Documentary Feature (Student)
Leonard Smith III (USA), A Place Called Desire, Documentary Feature
Luc Bellon (France), Lyari – Survival of the Fringes, Documentary Feature
Lucy Hansard (United Kingdom), Your Body Can, Documentary Short
Marc Grandsard (France), The Visit, Documentary Feature, Viewer Impact: Content / Message Delivery
Mario Abbade (Brazil), Ivan, The TerrirBle, Documentary Feature, Direction
Marvin (Toby) Yarbrough and Andrew Latuo (USA), The Quiet Healing, Documentary Feature
Michael Reynolds (USA), Under the Great Oak, Documentary Feature
Olivier Hespel (France), SALT, Documentary Feature
Paul Edward Foulkes and Aaron Yamashita (Japan), HIV SAVED MY LIFE, Documentary Feature
Phil Garrison (USA), Stacy, Documentary Short
Rahsaan Jones (USA), Homeland Hero, Documentary Short
Renee Schwartz (USA), River Woman, Documentary Short
Sandy Holman (USA), The Cost of Darkness, Documentary Feature (Student)
Shihyun Wang (USA), Win the Invisible War – WuHan Virus, Documentary Short
Sikeith Walker (USA), Undefeated Hip-Hop Dance Documentary, Documentary Short
Snehasish Sarkar (India), One for the Other, Documentary Short, Contemporary Issues / Awareness Raising, Health / Medicine / Science
Sophie Francey (USA), Becoming _________, Documentary Short (Student)
Vedavyasa N K (India), Retina:Light sensitive Layer, Diagnostic Equipment, Common Diseases, Documentary Short
Yu Hao Ting, Deep Waters Digital Support INC (Taiwan), The Change in Education, Original Score (Pasibutbut)
