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The IndieFEST Film Awards Announces Latest Winners!

La Jolla, CA, February 2024 - The IndieFEST is proud to announce the latest winners. Congratulations to all the filmmakers who participated in the current season!The awards go to those filmmakers who produce fresh, standout entertainment and compelling documentaries. The IndieFEST is a top-tier international awards competition. It honors professionals, established and emerging, who demonstrate exceptional achievement in craft and creativity. The goal of The IndieFEST is to help the winners of this coveted award achieve the recognition they deserve. Additionally, each year IndieFEST also bestows a special award to productions that make significant contributions to social change or a humanitarian effort. Please visit www.TheIndieFEST.com to learn more about the IndieFEST Humanitarian Award.

January 2024

~ Best of Show ~ 

Common Ground – Josh Tickell and Rebecca Tickell

Josh Tickell and Rebecca Tickell (USA), Common Ground – Doc Feature – A tour-de-force in environmental filmmaking – “Common Ground” skillfully promotes the “Regenerative Movement” and weaves together critical information from exceptional experts, powerful supporting stories of real lives and heart-warming inspiration as it explores the regenerative agriculture movement and the connections between farming, politics and human health.

Featuring Oscar-Winner Laura Dern (Jurassic Park, Big Little Lies), Oscar-Nominee & Emmy Winner Woody Harrelson (Zombieland, The People vs Larry Flynt), Emmy-Winner Donald Glover (Solo, A Star Wars Story, Community, Spider-Man) Jason Momoa (Aquaman, Game of Thrones, Fast X), Rosario Dawson (The Mandalorian, Ahsoka, Men in Black, Dopesick) and Ian Somerhalder (The Vampire Diaries, Pulse, Lost).

Blending investigative journalism with profoundly moving personal stories, the film explores how Americans from different walks of life, different political backgrounds and different parts of the country share one thing in common – the very soil beneath their feet.  It investigates the power of “regenerative” farming systems – from large to small scale farmers who are the champions of soil health as the key to unlocking more (and healthier) food to feed America and the world and highlights the contributions of indigenous farmers and African Americans. It is the hopeful and uplifting story of the pioneers of the “Regenerative Movement” who produce tremendous quantities of nutritionally dense food and are working to balance the climate – all while bringing our entire ecosystem back to life. Tribeca Human Nature award winner.  A film that needs to be seen and a catalyst for change – they provide practical ways everyone can get involved.  https://commongroundfilm.org/take-action/

~ Outstanding Achievement ~

Richard Bazley (United Kingdom), Censure, Film Short – Emmy-nominee Bazley delivers an impactful film exploring identity, family and emotional betrayal. The film features Oscar-nominee Tom Conti (The Dark Knight Rises , Reuben, Reuben) supporting talented newcomer Connor William’s anguished performance as Aaron – an introvert struggling under the weight of a revelation and dreaming of escaping to the only place he can breathe. But escape has a cost, and he must ask himself if it is a price he is willing to pay.

Talented animator turned live action director Bazley (Disney’s Pocahontas, Hercules, Tarzan, and Centurion Resurrection) delivers a powerful emotional impact.  Creative and uniquely crafted storytelling beginning with an excellent script from Neil Bason, beautifully shot by DOP John E Fry (Adventures of the Crystal Skull) and an impactful musical score produced by Adrian Chivers. Starring Connor William (Death Follows, The Relented), Censure offers a powerful emotional impact, inviting viewers to sit in Aaron’s discomfort and experience his emotions in real-time. Features Vivien Taylor (Buggers, Annika) and Elaine M Ellis (The Dark Mile, Only an Excuse?).

~ Award of Excellence Special Mention ~

Damon Brown and Allen Robertson (USA), Dance Hall, Film Short – Emmy-winners Brown and Robertson deliver a warm-hearted musical that is both entertaining and thought provoking – creatively addressing the paradox of modern life. Technology, grief, personal connections come together through a gifted cast of musical performers. Stars talented Stella Frye-Ginsberg and Anderson Zoll.

Amirabas Rabi’ei (Iran), The Opposition (ZED), Film Feature – A potent, chilling political drama that takes place during the country’s critical situation in 1981. Within the heat of political events it follows the impossible love story between Bita and Saeed with intrigue and tragic consequences. Well crafted with a talented cast. Leila Zare (Night Shift), Mehdi Nosrati (The Undercover), Linda Kiani (Cold Blood), Nader Soleimani (Lottery).

Gilda Sheppard (USA), Since I Been Down – Doc Feature / African American – Follows a group of prisoners as they break free from their fate and create a model of education that is transforming lives, prisons and communities. Spotlighting young men that were given life-sentences due to outdated laws – it highlights the possibilities of rehabilitation and the strength of spirit. Thought-provoking and inspiring. (Screened Doc NYC)

Richard Yelland (USA), UNDIVIDED: Pandemic with A Purpose, Doc Short – Emmy-nominated Yelland designed UNDIVIDED as a give-back project, launched at COVID-19’s outset, when hope was in short supply. It unites physicians, thought leaders, service, non-profits and corporate brands – who united with innovations to save lives. Skillfully woven stories create a stirring portrait of cooperation and collaboration.

Yaser Talebi (Iran), BELOVED – Doc Feature – The remarkable life of Firouzeh – a solitary and extraordinary 82-year old woman whose life as a herder in rural Iran is hard and lonely. Shaped by a grueling past, she finds solace in her beloved cows and strength in nature. Talebi adeptly depicts her triumphs and pains, blending inspiration and compassion. Lush cinematography and impactful sound design. Screened Hot Docs / IDFA

Dragos Teglas (United Kingdom), Meet the Local Hero – Glenn Johnstone – A moving and compelling short doc showcasing Glenn’s inspiring journey from a bone tumor diagnosis to amputation. With a custom prosthetic leg, and unwavering support from his father, he reclaims his passion for biking, celebrating resilience, family, and the triumph of the human spirit. Tightly crafted and genuinely inspiring.

Kacey Cox (Canada), Finding Manny, Doc Feature – 70 years after jumping from a Nazi death train—Manny Drukier returns to Poland and Germany to face his past and heal the wounds he has never shared. Contacted by a volunteer from the Indersdorf Orphanage where he went after the war– he revisits his darkest memories in an attempt to teach children “never again. Deftly directed, a poignant tale for our times.

Andrea Lodovichetti and Nicola Nicoletti (Italy), Sports Around the World – Mission Rwanda, Doc Feature – An inspirational story of the “Sports Around the World” program and the positive impact it has on the African communities it serves. Directed by Globo d’Oro winner Lodovichetti – it follows dedicated and encouraging coaches to show how sport can not only change lives, but also entire communities.

Bayou Bennett and Daniel Lir (USA), Time is Eternal,  Film Short – A prestigious feminine writer examines what it means to be a woman across history and conjures up Cleopatra and writer/philosopher Mary Wollstonecraft. They cross deserts of eternal time to meet, sharing their victories, defeats and loves. Stunning lighting, lush cinematography and sets, beautiful elaborate costumes. Stars international model Berite Labelle.

~ Award of Excellence ~

Alan Williams (USA), Legend of the Forest, Original Score
Andrea Lodovichetti and Nicola Nicoletti (Italy), Sports Around the World – Mission Rwanda, Direction, Editing
Ashkan Shapouri (Iran), The Last Tango with Pari, Film Feature
Beatie Wolfe and Ross Harris (USA), Trees & Seas, Nature / Environment / Wildlife, Original Song (Little Things composed by Beatie Wolfe)
Chris Mugford (United Kingdom), Percussion Play, Commercial / Infomercial, Editing, Original Score
Chris Mugford (United Kingdom), MUTU System, Commercial / Infomercial, Fitness / Nutrition, Viewer Impact: Motivational / Inspirational
Corrado Rizza (Italy), Dino’s Dark Room, Documentary Feature
Curtis Boggs (USA), Worth Guitars, Documentary Short, Cinematography, Editing
Damian Overton (Australia), ARLO AND THE SEA, Original Score (Composed by Michael Drew)
Daniel Ramos (USA), Bring Me Up, Music Video

David W. King (USA), A Theatre Near You, Documentary Feature, Direction, Editing
Dragos Teglas (United Kingdom), Meet The Local Hero – Glenn Johnstone, Disability Issues, Editing
Fella Cederbaum (USA), Bambolina and the Doodles, Music Video, Script / Writer
Gilda Sheppard (USA), Since I Been Down, Liberation / Social Justice / Protest, Editing
Hashem Moradi (Iran), Imo, Film Feature
Jeffrey van Davis (Germany), All My Tomorrows, Film Short, Actress: Leading (Marisa Roman as Maria)
Josh Tickell and Rebecca Tickell (USA), Common Ground, Native Peoples, Nature / Environment / Wildlife
Lesley Coleman (Australia), Home Truths, Script / Writer
Lynn H. Elliott (USA), Only You Can Save Her, pilot for THE BOY WHO EARNED HIS MAGIC, Television – Pilot Program, Children / Family Programming, Pilot Program / Series
Nils A. Witt (Germany), The Washer, Film Feature

Pamela Tomlinson (Canada), By Hook or By Cook (III), Disability Issues, Sound Editing / Sound Mixing (Tyler Gilis)
Rebecca Hardy (United Kingdom), After the Evidence – The Short Film, Ensemble Cast, Women Filmmakers
Richard Bazley (United Kingdom), Censure, Direction (Richard Bazley), Script / Writer (Neil Bason)
Richard Yelland (USA), UNDIVIDED: Pandemic with A Purpose, Health / Medicine / Science, Public Service Programming / PSA
Shuja Moore (USA), Pardon Me, Documentary Short
Tim Searfoss (USA), One Second at a Time: Battling the Monster of Addiction, Documentary Feature
Wang Wang (China), Never, Film Short, Editing (Zhang Jun Feng , Ma Jun and Xu Zai Cheng)
Yaser Talebi (Iran), Sarnevesht, Documentary Short
Yousef Jafary (Iran), Black Light, Film Short

~ Award of Merit Special Mention ~

Afshin Sadeghi (Iran), Worker Bee, Film Feature
Ann-Marie Barker Schwartz (USA), The Hollow, Cinematography
Chris Charles Farina (USA), A Bridge to Life, Documentary Feature
Chuming Xiang (China), Between the Lines 导演楚茗, LGBTQ+ (Student), Women Filmmakers (Student)
Farzaneh Fathi  (Sweden), It’s Still Autumn, Women Filmmakers
Fella Cederbaum (USA), Bambolina and the Doodles, Film Short
Josef Steiff (USA), Emerald City, LGBTQ+, Script / Writer (David Bobrow)
Kimia Khalaj and Saeed Heshmati (Iran), Entracte, Film Short
Lesley Coleman (Australia), Home Truths, Editing (Rod Winning), Ensemble Cast, Liberation / Social Justice / Protest, Women Filmmakers
Lucy McNulty and Emma Pollard (Canada), CHICKEN, Disability Issues
Mosayeb Hanaei (Iran), Before Darkness, Film Short, Asian
Mostafa Nohekhan (Iran), The Gift, Actress: Leading (Raha Moghadam as Moghadam)
Nick DeSimone (USA), FULL THROTTLE PARADISE, Ensemble Cast
Rebecca Hardy (United Kingdom), After the Evidence – The Short Film, Film Short
Robert J. Permenter (USA), Grief, Cinematography
Salvatore Riggio (USA), Ban the Bullet, Script / Writer
Timothy Kiley (USA), Lens Flares: Trauma in Journalism, Documentary Feature, Original Score, Editing
Wang Wang (China), Never, Direction (Wang Wang)
Yogi Chavada (USA), The self and its Journey, Documentary Short

~ Award of Merit ~

Abhishek Basu (India), RAJANIGANDHA (THE PUTRID SMELL OF LIFE), Film Short, Actress: Leading (Kamalika Banerjee as Rajani), Asian Filmmaker
Adrienne Gabrielle Pitts and Marquis J Dawsey (USA), The Gift, Actor: Leading (Raleigh Mosely as James Johnson), Actress: Supporting (Amber Myers as Jazzmin Johnson), African American, Editing, Film Short
Aleksandr Tretiakevich (Russia), The Tableherder, Script / Writer (Aleksandr Tretiakevich)
Alexandros Kelepeshis (Cyprus), Black Veil, Actor: Leading (Student) (Yiannis Kokkinos as Nicholas), Film Short (Student)
Ali Jalali (Iran), Guise, Film Short
Alireza Rajabzadeh (Iran), Metronome, Film Short
Amirhossein Hatami (Iran), Somewhere to Stay, Film Short
Andrew Jowett and Brett Langolf, contentEXP Group (USA), Win(d) Over Cancer, Documentary Short
Andrew Koltuniuk (USA), Neuro-Intimate, Actress: Leading (Meghen Antonia as Audrey)
Andrew Koltuniuk (USA), Zion’s Ransom, Direction, Film Short, Cinematography
Ann-Marie Barker Schwartz (USA), The Hollow, Film Short, Actress: Leading (Gabriella Pizzolo as Katrina)
Carlos Puig Mundó (Spain), One More Day, Disability Issues, Direction

Chris Mugford (United Kingdom), Queenswood Sixth form, Commercial / Infomercial, College / University / Government, Viewer Impact: Content / Message Delivery
Damian Overton (Australia), ARLO AND THE SEA, Film Short (Damian Overton and Ruben Russo)
Daniel Ramos (USA), YESTERDAY’S LOVE, Music Video
Deborah Pittman, Susan Lamb Cook and Christopher Cook (USA), The Extraordinary Life of Joseph Bologne, Chevalier De Saint-Georgess, Documentary Short
Diego Alberto Dávila and Francisco Morales (Ecuador), Andean Eagle, Nature / Environment / Wildlife
Dylan Case (USA), Insider, Film Short, Original Song (Barking Up the Wrong Tree composed by Dylan Case)
Edwin E. Brochin (USA), Blood of the Ancient Vine, Direction, Documentary Feature, Editing (Jordan Marking), Original Score (Roberto Montoya), Script / Writer (Julie D Brochin)
Elizabeth Usher (Australia), Double Decade Vegan, Music Video
Ermia Rabbani (Iran), Orange, Disability Issues
Ershad Rahbar Sobhkhiz (Iran), Nested, Film Short
F-M Cossey, Renée Jonas and Elizabeth Usher (New Zealand/Australia), I’ll Be Your Soft Place to Fall, Original Song

Geoff Levin and Lily Richards (USA), Brothers Broken, Documentary Feature
Hamid Reza Mahmoudi Mehrizi (Iran), Lonely Season, Asian
Honna Zhou (New Zealand), SUNSET, Film Short (Student)
Hooshmand Varaei (USA), Knife, Chocolate, Experimental
Jen Gilomen (USA), Born for This, Documentary Feature, Liberation / Social Justice / Protest, Women Filmmakers
Joseph Goncalves (USA), Love Undone – Season 2, Webisode
Jyoti Madnani Singh (India), I Am Not Down, Women Filmmakers
Kenneth Wilcox, Brett and Ethan Companies (USA), The Retirement Deception, Documentary Feature
Lindsey Haun and Nick Roth (USA), Hanky Panky, Film Feature, Ensemble Cast
Lizzie A Finn and John Leary (USA), 100 Proof Warlock, Women Filmmakers
Melina Samizadeh (Iran), The Bat, Asian, Film Short, Women Filmmakers
Metîn EWR (Turkey), The Wheel, Asian, Film Short
Michael Everett (USA), The Katinas – Love God / Love People, Christian, Documentary Feature

Mohammad Ahsan (Pakistan), Pehchaan (Identity), Film Short (Student), Asian (Student)
Mohsen Khodabandeh (Iran), Wheel Rim, Children / Family Programming, Ensemble Cast
Natalie Rodriguez, Extraordinary Pictures and Peter M. Olsen (USA), Matty Cat, Animation, Children / Family Programming, Narration / Voiceover Talent (Alexandra Almendarez), Women Filmmakers (Natalie Rodriguez, Extraordinary Pictures), Latin / Hispanic Filmmaker (Natalie Rodriguez, Extraordinary Pictures)
Nick DeSimone (USA), FULL THROTTLE PARADISE, Original Score
Omid Yousefi (Iran), Evacuee, Film Short
Özgür Yaşaroğlu (Turkey), A Thousand Years Yet All a Night, Experimental
Pamela Tomlinson (Canada), By Hook or By Cook (III), On-Camera Talent (non-acting) (Bruce Cook)
Peter Shatalow (Canada), Bill Lishman – The Man Who Flew With The Birds, Direction, Documentary Feature
Robert J. Permenter (USA), Grief, Film Short
Roham Rasouli (Iran), The Ring, Film Short
Ryan Jay Luskin (USA), The Sailing Movie, Documentary Feature, Tourism / Travel
Sadie Duarte (Spain), Sheltered from Time, Sound: Overall Impact (Álvaro Pérez Peirote)
Salaheddin Noori (Iran), My Partner Giraffe, Direction, Film Short
Salaheddin Noori (Iran), YOU THINK ALTHOUGH YOU ARE NOT, Film Short, Actress: Leading (Pegah Saeedi as Forough), Asian
Seyed Mahdi Mousavi Barzoki (Iran), Out In The Dark, Documentary Short
Spyros Vrettos, Bell Tower Cine Productions (Greece), Whiter than Snow, Script / Writer (Spyros Vrettos in collaboration with Marie Rowe and Yury Olshansky)
Wafa Kanan (USA), Awakenings, Narration / Voiceover Talent
Walker Davis Moore (USA), On My Mind, Film Short (Student)
Yaser Talebi (Iran), Empty Nest, Women Filmmakers
Yogi Chavada (USA), The Self and its Journey, Contemporary Issues / Awareness Raising
Yossi Waxman (Israel), The Plate, Jewish
Zian Chavez (USA), We are the Most Beautiful People | Adults with Disabilities

~ Award of Recognition ~

Alexandros Kelepeshis (Cyprus), Black Veil, Actress: Supporting (Student) (Fani Petsa as Sergiani), Direction (Student)
Ali Khonsari (Iran), Gilda, Documentary Short
Ali Parvizi (Iran), Impossible, Experimental
Alireza Rajabzadeh (Iran), Metronome, Script / Writer
Amirhossein Hatami (Iran), Somewhere to Stay, Direction
Andrew Koltuniuk (USA), Neuro-Intimate, Direction, Cinematography
Azza Brummer (USA), Uncle Joe, Young Filmmaker – 17 and younger, African American Filmmaker (Student)
Ben Bortner (USA), Partner in Crime, Film Short (Student)
Brett Sylvia (USA), Exciting Day, Children / Family Programming, Creativity / Originality
Carlos Puig Mundó (Spain), One More Day, Actress: Leading (Noa Flores Rodríguez as Maria)
Carol J. Amore (USA), Ancient Lands and Lives-Above the Grand Canyon Rims, Music Video
Charli Brown (USA), Little Miss Sunshine, Film Short
Chen Liang (USA), Long Way To Yesterday, Music Video
Coco Bigles (USA), Crushed, Direction (Student), Film Short (Student), Latin / Hispanic (Student)
Damian Overton (Australia), ARLO AND THE SEA, Actor: Leading (Ruben Russo as Arlo)

Daniele Marchioni (Italy), C19 TRITTICO PANDEMICO, Cinematography
Deborah Marlene Pittman and Gabriel Isiah Gonzeles (USA), The World According to Earl, Animation
Diego Dávila and Francisco Morales (Ecuador), Andean Eagle Animated, Animation
Dorsa Moayedi (Iran), Inverted, Experimental
Elham Ahmadi (Iran), The Shadow Yearning To Fly, Documentary Feature
Elizabeth Usher (Australia), Double Decade Vegan, Liberation / Social Justice / Protest, Original Song
Fatemeh Hosseini (Iran), Ghazal, Film Short
Fernando Montes de Oca Martin (Mexico), Deathle Labyrinth, Concept
Francesca Jandasek (USA), Genesis, Experimental, Original Score
Gabrielle Desroches (USA), Born to Be Bad, Music Video (Student)
Garrett Duncan (USA), THE DARKENED, Original Song (Fear composed by Garrett Duncan)
Hamid Reza Mahmoudi Mehrizi (Iran), The Game The Doubt, Film Short
Hayden Bone (USA), Opaque Buckets, Script / Writer (Hayden Bone)
Hooshmand Varaei (USA), Knife, Chocolate, Asian
James Balsamo and Bill Victor Arucan (USA), Raven Van Slender Saves Christmas!, Actor: Supporting (Greg Tally as Diz)
James Balsamo and Bill Victor Arucan (USA), Alien Danger 2 with Raven van Slender, Editing (James Balsamo)

Jamie Doughty (United Kingdom), This is the Life, Actor: Leading (Ryan Noire as Ernest Winslow), Actress: Leading (Abi Louise as Viola Clark), Actress: Supporting (Jessi Stritch as Clara Young)
JJ Lippman (USA), Human Nature, Nature / Environment / Wildlife
Kimia Haghighi (Iran), The Milky Way Galaxy, Experimental
Kyle Chase (USA), So you want to see Japan?, Young Filmmaker – 17 and younger
Lindsey Haun and Nick Roth (USA), Hanky Panky, Special Effects: Non-Animation / Stunts
Marcia Morgan (USA), The Honest Earth, Animation
Matthew Reidy (USA), Billy Comes Home, Actress: Supporting (Linda Bisesti as Connie), Actor: Leading (Robert Shields as Billy), Film Short
Mauro Bussani (Italy), Green Forge 2030 (MultiVersion), Experimental, Sound Editing / Sound Mixing, Creativity / Originality
Maxim Churilin (Russia), FUTURE 001 AD 01, Experimental
Mia Rivera (USA), Take This Faux Turkey and Shove It!, Script / Writer
Moein Rahmanzadeh (Iran), It’s Not the Time, Asian
Mohammad Zare (Iran), ANTHRAX, Film Short
Mohsen Jafari Rad (Iran), Pain Under The Skin, Documentary Feature

Natalie Rodriguez, Extraordinary Pictures and Peter M. Olsen (USA), Matty Cat, Script / Writer (Natalie Rodriguez, Extraordinary Pictures)
Nathan J. Lee, Tharun Dulla and Joshua R. Bruce (USA), The Story of Rascal Bic, Film Short, Narration / Voice-Over Talent (Joshua R. Bruce)
Peggy Marie Kiefer (USA), Beneath the curtain, Liberation / Social Justice / Protest
Rabner Amill (USA), Undercover, 48-Hour Film (Savannah, GA)
Ralph Cinque, Lost Maples Productions (USA), Three Days or Else, Actor: Leading (Mickeal Freeland as Detective Tyrell Banks), Film Feature
Rose Patterson, Priyanka Desai and Avinash Bujhawan (Canada), My Journey Home, Documentary Short, Native Peoples
Rustin Moghdam Mehr (Iran), Maybe Another Time, Experimental
Ryan Jay Luskin (USA), The Sailing Movie, Narration / Voice-Over Talent (non-acting) (Saelyn Savage)
Sadie Duarte (Spain), Sheltered from Time, Women Filmmakers, Actor: Leading (Iván Gisbert as Adam/Almaaz)
Sal Cirmi (USA), Mailbox, Actress: Leading (Giuliana Sciortino as Monica), Film Short
Sara Alaeddiny (Iran), Archive, Film Short
Sequoia Holton (USA), Inshallah, Film Short
Shihyun Wang (Hong Kong), Home – FuJian, Asian
Soheil Saee (Iran), Niagara, Film Short
Spyros Vrettos, Bell Tower Cine Productions (Greece), Whiter than Snow, Film Short
Wafa Kanan (USA), Awakenings, Film Short, Special Purpose Productions, Creativity / Originality