LATE SPRING / 2017
Find your laurels here (all categories)
Details about how to list your nomination/award on IMDb can be found here
JURY PRIZE – BEST SHORT FILM
Winner: The Madame in Black by Jarno Vinsencius
Jury Member, Rafael Bettschart, says:
Very well and nicely made horror flick. Every scene and picture is nicely planed and from the beginning until the very end it is always exciting and keeps the audience focused on the story. Even though the story is nothing entirely new, the film has everything a typical well crafted horror film needs and it’s more then enjoyable to watch. From the very beginning until the very end the tension constantly rises from scene to scene and even has a nice twist at the very end. The only thing missing in this movie are the characteristics about the actors / characters, but that it something which is more than forgivable in a short horror film. Very nice work.
Nominations: The Last King of Granada by Pepe Gomez, Only Human by Robert Francis Muller, Dress Rehearsal by Michael Boston
JURY PRIZE – BEST FEATURE FILM
Winner: Suicide Service by Thorkell Agust Ottarsson
Jury Member, Rafael Bettschart, says:
Perfectly made film. Other than the camera is not in cinemascope, it’s is almost not possible to tell this movie apart from a high budget picture. The story is great and quite innovative, the director does a very fine job, considering making a film with so many locations, with so many characters and plots with such a low budget is astonishing.
The development of the main actor is well made as well as all the fine little stories and details in the movie. Camera is well made, even though the ‘dutch’ camera work is usually used for annoying television series. The score suits every scene and moment perfectly fine and there are no mistakes in the craftsmanship. Really a beautiful picture about a man going mad for love.
Nominations: Thirst by Kevin Singh, Venus Obscura by Christophe Karabache
MAIN COMPETITION
BEST SHORT FILM PRODUCED FOR < $5,000
Winner: Juncture by Luke Creely
Festival Director says:
Rowan Howard’s moving performance leads the dark and brooding film that is Juncture. The actual narrative, which is largely presented in a cognitive form of dissected scenes and dark tones, focuses on a father and son’s relationship, one which has become taught due to a rift in their family life struck with grief.
The film’s smooth cinematography, shot by Alper Kasap, transforms the idyllic suburban setting into a dangerous horror setting; one reminiscent of the late-night slums of the 90’s Japanese horror, such as the works of Hideo Nakata. It is this key element, working in combination with Luke Creely’s well timed script and direction, which elevates this film’s scale into a comfortable and commendable effort, one which fully embraces its 1.5k budget, and uses its afforded resources wisely.
Nominations: The Volunteer by Lilliane Moffat, 1943 by Elizabeth Dean, Emmi by Andrew Carslaw, Rambling On by Nicole Pott, Ten Grand Even by Gilad Deutsch and Paz Davidovich
BEST SHORT FILM PRODUCED FOR BETWEEN $5,000 & $10,000
There are not enough entries to run this category this season.
BEST SHORT FILM PRODUCED FOR > $10,000
Winner: Standing Eight by Brian Kazmarck
Festival Director says:
There is a point in Standing Eight where Dusty Abrams attempts to bribe his doctor. It doesn’t work, and jars with the character’s point in the film. It even feels rushed, and a jolt too far towards a TV drama. However, that is the only flaw this film has.
Following this scene there’s a very moving sequence in which Dusty and his girlfriend talk about his unexpected Lupus diagnosis, then there’s a press conference, and a small attempt to trigger a fight by the opponent who won’t get his chance in the ring with retired Dusty.
This all builds up slowly, and scenes gradually lead Dusty back into the ring. All of this leads to what is an emotional turn within the film, one about self fulfillment, and self sacrifice – almost like Aronofsky’s The Fighter. The film’s highlights lay with its lead actor, who’s persona appears real at all times, as well as the well polished and well lit photography delivered by Tony Burns.
Nominations: Dress Rehearsal by Michael Boston, Asmad (Me) by Prabhjit Dhamija, Rebith by Jill Von D
BEST FEATURE FILM PRODUCED FOR < $5,000
Winner: Venus Obscura by Christophe Karabache
Festival Director says:
Though Venus Obscura by Christophe Karabache isn’t Karabache’s best film, as his previous effort, Sadoum, which we had the pleasure of seeing before at TMBT film awards, still lingers and haunts us as one of the best micro budget films ever made. However, with this film, and at this particular scale of budget, it is hard to really fault Venus Obscura, and in fact, if anything, one can pin-point the director’s progress, which includes a fondness for primitive cinema practices, similar to Pier Paolo Pasolini, as continuing here and progressing even further to new heights. His characters move as if captured in cages set out by gods enjoying the show, and his camera, which practically narrates the film through an observational perspective, remains a third eye: the sight of evil and righteousness.
It would be all too easy to set out and critic Venus Obscura, with its lingering takes and cruel characters as yet another ‘Karabache’ film, one we might decide to disregard from the competition; as we have awarded him before. But the truth of the matter is – if one was to remove his name from the film, and consider it blindly in comparison with the other entries of this season, and of this budget level, it is Venus Obscura which remains the best choice, and obvious pick for the winner’s slot.
Nominations: Suicide Service by Thorkell Ottarsson, On Belonging by Dylan Maccarone, Skint by Ryan J. Smith
BEST FEATURE FILM PRODUCED FOR BETWEEN $5,000 & $10,000
There are not enough entries to run this category this season.
BEST FEATURE FILM PRODUCED FOR > $10,000
Winner: The Lurking Man by Maritza Brikisak
Festival Director says:
This little gem of an indie feels like quite a specific set piece for an indie film: genre, guts, and a helm-fire performance.
If one was to view this as a throwback to B-movie type in particular – such as the second generation drive-in films, or Hammer Horror Classic, which used to horrify children of the 70’s and 80’s with late broadcasting slots on TV, then The Lurking Man is a fantastic punchy film in a similar taste.
At its heart there’s a very precise performance delivered by Maritza Brikisak, its one of nuanced moments, often veering close to the likes of Candace Hilligoss’ performance of Mary Henry in Carnival of Souls (1962).
There are some issues, often to do with pacing and the overall arcs, but they, like the much loved drive-in classics, are forgiven when considering the overall atmospheric tone of the picture. After all, not all of cinema is meant to be a non-stop fun experience… sometimes we want to feel, think and reflect.
Nominations: Thirst by Kevin Singh
BEST WEB SERIES
Winner: Out of the Black and Blue by Jeff Edmond
Festival Director says:
A swarm of quirky ‘oh no they didn’t’ moments fill Out of the Black and Blue. It has a certain amount of charm, and appears to be ‘series’ ready… in the sense that it’s characters have plenty of road to drive the narrative forwards.
Nominations: Getting Back with Dave Benson Philips by James Podmore and Andrew River
SPECIAL PRIZE – MICRO BUDGET
Winner: Skint by Ryan J. Smith
Festival Director says:
Considering its miniature budget (a mere £500), Ryan J. Smith has done the impossible. Perhaps, a Filmconvert or black and white finish would aid the film’s visual appeal, dunking it into a slicker style. However, overall, one can’t really throw many rocks at this production, and it is our pleasure to present this special prize for the production of Skint.
OTHER CATEGORIES
– BEST DIRECTION
Winner: The Madame in Black by Jarno Vinsencius
The Madame in Black might just be one of the best directed independent short films I’ve ever seen. There’s style, genre, perspective and a gothic bone chilling terror present here that has made me grin like a fool.
Nominations: Dogbrain by Jesse Ross, The Last King of Granada by Pepe Gomez, Asmad (Me) by Prabhjit Dhamija, Standing Eight by Brian Kazmarck, Junkie Heaven by Steve Sage Goldberg
– BEST ACTOR
Winner: Michael Boston in Dress Rehearsal
Raw, energetic and convincing in his multi-layered performance, Michael Boston is captivating as Abner.
Nominations: Robin Hellier in Drone, Jake McGarry in Drone, Justin Marosa in No Guarantee, Kazy Tauginas in Standing Eight, Joseph A. Halsey in Junkie Heaven
– BEST ACTRESS
Winner: Claire Appleby in The Volunteer
Claire Appleby hits the screen with energy. She’s got great comedic timing, and brings to life a wonderfully annoying persona.
Nominations: Amy Elizabeth Price in War In Heels, Natalie Martins in Emmi, Courtney Cavanagh in Standing Eight, Sarah Navratil in Creak
– BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
Winner: Tony Burns’ cinematography of Standing Eight
Burns’ cinematography is subtle, and very dynamic, allowing for a consistent quality and engagement with the content that entices and moves its viewers.
Nominations: Thorkell August Ottarsson’s cinematography of Suicide Service, Farren Singh’s cinematography of Thirst, Joe Gilber’s cinematography of Only Human, Justin Fargiano’s cinematography of Stray
– BEST BLACK AND WHITE CINEMATOGRAPHY
Winner: Mikael Luksepp’s cinematography of The Old Man
With a sharp black and white image, The Old Man revels in beauty. It’s historic, post-modern and dazzling to watch.
Nominations: The Sunflowers by Júlio Dantas
– BEST EDITING
Winner: Rebecca Grace’s editing of Dress Rehearsal
There is a certain fluidity to the editing of Dress Rehearsal which makes it captivating to watch. The shots slide into each other, and the tone and timing is delicate and timely.
Nominations: Maritza Brikisak’s editing of The Lurking Man, On Belonging by Dylan Maccarone, Steve Sage Goldberg’s editing of Junkie Heaven, Michael Davis’ editing of Hindsight, Rebecca Grace’s editing of Dress Rehearsal
– BEST WRITING
Winner: The Last King of Granada by Pepe Gomez
The Last King of Granada is a jaw-dropping yarn. The film, true to form of great short films, is quick and precise with its narrative. It has a steady hand on its tones, it is emotive, and memorable.
Nominations: Robert Duncan’s writing of Drone, Trent Cliffe and Lily Connor’s writing of War In Heels, 1943 by Elizabeth Dean, Susie Coreth and Afsaneh Dehrouyeh writing of Only Human, Ryan J. Smith writing of Skint
– BEST PERIOD PIECE
Winner: The Last King of Granada by Pepe Gomez
Guest judge, Lily Smith, says:
Pepe Gomez’ animation ‘The Last King of Granada’ displays skill in attention to detail and style from start to finish. Gomez’ skills shine not only technically, but also in his ability to craft a heartfelt emotional arc for his protagonist that renders great empathy with his audience.
Nominations: The Old Man by Indigorado by Kenneth Aakerland Berg, The Prisoner of Perdition by Cameron McCasland, 1943 by Elizabeth Dean
– BEST ENSEMBLE CAST
Winner: Rambling On by Nicole Pott
Nicole Pott’s cast of characters, all brought to life by a wonderful ensemble of women, is flipping entertaining.
Nominations: The Volunteer by Lilliane Moffat, The Lurking Man by Maritza Brikisak, Only Human by Robert Francis Muller, Dress Rehearsal by Michael Boston, Standing Eight by Brian Kazmarck
– BEST GENRE PIECE
Winner: War In Heels by Amy Price
Guest judge, Clara Butler, says:
Trent Cliffe and Lilly Connor have created a film based on solid storytelling with an interesting twist. Proving that simplicity is incredibly effective the tonal shift created by revelations in the plot is handled well. Furthermore both Amy Price and Genevieve Brock give nuanced and convincing performances that enhance the narrative. The chemistry between the two actresses was palpable and allowed the comedic side of the writing to shine through. The result is a quick, clever and enjoyable experience that was a pleasure to watch.
Nominations: The Madame in Black by Jarno Vinsencius, The Last King of Granada by Pepe Gomez, Drone by Robert Duncan, Dogbrain by Carl Brown
– SPECIAL MENTION
Winners of the special mention prize:
5476 Miles by Terry Thomas
Dying for a Living by Adriana Falcinelli
A Story for Happy by Tom Turner and Philip Alexander Baker
MUSIC VIDEO COMPETITION
Best Music Video
Winner: The Dance of the Living Stones by Angelo De Grande
There is a certain energy to the video – an almost folklore type of awakening which spills onto the screen. With a stark black and white image, drone photography, and an inspired locale for its massive scope, The Dance of the Living Stones is a beautiful music video.
Nominations: Killing Us Softly by Emilie Boyard, The Old Man by Åkerland Berg, Brother by Joachim Morre and Søren Kahr
Best Cinematography
Winner: Vampire Love’s cinematography by Claudia Pujol Pla
Claudia Pujol Pla’s cinematography of Vampire Love is organic, romantic and epic. She turns her camera around the space with much movement, capturing with a keen eye for well balanced images; there’s much to be admired about her minimalist lighting in certain darker scenes as well. The video is lush thanks to her apt efforts.
Nominations: Guilty by Tobias Marshall, The Sunflowers by Júlio Dantas
Best Editing
Winner: Fracture’s editing by Alfonso Torres
Torres’ editing of Fracture elevates Hugo Diego Garcia’s vision – it’s a punchy edit, almost as if it were straight out of the MTV ‘good old days’ of the late 80’s/early 90’s.
Nominations: The Old Man’s editing by Åkerland Berg, Killing Us Softly by Emilie Boyard, Delighful by Katie Garibaldi
Please note: When the details of a particular technician of a nomination has not been readily available (such as an editor, cinematographer etc., we have simply referred to the director instead).
UNPRODUCED SCREENPLAY COMPETITION
Best Genre Piece
Winner: The Workshop by Kirby Michael
Various genre muscles are flexed here, filling The Workshop to the brim with fun.
Nominations: The Secret of Banrion Wood by Persephone Vandegrift, Frames by Neil O’Neil, Mind World by Miranda Sen, The Lords of Farhaven by Michael Snow
Best Technique
Winner: The Map by Persephone Vandegrift
The delivery of perspective and space within the scenes of The Map are great.
Nominations: Walter’s Days by Nathan Ludwig and Charles Devin Hill
Best Micro Budget Script
Winner: Happy Holidays by Chastity Lively
A minimalist setting allows for a great premise to grow.
Nominations: The Workshop by Kirby Michael Wright
Best Character Arc
Winner: Abramelin Institute by Meghan Fitzmartin
An unusual set of characters fill out the script’s narrative with filmic fun and energy.
Nominations: The Living Room by Matteo Valentini