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Nominations Spring 2021

Nominated: Best Short, Best Animation Short, Best Art/Experimental Short
On / Off

Director/Writer: Nicolas P. Villarreal

Producers: Nicolas P. Villarreal, Alessandro Squitti

Music: Michael Brennan

Country: Argentina

Project Type:Short

Overview: Endless distractions threaten to destroy creativity.

Director Statement: ON / OFF relays my view of today's technology and how social media can be a considerable distraction to creative minds and discipline. Something that can derail you inadvertently from a passion that you may have and dedicate less time to neglecting it. It's my imagination and perspective of how geniuses like Frida Kahlo, Da Vinci, Beethoven, and Tesla would have interacted with it as well as their attitude and decision making towards their work with their counterparts today. My favorite films, shorts, features, documentaries are the ones that leave me thinking about the content after the fact, questioning my life and or inspiring me. I hope this film does the same about how we interact with technology and social media and shows us how there could be a possibly different future utilizing it for something productive, creating things that we feel we have to get out there. Hopefully, it will make them go back to that passion that they have and the urge to create something that they have been keeping in the back of their minds. You can use social media and technology for your work, but it can also be a black hole that sucks you in it. I hope the film's message leaves the audience questioning their attitudes towards their passions and thinking if they are sacrificing something great that they could be doing by inconsequential and ephemeral social media content that won't affect their lives positively.

Nominated: Best Feature, Best Editing, Best Sound Design, Best Actor (Stuart Ashen)
Ashens and the Polybius Heist

Director Riyad Barmania

Writers: Riyad Barmania, Stuart Ashen

Producers: Riyad Barmania, Linton Davies, Stuart Ashen

Key Cast “Ashens” Stuart Ashen

Country: United Kingdom

Project Type: Feature, Comedy

Overview: A heist like no other. A motley crew of misfits hunt down an infamous 80's arcade game that can supposedly control people's minds. But is the legend all that it appears? Can the No-Confidence Crew get to it before it's too late? And what do lawnmowers have to do with it? The clock is ticking.

Director Statement: Ashens and the Polybius Heist is the culmination of years of work on the script, story and characters, to ensure the experience will be something the audience will truly love. In directing the film I wanted to push the boundaries of what was considered possible for a project of this nature - to be totally cinematic in look, sound and feel. I wanted to create an experience the viewer will remember and carry with them. I wanted to tell a funny and entertaining story but one with a real emotional underpinning, because that is where you connect with the audience and have a lasting impact. It is a fast, fun, silly movie with a big heart. I hope people enjoy watching it as much as we enjoyed making it.

Nominated: Best Comedy Short

Fuck The Honeymoon

Director/Writer: Joshua Thornton-Allan

Producers: Denise Moreno, Jake Parker

Cinematographer: Guido Cavaciuti

Country: United Kingdom

Project Type: Short

Overview: When Lizzie agrees to go on an “alternative” first date with Nathan she had no idea it's a couples counselling session. Forced to confront their flaws, foibles and personal hangups they come to the realisation that the best way to make a relationship work might be to skip the dating part altogether.

Director Statement: What happens when you’re single but tired of dating? Could you skip the dating part and start the relationship straight away? Is it insane, or just crazy enough to work? F*** The Honeymoon is an oddball comedy that explores the often tiresome reality of modern dating, and questions whether there’s a better way. The short is ultimately about opening up, about being ourselves with another person even if it’s painful, and being brave enough to share what we really want out of life.

Nominated: Best Feature Documentary, Best Cinematography
'Trans Pecos'

Director: Nicol Ragland

Cinematographer: Corbett Jones

Producers: Nicol Ragland, Anna Rau, Corbett Jones

Country: United States

Project Type: Documentary, Feature

Overview: Trans Pecos is a timely intervention weaving together the issues of land and water rights, while painting an honest portrait of what is to come if we allow oil interest to supersede public good. It is a cautionary tale meant to inspire people from every walk of life to take action and work toward change that can happen if informed citizens and those in power hold oil and gas companies accountable. A documentary that uncovers the truth in Far West Texas and one pipeline reflecting the beginning of the invasion of one of the last American frontiers.

Director Statement: The ambitions of TRANS PECOS intersect with the objectives of voicing the importance of constitutional land rights that create a democratic foundation. For these reasons, TRANS PECOS is a timely investigation of a new chapter in America’s exploration and exploitation of the natural environment. The observational and cinematic approach in filmmaking aspires to unify both subjects and audiences, rallying traditionally disparate populations for a common good through the belief that empathy fosters compassion which in turn fosters accord.




Nominated: Best Original Score
To Glory Land

Director/Writer/Producer: Fadi Awad

Composer: Fadi Awad

Country: Canada

Project Type: Music Video, Short

Overview: Fadi Awad is a Canadian Multi-Awards Winner Music Artist as well as a Billboard and a Multi-Charted one, who’s Awarded as a Music Composer, Songwriter, DJ, and Producer. He’s in the Industry since 1986. Studied music & orchestration, High Studies in International Business Management, and holding a profile full of Valuable Records & Honorable Titles. He worked in many top radio stations & night clubs, played in many top music events, and collaborated with may top artists Worldwide... He introduced many music genres to several markets... He achieved many successes & was behind many successful projects... His presence in the Industry since 1986 helped him selecting what’s beautiful & good from every genre that popped up, that’s why he composes many good music genres successfully!... Fadi is truly considered a One-Love international artist who worked with many big artists and Celebrities from several Countries in many Art projects... His music was charted in many radio stations and in many National Charts (USA, Germany, UK, Australia, France…) as well on Billboard, DRT, Euro Indie Chart, World Indie Chart, in the top digital stores, and more…

Nominated: Best Trailer/Teaser
A Long Way Home
A Long Way Home

Director/Writer: Harrison Bell

Producer: Josiah Martin-Lofters

Country: United Kingdom

Project Type: Animation, Student, Short

Overview: An orphan seeks out her biological mother on the far side of America.

Director Statement: A Long Way Home is a very personal story about a young girl's journey to find her birth mother. It is a story about loss, and family, and reconciliation.

Nominated: Best Microfilm
I am here
I am here

Director/Writer: Stan Amsellem

Producers: Stan Amsellem, Marc-Antoine Riou

Country: United States

Project Type: Short

Overview: Paris, March 2020, the hospital is boiling. Marc, an introverted accountant working there, is the witness of his colleagues dismay. He feels powerless. He'll then seize the opportunity to take control of his destiny by chasing his hidden dream every night to give comfort to people around, and maybe a little bit for him too.

Director Statement: "Impose your luck, cherish your happiness and move toward your risk. While they'll watch you doing, they'll get used to it." René Char

Nominated: Best Original Score
We Are Here

Director/Writer/Producer: Fadi Awad

Composer: Fadi Awad

Country: Canada

Project Type: Music Video, Short

Overview: Fadi Awad is a Canadian Multi-Awards Winner Music Artist as well as a Billboard and a Multi-Charted one, who’s Awarded as a Music Composer, Songwriter, DJ, and Producer. He’s in the Industry since 1986. Studied music & orchestration, High Studies in International Business Management, and holding a profile full of Valuable Records & Honorable Titles. He worked in many top radio stations & night clubs, played in many top music events, and collaborated with may top artists Worldwide... He introduced many music genres to several markets... He achieved many successes & was behind many successful projects... His presence in the Industry since 1986 helped him selecting what’s beautiful & good from every genre that popped up, that’s why he composes many good music genres successfully!... Fadi is truly considered a One-Love international artist who worked with many big artists and Celebrities from several Countries in many Art projects... His music was charted in many radio stations and in many National Charts (USA, Germany, UK, Australia, France…) as well on Billboard, DRT, Euro Indie Chart, World Indie Chart, in the top digital stores, and more…




Nominated: Best Fantasy/Sci-Fi Short

Traffic
Traffic

Director/Writers: Dan O'Leary

Key Cast “Jacob”: Alexander Arran Cowan

Country: United Kingdom

Project Type: Sci-fi, Feature

Overview: A young software programmer converses with an AI, pushing its limits on his morning commute to work.

Nominated: Best Short, Best Director

Lost & Hound

Directors/Writer: Ben. J Smith

Producer: Lucy Turner

Country: United Kingdom

Project Type: Short

Overview: A sweet old man enjoys a wonderful day with a friendly dog he finds in his garden.

Director Statement: Lost & Hound is my director debut. I really wanted to make a film with my pride and joy, Freddy the dog, thus writing this film began. Now the finished piece is available for your viewing pleasure, and I hope you enjoy it.

Nominated: Best Animation Short, Best Microfilm
BoxBots
BoxBots

Directors: Jordan Coles, Ross Green

Producer: Priya Shah

Country: United Kingdom

Project Type: Animation, Student, Short

Overview: Two boxing toys do battle for mastery of the ring.

Writer Statement: I wanted to create a fun battle between two toy boxing robots, fighting in the style of real life boxers.

Nominated: Best Thriller/Horror Short

SCRIPT

Director/Writer/Producer: Piero Cannata

Country: Italy

Project Type: Short

Overview: Two screenwriters, a ghost story, the night that goes on. Who will put an end to this?

Director Biography: Piero Cannata, screenwriter and director, was born in Palermo in 1974. After attending a course in film and theater directing, he began producing horror and dramatic short films, appreciated and awarded in various international festivals. His works, imbued with a strong pessimism and a melancholy irony, speak of human beings and their weaknesses, but also of hope and desire for redemption.




Nominated: Best Short Screenplay

Dead Meat
Dead Meat

Writer: Cassie Burton

Country: United States

Project Type: Short Script

Overview: When five friends get together for Friendsgiving, nothing is as it seems - and the suddenly sentient turkey is only part of the reason.

Nominated: Best Feature, Best Editing, Best Sound Design
FAAS
FAAS

Director: Avinash Kolte

Writer/Producer: Maheshwari Patil Chakurkar

Editor: Apurva Motiwale, Ashish Mhatre

Music: Allen K.P.

Country: India

Project Type: Drama, Feature

Overview: It's a story of a farmer and a common man. It's about struggle, survival and fights for life.How the system don't allow a dead man to be in rest even after his death.How his family and friends has to struggle to get his body for cremation.

Director Statement: Movie is inspired by real incidents which happens in nearby villages in Maharasthra. It's very common people hang themselves since they can not pay small amount loans.

Nominated: Best Short Screenplay

Envious
Envious

Writer: Glenn Lissner

Country: United States

Project Type: Short Script

Nominated: Best Feature

To Be You
To Be You

Director/Writer: Chad Eddy

Producers: Freddie Basnight, Chad Eddy, Ryan Maichel, Siakie Tetteh

Country: United States

Project Type: Feature

Overview: After Howard falls in love with a beautiful Ghanaian woman he meets online, he is unexpectedly informed by a mysterious outsider that she may not be who he thinks she is.




Nominated: Best Feature Documentary
Four Motherless Children
"Four Motherless Children"

Director/Writer: Ralph Isenberg

Producers: Ralph Isenberg, Joe De La Fuente

Country: United States

Project Type: Documentary, Feature, Television

Overview: This film continues where the “Discovery of Santos”; the second documentary in the “El Gringo Schindler” series left off. The third movie tells the heartbreaking story of four children, all minors and citizens of the United States, forced to fend for themselves for eleven months while their mother found herself exiled in El Salvador for making a simple human error. The mother broke no immigration law but simply read an immigration form wrong. The fact that the mother had already been in the United States for seventeen years under “Temporary Protected Status” and her renewal for an additional year was already approved was completely ignored by the United States Government.

Director Statement: In life; “there is right, there is wrong and there is the right thing to do”. It is this test that all that believe in mankind must ask themselves on a daily basis as the forces of good and evil require us to be constantly making decisions. I think in the end Shakespeare said it best in Hamlet; “the rest is silence”.

Nominated: Best Drone Short
Princes Bridge & Swan Street Bridge - Melbourne Australia
Princes Bridge & Swan Street Bridge - Melbourne Australia

Director: Lawrence Gerver

Country: Australia

Project Type: Experimental, Short

Overview: Melbourne's grandest and oldest Bridge. Listed on the Victorian Heritage Register, Princes Bridge connects St Kilda Road to Swanston Street alongside Flinders Street Railway Station. A bridge has crossed the river at this point since 1845, the present Princes bridge being the third bridge across the Yarra at that location, a need to handle increased shipping traffic on the Yarra River and the river was widened to cope with this. The Swan Street Bridge provides a vital connection, linking Melbourne’s CBD with its world-renowned sporting and recreation precincts. The Swan Street Bridge Upgrade as a significant opportunity to improve the pedestrian and cycling infrastructure and to enhance the urban design quality of the bridge. The design provides for a highly functional river crossing, with streamlined circulation paths that operate under both daily and highly congested event conditions.

Director Statement: Over the past years, and in the coming ones, to wander out there, to capture the beauty of nature and its timeless architecture, which are fast fading away before our very eyes.

Nominated: Best Short
Love & Quarantine
Love & Quarantine

Director: Angela Mavropoulos

Writer: Mason Greer

Producers: Angela Mavropoulos, Mason Greer

Country: Cyprus

Project Type: Romance, Short

Overview: A long-distance relationship is usually hard. A relationship between two people that have never met in person is even harder. Samantha and Derek are a successful product of the Covid-19 internet dating world. Samantha was forced to move back to her country (the island of Cyprus) and Derek is stuck in Los Angeles. Their relationship depends on their video calls and the hope that they will actually see each other one day in the future.

Director Statement: There are so many people that would relate to the feeling of nervousness and fear to jump into a new relationship, especially when the stay at home orders were in effect worldwide. With this film, I want the viewer to experience a sense of hope and security when it comes to finding new love, even if It is through a screen. We all fell lonely and isolated, however thanks to technological advances, we have the chance to see our loved ones a video call away. I knew by making this short film, we would run into some challenges due to restrictions. We filmed remotely with minimal help and limited funds. Mason and I have done many projects together in the past and it is always a delight, even when we had 10 hour time difference and 7,314 miles apart. It was all online meetings, call after call, small delays with the editing process; but it was all worth it. Also, I chose to use two different cameras to film, which isn’t the first choice for most filmmakers, but it was to distinguish the harsh reality of quarantine in the US (Sony a7) and the contrast of freedom in Cyprus (Go Pro Hero 4), while showing off landscapes of the island. This film will always be special to me since it has given me a chance to stay creative during one of the hardest year of my life. Not only did I want to give hope to my audience, but I was also giving hope to myself that everything will turn out okay. I would make a thousand more Love and Quarantine shorts. It was an amazing experience and I wouldn’t always have Mason Greer by my side to share this vision!

Nominated: Best Student Director
AZA
AZA

Director: Bryan Lee

Writer: Matthew Siu

Producer: Nishtha Dogra

Country: United Kingdom

Project Type: Short, Student, Thriller, Fantasy, Suspense

Overview: Bruised teenage girl Shukumei wakes up to go to School. She looks at herself in the mirror, touches her eye bruise and it hurts. A pain she must go through every day since that incident. Living in a small village in the country land of England with her mom, she endures the laughs and the bullying. One morning, after taking her pills, someone shouts at her. It is Goodwin, he’s brainless and inoffensive but this time he’s just too loud. This time Shukumei cannot take it anymore. Shukumei runs after Goodwin, she gets close to his house but when she opens the door he is not there anymore. Something hurts, one of her bruises disappeared and the rest of them start merging into a map. The next day, Goodwin is announced dead…

Director Statement: I knew I wanted to become a filmmaker when I turned 15. It all started with a Youtube Channel I created with a few friends of mine. I am passionate about directing and editing but I also take a special interest in photography therefore I am quite versatile. My ultimate goal is to succeed in the film industry in South Korea where I feel the most inspired. I am passionate about the Asian culture but more particularly about the Japanese and Korean cultures. This first film of mine was about mixing the western culture where I'm from and the oriental culture that I'm inspired about. This film AZA was inspired by my little brother's disease and unmeasurable passion for the Japanese culture.




Nominated: Best Thriller/Horror Short, Best Director, Best Actress (Cassie Osborne)
Scammed
Scammed

Director/Writer/Producer: Jo Teh

Key Cast “Claire Hemingway”: Cassie Osborne

Country: Australia

Project Type: Thriller, Drama, Short

Overview: When a young unemployed woman is caught in a money-laundering job scam, she decides to keep all the stolen money for herself, raising suspicions to the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and other more sinister players…

Director Statement: I was inspired to write and produce this film because of my current line of work that revolves around analyzing scam/fraud modus operandi(MO) on a daily basis. The purpose of this film is to create an awareness of scam/ fraud related issues. Every day, desperate unemployed people are tricked into being part of money-laundering syndicates. The main theme of this short film is ultimately about TRUST, LOVE and REVENGE. I also wanted to create a happy ending crime-thriller film with female and queer leads because all thriller films that I have watched so far involves either a jealous lesbian killing her lover or queer characters story ending in tragedy. I was incredibly lucky and grateful to collaborate with a group of amazingly talented cast and crew who made my script come to live! I hope you enjoy the film as much as I enjoyed the learning experience as a first time director.

Nominated: Best Feature, Best Feature Director

Kaali Maati

Director/Producer: Hemantkumar Mahale

Writers: Hemantkumar Mahale, Anil S. Raut

Country: India

Project Type: Social Drama, Biopic, Feature

Overview: This is a biopic of a farmer from Pune District who yields harvest of gold from the black soil. Dnyaneshwar Bodke is the central character of this story. After a basic secondary education and a nine to five job, he was certain that this was not a life that he wanted. He decided to do farming on his own farm land. An office job was any day better, than farming which did not yield anything but losses, was the advice given to him by his parents. But he stayed firm on his decision. Get married before quitting the job… was the advice given by his parents, as no father would want his daughter to get married to a farmer. Dnyaneshwar agreed, though reluctantly. He left his job to do farming full time and surrendered his fate to the soil. With hard labour and complete dedication, he tilled the soil so well that miracle happened. A loss making farmland was thus transformed into a successful enterprise with a turnover of 400 crores. We have all seen the stories of farmers who lost hopes and committed suicides. Now, we want to depict the story of Dnyaneshwar, who could change the course of his life with sheer will and courage. We are sure that this film will encourage the younger generation to look at farming as a good career and will help improve farming’s image in the society’s psyche.

Director Biography: Mr. Hemantkumar Mahale is basically an Event Organizer since 1978 and have achieved Highest Viewership (60 Crores+) in the world on YouTube for his live shows. He has awarded by India Book of Records, Asia Book of Records, Limca Book of Records, Golden Book of World Records and World Records India for his achievement in Music. He has completed his bachelor of Dramatics Degree in Aurangabad University. He has produced and directed a Marathi Feature Film “WhatsApp Love” and released all over Maharashtra on 12th July 2019.

Nominated: Best Feature Director, Best Cinematography, Best Sound Design

Built Lands

Director/Writer/Producer: Arturo Dueñas Herrero

Cinematographer: Álvaro Sanz Pascual

Country: Spain

Project Type: Documentary, Feature

Overview: In the late 60s a group of artists decides to settle in a village in the ‘darkest-deepest’ Spain. Today only Felix Cuadrado Lomas still remains there, determined to reflect the landscape which surrounds him: the lands built by those who work on them.

Director Statement: "El título de Tierras construidas se fundamenta en que ellas mismas se presentan en la naturaleza elaboradas y construidas como creación de la mano del hombre, y en la obra artística también se presentan recreadas, interpretadas y construidas por la mano del autor, surgiendo así una simbiosis entre el hombre y el medio. Creo que el hombre está formado por la influencia del paisaje que lo circunda y, al mismo tiempo, él modifica, identificándose con el trozo de tierra en que habita y trabaja, adquiriendo la obligada necesidad de amarla, cuidarla y defenderla de toda agresión interna y externa."

Nominated: Best Art/Experimental Short


Rebirth of Venus

Director/Writer/Producer: Robin Noorda

Music: Alfred Marseille

Country: Netherlands

Project Type: Animation, Experimental, Short

Overview: Rebirth of Venus is a short arthouse film by filmmaker and artist Robin Noorda, realised in stop-motion animation. This experimental film is based on a poem by Noorda about inequality and oppression. He addresses an array of manifestations of oppression causing the exploitation of nature and violation of human rights and especially women's rights. In Noorda's view, all these phenomena of oppression have a common denominator...

Director Statement: As a male I am convinced a more feminine approach to our contemporary world is needed to face the global problems at hand. That's what Rebirth of Venus is all about. As an independent filmmaker, animator and artist with an commitment to social and environmental issues, it is hard to fit in a specific domain. The art world judges I am too much an engaged activist, the animation world prefer to see fluffy characters and the film world think my work is too arty and experimental. So it turned out to be a no budget film that took two years of production. This all works in favour of further developing my own idiom.




Nominated: Best Comedy Short


Boomslang
Boomslang

Director: Trevor Ryan

Writer/Producer: Allen Osborne

Country: United States

Project Type: Dark Comedy, Short

Overview: In this dark comedy, a serial killer comes to a small American town where he gets more than he bargained for.

Director Statement : My friend Allen, first time screenwriter, wrote this weird little dark comedy short, BOOMSLANG, and asked me to direct it. A Euro serial killer goes to a small American town to hide out where a lot of eccentric people live. It reminded me of something a Jared Hess would write with characters you would only meet once in your life. He had a small budget and only 2 days to shoot it but excellent actors. I think we shot a very entertaining project for festivals that people will enjoy. I can see this as a feature film or series with Erik (the serial killer) having these funny encounters and frustrations in this town again and again!

Nominated: Best Environmentally Conscious Documentary Short, Best Student Director
Growing Peace in the Middle East
Growing Peace in the Middle East

Director/Writer/Producer: Steven Hoffen

Country: United States

Project Type: Documentary, Student, Short

Overview: A 7th grader from New York is inspired by a visit to Sindyanna of Galilee in Israel - a unique non-profit organization led by a team of Arab and Jewish women working together to create social change from the ground up. He spends the year during the pandemic inspired to document the new hydroponics project at Sindyanna, which strives to enhance Arab-Jewish cooperation, while creating economic opportunities for Arab women.

Nominated: Best Long Short


The Tyro

Director/Writer: Rami Hilmi

Producer: Mery Bernabei

Country: United Kingdom

Project Type: Comedy, Drama, Short

Overview: "TheTyro" is a 25 mins short filmed in Lee on the Solent in Sept 2020. The Tyro is the story of a young fighter seeking revenge for his father. To defeat the champion, Everest seeks the help of a retired master, who will teach him the true essence and balance of the traditional discipline. A story and script of Rami Hilmi, this film is based on nothing but harsh reality. This is the real story of when Rocky meets The Karate Kid.

Director Statement: Although we have faced multiple obstacles, due to Pandemic and lockdowns trying to plan our shoots. We have adapted to the restrictions that were in place, following the guide lines, we crew & cast came out stronger, finding a way to shoot a film with a story, without violating any of the Pandemic restrictions . This is where 'The Tyro' was born.....

Nominated: Best Drama Short, Best Actress (Eileen Grubba)

Dark Hearts

Director: Kevin Van Stevenson

Writers: EIleen Grubba, Tim Majka

Producers: Eileen Grubba, Kevin Van Stevenson, Brock Waidmann, Rhonda Waidman, Judy Goldsworthy, Nannette D'Aquila

Key Cast “Kelly”: Eileen Grubba

Country: United Kingdom

Project Type: Drama, Short

Overview: A look into the lives of a couple whose child has gone missing. After living with the disappearance of their only child for months, they have no choice but to move on with life. But when ladybugs appear, Kelly believes it's a sign her daughter is still alive. Her husband isn't so quick to believe. One clings to the last bit of hope she has, the other is at his wit's end. Both hoping for a miracle the next time the phone rings.




Nominated: Best Short
Conversation With A Cigarette

Director/Writer: Russell Brown

Country: Unated States

Project Type: Drama, Black and White, Surreal, Short

Overview: A cat and mouse game ensues when a man faces his greatest enemy: A Cigarette.

Director Biography: Russell Brown’s fourth narrative feature, Search Engines, stars an ensemble cast including Joely Fisher, Connie Stevens, Daphne Zuniga, Natasha Gregson Wagner, Barry Watson and Michelle Hurd. It premiered at Cinequest and has played more than 50 festivals across the country and internationally, picking up over 20 awards in categories ranging from acting, directing and writing to audience awards and best picture recognition. It was released theatrically by Indican Pictures in October, 2016.

Nominated: Best Fantasy/Sci-Fi Short
GPS
GPS

Director/Writer: Mohammed Ali

Producers: Yaser Alyakob, Mohammed Ali

Country: Saudi Arabia

Project Type: Short

Overview: A Sci-Fi Movie with “​​Loop infinite concept” that narrates the story of young people who were on a desert trip while they were waiting for the location map from their friend who preceded them to the camping site.The surprise is that those who sent them the location were creatures that invaded the globe and invaded the communication networks.From here the endless story started .

Nominated: Best Long Short
Kings & Queens

Director: Elmer J. Howard

Writer: Melissa Martin

Producers: Elmer J. Howard, Brett Bays, Melissa Martin

Country: United States

Project Type: Drama, Short

Overview: A lesbian down on her luck finds solace in a local drag community while searching to find her authentic self.

Director Statement: "Kings & Queens" is my first film in my home state of Maine. I enjoyed the opportunity to work with the Maine film community. When planning on my next project, I reached out to my friend and cinematographer, Brett Bays. We searched for a short LGBTQIA+ script to no avail. We both had recently read a feature film script by my friend Melissa Martin and reached out to her about writing a short film for us. She was excited too. We gave her a few ideas, and she suggested, "What if we combined all of those and did a woman trying to be a drag king living with her ex because she's too poor to move out." The rest, as they say, is history. The cast and crew stepped up to make this the best movie possible. Everyone gave their creative feedback, and many wore multiple hats. I hope you enjoy watching "Kings & Queens" as much as I enjoyed creating it.

Nominated: Best Drama Short
UnWelcomed Justice

Directors: Courtlin D. Fields, Eric Twitty

Writer/Producer: Courtlin D. Fields

Country: United States

Project Type: Drama, Short

Overview: A Suspended police officer over the Black Lives Movement is wrongfully singled out as a racist when he is of the same color. We see officer Derrick Byrd in his worst state of dealing with depression and trying to be there for his love ones while struggling to deal with his own demon's. When nothing else can not seem to go wrong. Derrick is visited by his past to realize is plan is not the plan of the higher power.

Director Statement: Everyday I wake up knowing nothing and making every day a new learning experience. To keep learning and sharing is how I find my purpose.




Nominated: Best Feature Screenplay / TV Script
Face Painters

Writer: Giovanni Sanseviero

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Country: United States

Project Type: Screenplay

Overview: When dementia overwhelms a guilt-ridden funeral director, his son, an illiterate casket builder, has no choice but to bring in his sly college-smart brother to save the business.

Nominated: Feature Screenplay / TV Script

Swipe Right
Swipe Right

Writer: Lorna Riley

Country: United Kingdom

Project Type: Student, Television Script

Overview: On her train to work, Nancy has her happy ever after accidentally derailed by her time-travelling future self. The twenty-something cardiologist must learn to listen to her own heart—and avoid being railroaded by her mother into dating the wrong guy—to stay on track to find her true love.

Director Statement: Like the hit shows Fleabag and Chewing Gum, Swipe Right addresses feminist themes in a thought-provoking, and yet humorous, way. Though she’s a capable cardiologist, Nancy is much less confident navigating the dating scene. But she isn’t rescued by a knight in shining armour. She is very much her own hero, in more ways than one. Swipe Right’s time-travel element is influenced by films such as About Time and Back to the Future, where even small changes have massive repercussions. In Swipe Right, it’s the death of an ordinary housefly that potentially derails Nancy’s love story. This is because it’s through Nancy swatting the fly away, and accidentally swiping her true-love George right in the face, that she finds the courage to ask him out...

Nominated: Best Feature Screenplay / TV Script
Reborn Redemption

Writer: Andrea Ward

Country: United States

Project Type: Screenplay, Television Script

Overview: After discovering her husband's sinister plan to unleash pandora's box to takeover the world it is up to a young scientist to find a way stop him from destroying the world.

Writer Statement: When I wrote this story I was inspired by my past trauma of being a survivor of Domestic Violence. I wanted to dedicate this story to the victims who suffer in silence to the hands of their abusers while creating a sense of Hope for those who are current victims of abuse that there is "Life After The Storm". That this storm is temporary and that you are a Hero in your own way. The first step in being a Hero is by walking away from what no longer serves you best.