2015 Film Festival Award Winners Announced

The 19th Annual Festival Concludes Screening 265 Amazing Films from Across the Globe

• Read this year's Online Program Book

• Download the Full List of Winners

Providence, R.I. • August 2015 — The FLICKERS: Rhode Island International Film Festival (RIIFF) proudly announced the Award Winners from its 19th Festival, on Sunday, August 9th at the annual Awards Ceremony held at The Metcalf Auditorium, RISD Museum in downtown Providence, RI. This year’s Festival ran from August 4-9th, and ended with another record-breaking year. Venues were located across the state of Rhode Island – from Newport to Woonsocket -- with the capital city serving as the hub for the film-centric activities.

"Thanks to Steven Feinberg, the Rhode Island Film & Television Office, Kristen Adamo at the Providence/Warwick CVB, and Lynne McCormack with the City of Providence, we knocked the ball out of the park, raising the bar for the future and next year’s 20th Anniversary edition of the Festival,” said George T. Marshall, RIIFF’s Executive Director. "We hosted over 250 international filmmakers who experienced true Rhode Island hospitality.”

“This year’s Festival had a spectacular lineup of provocative and engaging new films and was a banner year for the Flickers’ screenings, forums, workshops, classes and parties,” added Shawn Quirk, RIIFF’s Program Director.

The Festival screened 265 feature length, documentary and short films, from 54 countries, and 34 states across the U.S. Films were selected from a record entry base of 5,713 submissions with 73 World, North American, and U.S. premieres. The Opening Night Gala has become a crowd-pleasing event called “Flickers’ Short Film Retrospective: Journeys in Filmmaking.” This year, more than 1,900 people attended the event at the historic Providence Performing Arts Center.

The FLICKERS: Rhode Island International Film Festival (RIIFF) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit arts organization that supports and promotes the film arts in Rhode Island and throughout New England. Over the past two decades, the Rhode Island International Film Festival has screened 3,896 independent films and videos out of 42,935 entries, presented 905 World/North American premieres, featured over 700 entries that were locally produced, and hosted 3,358 filmmakers and crew. Since its inception, over 360,000 film lovers have enjoyed the Rhode Island International Film Festival, its film presentations and programming.

There are literally thousands of film festivals worldwide but only 19 of them have a rather unique accolade; they are qualifying Festivals for the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in both the short film and documentary short division. The Flickers: Rhode Island International Film Festival (RIIFF) is one of these 19 Festivals and the only Festival in New England with this distinction. RIIFF has seen 38 films nominated that premiered at the Festival and to date, there have been eight Academy wins.

RIIFF has seen 38 films that premiered at the Festival receive Oscar® nominations with eight (8) winning the Award; most of the films were part of the Opening Night program. In 2014, five films that premiered at RIIFF went on to receive Academy Award nominations: “The Phone Call,” from Director Mat Kirkby, and James Lucas, writer; “Aya,” from Directors Oded Binnun and Mihal Brezis; “The Bigger Picture,” from Director Daisy Jacobs and Christopher Hees, producer; “The Dam Keeper,” from Directors Robert Kondo and Dice Tsutsumi; “Joanna,” from Director Aneta Kopacz. “The Phone Call” was awarded the Oscar®.

The winner of the RIIFF Best Short and Best Documentary Grand Prize holds a special honor: they become the Festival’s nominee for Academy Award consideration. The 2015 Grand Prize winners are “Picnic,“ directed by Jure Pavlovic from Croatia that takes place in Sarajevo during rush hour. The story concerns Emir who is on his way to meet his father for a weekend picnic at Igman, a semi-open penitentiary, but is late due to heavy traffic. “The House is Innocent,” directed by Nicholas Coles, USA, is a documentary that concerns Tom and Barbara's whose new home has a notorious past and it's going to take more than a fresh coat of paint to whitewash its macabre history.

The 2015 Festival was dedicated to the memory of actor/singer/activist, Theodore (Theo) Bikel, who was the recipient of the Festival’s 2014 Lifetime Achievement Award. His diverse and countless cinematic roles have left an iconic footprint in American film history. From his debut performance in "The African Queen" (1951) to his Oscar Nominating performance as the Southern Sheriff in "The Defiant Ones" (1958), Theo Bikel’s great talent has brought to life timeless characters and music. With the creation of the role Baron Von Trapp in the original Broadway Production of "The Sound of Music" (1959), he captured the imaginations of millions. His ties to Rhode Island are longstanding as he helped to create the Newport Folk Festival, one the longest running and most prestigious music festivals in the world.

This Year's Special Awards:

GEORGE M. COHAN AMBASSADOR AWARD

The prestigious award will then be presented to Lynne McCormack of the Providence’s Art, Culture + Tourism. The award is presented semi-annually to an outstanding artist whose work, passion, and drive epitomizes a level of excellence in the arts. Named after famed Providence entertainer George M. Cohan, who was born on the 4th of July, this award honors truly unique Americans who have made a timeless contribution to the arts and have inspired future generations of Rhode Islanders.

ROBERT BURGESS ALDRICH AWARD

Presented to Chris Sparling during the Annual Rhode Island Film Forum. Presented semi-annually to an outstanding Rhode Island artist whose vision and passion reflects that Robert Burgess Aldrich, of Cranston, R.I., a successful director of many feature films and utilized a variety of genres to tell his stories. His films included “The Longest Yard,” “The Dirty Dozen,” “Flight of the Phoenix,” “Hush,” and countless others. Robert Aldrich began his career in Cranston, RI, and ultimately rose in the Hollywood ranks to be the President of the Directors Guild of America, serving from 1975-1979. This Award is presented to a director who has begun his career in Rhode Island and is following in the footsteps of Robert Aldrich, preparing to make a lasting mark on the industry.

Presented jointly in collaboration with the RI Film & Television Office.

RIIFF GRAND PRIZE SCREENPLAY AWARD

Flickers annually adjudicates a Screenplay Competition concurrently with the RI Film Festival. Last year, 396 submissions were received from throughout the United States and across the globe. The Grand Prize winner was George Billard (New York) for his screenplay “Dispossessed."

PRODUCER’S CIRCLE AWARDS

Presented to members of the community who have actively worked to support and promote the mission of Flickers. This year’s winners include:

• Barbara Barnes, RI Historical Society

• Pamela Kimel, RISD Museum; Louise Moulton, Providence Public Library

• Ellen Loconto, Just Ellen’s Catering and Event Planning

• Louise Moulton, Providence Public Library

2015 FESTIVAL AWARDS FOLLOWS:

BEST SHORT

GRAND Prize: (RIIFF’s Official Academy Nomination)

"Picnic" (Piknic) | Directed by: Jure Pavlovic, Croatia, 2015

First Prize: “Monstre” | Directed by: Delphine Girard, Belgium, 2014

BEST DOCUMENTARY SHORT:

GRAND Prize: (RIIFF’s Official Academy Nomination)

“The House is Innocent” | Directed by: Nicholas Coles, USA, 2015

First Prize: “We Live This” | Directed by: James Burns, USA, 2015

Tied With: “The Beauty of Barbara Allen” | Directed by: Jackson Anthony, USA, 2015

BEST FEATURE:

GRAND Prize: “Now We’re Alive” | Directed by: Thibault Arbre, Belgium/France, 2014

First Prize: “Fourth Man Out” | Directed by: Andrew Nackman, USA, 2015

BEST FEATURE DOCUMENTARY:

GRAND Prize: “Madina’s Dream” | Directed by: Andrew Berends, USA, 2014

First Prize: “She’s The Best Thing In It” | Directed by: Ron Nyswaner, USA, 2014

Tied With: “CODE: Debugging the Gender Gap” | Directed by: Robin Hauser Reynolds, United States, 2015

BEST COMEDY SHORT:

GRAND Prize: “Rest Stop” | Directed by: Kate Herron, United Kingdom, 2014

First Prize: “Timmy II” | Directed by: Imran J. Khan, USA, 2014

Tied With: “Dynamic Double Standard” | Directed by: Luke Patton, USA, 2015

BEST ANIMATION:

GRAND Prize: “Mi ne mozhem zhit bez kosmosa (We Can’t Live Without Cosmos)” | Directed by: Konstantin Bronzit, Russian Federation, 2014

First Prize: “Chez Moi” | Directed by: Phuong Mai Nguyen, France, 2014

Tied With: “Golden Shot” | Directed by: Gokalp Gonen, Turkey, 2015

BEST CHILDREN'S ANIMATION:

GRAND Prize: “Eloise, Little Dreamer” | Directed by: Myriam Obin, Canada, 2015

First Prize: “Soar” | Directed by: Alyce Tzue, United States, 2014

BEST EXPERIMENTAL:

GRAND Prize: “Teeth” | Directed by: Tom Brown, Daniel Gray, United Kingdom, Hungary, 2015

First Prize: “Tupilaq” | Directed by: Jakob Maqe, Denmark, 2013

BEST DIRECTOR:

GRAND Prize: “More Than God” | Directed by: Kev Cahill, Ireland, 2015

First Prize: “All the Pain in the World” | Directed by: Tommaso Pitta, United Kingdom, 2014

DR. J. GERALD LAMOUREUX AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE:

Presented to a filmmaker and artist who represents the spirit of cultural exchange between the United States and Canada

“Dogs Don’t Breed Cats” | Directed by: Cristina Martina, Canada, 2015

SOLDIERS AND SACRIFICE AWARD:

Celebrating Stories That Commemorate America’s Heroes

GRAND Prize: “My Father’s Vietnam” | Directed by: Soren Sorensen, USA, 2015

First Prize: “The Haircut” | Directed by: Alexis Ostrander Korycinski. USA, 2014

Tied With: “Riding My Way Back” | Directed by: Robin Fryday,USA, 2015

DIRECTORIAL DISCOVERY AWARD:

Presented to a director whose outstanding work on a short or feature film represents a new unique and compelling vision that will resonate well into the future

GRAND Prize: ”Vanishing Sail” | Directed by: Alexis Andrews, Antigua, Barbuda, Grenada, St. Vincent and Grenadines, 2015

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY:

Winner of the Panavision Award and recipient of $10,000 in production equipment

GRAND Prize: “Behind the Wall” | Directed by: Bat-Sheva Guez, Cinematography by: Giacomo Belletti, USA, 2015

RIIFF NEW ENGLAND DIRECTOR’S AWARD:

GRAND Prize: “Seven Lovers” | Directed by: Keith Boynton, USA, 2015

RIIFF DIRECTOR’S CHOICE AWARD:

GRAND Prize: “D.Asian” | Directed by: Sarah Smith, United States, 2015

First Prize: “Madam Black”| Directed by: Ivan Barge, New Zealand, 2015

HEARTS, MINDS, SOULS AWARD:

Celebrating Films that Reflect the Jewish Experience

GRAND Prize: “Look At Us Now, Mother!” | Directed by: Gayle Kirschenbaum | United States, 2015

First Prize: “Daily Bread” | Directed by: Betsy Tsai, United States, 2015

Tied With: “The Train” | Directed by: Asher Grodman, United States, 2015

BEST EDITING:

GRAND Prize: “Breathe” | Directed and edited by: Youssef Ouarrak, Poland, 2015

First Prize: “Kali” (Horse) | Directed by: Alban Ukaj, Kosovo, 2014

BEST SCREENPLAY:

GRAND Prize: “Outliving Emily” | Written and Directed by: Eric Weber, United States, 2015 (adaptation)

First Prize: “Stunned” (L'Etourdissement) | Directed by: Gérard Pautonnier, France, 2015

FLICKERS’ AMBASSADOR AWARD:

Presented to a film which inspires and empowers communication and cultural understanding

GRAND Prize: “Help Us Find Sunil Tripathi” | Directed by: Neal Broffman, United States, 2015

“HELPING HAND” INTERNATIONAL HUMANITARIAN AWARD:

Given annually to films or filmmakers who inspire social change and community outreach and strive to better the world in which we live.

GRAND Prize: “A Brave Heart: The Lizzie Velasquez Story”| Directed by: Sara Bordo, Mexico, Spain, United States, 2014

First Prize: “Angel of Nanjing” | Directed by: Jordan Horowitz and Frank L. Ferendo, United States / China, 2014

PROVIDENCE FILM FESTIVAL:

Presented annually to a New England director whose work brings cinematic excellence to an international audience

GRAND Prize: “Hope City” | Directed by: David Angell, United States, 2014

First Prize: “Happygram” | Directed by: Julie Marron, United States, 2015

ALTERNATIVE SPIRIT AWARD (LGBTQ) SHORT:

GRAND Prize: “Gloria” | Directed by: Luis Hernández de la Peña, Mexico, 2015

First Prize: “Alzheimer's: A Love Story” | Directed by: Gabe Schimmel, Monica Petruzelli, Riani Singgih, United States, 2015

Tied With: “Talking to My Mother” | Directed by: Leon Le, United States, 2015

ALTERNATIVE SPIRIT AWARD (LGBTQ) FEATURE:

GRAND Prize: “Counting for Thunder”| Directed by: Phillip Cooper, United States, 2015

First Prize: “Driving Not Knowing” | Directed by: Dane Mainella, Jay Jadick, Dylan Hansen-Fliedner & Benjamin Davis, United States, 2015

Tied With: “Paternity Leave” | Directed by: Matt Riddlehoover, United States, 2015

2014 KIDSEYE INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL:

GRAND Prize: “The Epic of Hershey” | Directed by: Douglas McGinness, United States, 2015

First Prize: “Bienvenidos” | Directed by: Javier Fesser, Spain, 2014

Tied With: “The Dance of the Infants” | Directed by: Jokin Pascual and Javier Dampierre, Spain, 2015

GREEN PLANET AWARD:

Celebrating the vision of man’s shared humanity and achieving sustainability on our planet.

GRAND Prize: “Children of the Artic” | Directed by: Nick Brandestini, Switzerland, 2014

First Prize: “Living with Coyote” | Directed by: Priya Shelly, United States, 2015

2014 VORTEX SCI-FI & FANTASY:

GRAND Prize: (Includes a Showcase at the annual Horror Film Festival in October)

“Subterranea” | Directed by: Mathew Miller, United States, 2015

First Prize: “Dive” (Australia) | Directed by: Matthew Saville, Australia, 2014

Tied With:“ Zelos” | Directed by: Thoranna Sigurdardottir, United States, 2015

FILMMAKER OF THE FUTURE AWARD:

Presented to a filmmaker whose vision excites audiences and judges alike about the potential to produce compelling and successful films in the future.

GRAND Prize: “No Strings” | Directed by: Eoin Maher, United Kingdom, 2014

BEST STUDENT FILM AWARD

GRAND Prize: “Foreign Sounds” | Directed by: Eric Shahinian, United States, 2015

_______________________

FLICKERS' YOUTH FILM JURY AWARDS

Awards were presented by the Paige Frankovich, RIIFF Youth Jury Program Manager, and the 2015 Youth Film Jury members.

BEST FEATURE

“A Brave Heart: The Lizzie Velasquez Story”| Directed by: Sara Bordo, Mexico, Spain, United States, 2014

BEST DOCUMENTARY

“The House is Innocent” | Directed by: Nicholas Coles, United States, 2015

BEST LGBTQ

“Alzheimer's: A Love Story” | Directed by: Gabe Schimmel, Monica Petruzelli, Riani Singgih, United States, 2015

BEST SHORT

“He and She” | Directed by: Marco Gadge, Germany, 2015

________________________

Viola M. Marshall Audience Choice Awards

MOST POPULAR

”Vanishing Sail” | Directed by: Alexis Andrews, Antigua, Barbuda, Grenada, St. Vincent and Grenadines, 2015

BEST DOCUMENTARY

GRAND Prize:

"Generosity of Eye" | Directed by: Brad Hall, United States, 2014

Tied With

"Look At Us Now, Mother!" | Directed by: Gayle Kirschenbaum, United States, 2015

BEST FEATURE

GRAND Prize:

"The Challenger" | Directed by: Kent Moran, United States, 2015

FIRST Prize:

"Eadweard" | Directed by: Kyle Rideout, Director, United States, 2015

BEST SHORT FILM

GRAND Prize:

"Sweep" | Directed by: Spencer Gillis, United States, 2014

Tied With

FIRST Prize:

"Raise The Toygantic" | Directed by: Gail Lerner, United States, 2015

BEST DOCUMENTARY SHORT FILM

GRAND Prize:

"The Champion" | Directed by: Brett Garamella, Patrick McGowan, United States, 2015.

FIRST Prize:

"Even The Walls" | Directed by: Saman Maydani, Sarah Kuck, Directors, United States, 2014

Tied with

"Duke Riley Goes To China" | Directed by: Kim A. Snyder, United States/China, 2015

BEST LGBTQ

GRAND Prize:

"Pink Boy" | Directed by: Eric Rockey, United States, 2015

FIRST Prize:

"Hallway" | Directed by: Leah Shore, United States, 2015

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• Click here for a listing of the 2015 Screenplay winners

THE FLICKERS’ BACKSTORY & MISSION:

The mission of the 34 year-old Flickers Arts Collaborative is to serve as a creative partner in the arts by uniting various media and arts disciplines that nurture the artistic process and support a vital part of our community. This includes multi-disciplinary art presentations; artistic and cultural activities; performance festivals; video and television productions and exhibition; audio recordings and broadcasts; educational outreach programs; and the FLICKERS: Rhode Island International Film Festival (RIIFF).

ABOUT RHODE ISLAND INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL:

The FLICKERS: Rhode Island International Film Festival (RIIFF), has secured its place in the global community as the portal for the best in international independent cinema, earning the respect of domestic and foreign filmmakers, filmgoers and trend watchers. RIIFF is widely recognized as a credentialed, industry-friendly launch pad for the work of exceptional emerging talent. This confluence of art and commerce brought together world-class celebrities, award-winning filmmakers, new talent and audience members in record numbers last year. Ranked as one of the top 10 Festivals in the United States, RIIFF is also a qualifying festival for the Short Film Academy Award and the Short Documentary Academy Award through its affiliation with the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences. There are 19 film festivals worldwide which share this distinction and RIIFF is the only festival in New England. RIIFF is truly a place where the stars align!

The 20th Anniversary of the Flickers: Rhode Island International Film Festival will take place August 9-14, 2016.

© 2015 Flickers