Award Winners from the 24th Annual Woodstock Film Festival
On Saturday, September 30th, the Woodstock Film Festival announced their annual jury award winners in each category for this year's films in competition, along with the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award.
GIGANTIC PICTURES AWARD FOR BEST FEATURE NARRATIVE
Maverick Awards. 2023 Woodstock Film Festival. Photo by John Mazlish
RACHEL HENDRIX directed by Victor Nunez
Honorable mention: THE MONK AND THE GUN directed by Pawo Choyning Dorji
Nominees:
ASLEEP IN MY PALM directed By Henry Nelson
EILEEN directed By William Oldroyd
THE LISTENER directed By Steve Buscemi
PARACHUTE directed By Brittany Snow
Jurors:
Ramin Bahrani (Director, Writer, THE WHITE TIGER, 99 HOMES, MAN PUSH CART)
Ted Hope (Producer, THE ICE STORM, AMERICAN SPLENDOR, THE WEDDING BANQUET)
Blair Breard (Producer, SCENES FROM A MARRIAGE, THE HALF OF IT, ONE MISSISSIPPI, LOUIE)
Jury Statement:
Independent film arrived over 50 years ago with the promise of a grand yet humble ambition, to deliver emotionally truthful, highly specific tales on an economy of means.
Our prize winner did this and more. For its soulful, sincere, and thoughtful examination of character, place, and loss, an inspiring confidence in its choices and commitment to authenticity. The film displays an honest and necessary pace and tone, and a truly amazing and unique performance that captures a life lived in both love and challenges, while never falling short in anything it deliver, but most of all, showing love and commitment to family despite the many hardships that come with it, and ignites the rarest of phenomena: true honest emotion.
An award of $5,000 is given to the winner, presented by Gigantic Pictures.
THE LEON GAST AWARD FOR BEST FEATURE DOCUMENTARY
BEYOND UTOPIA, THE LEON GAST AWARD FOR BEST FEATURE DOCUMENTARY. 2023 Woodstock Film Festival. Photo by Laura Revercomb
BEYOND UTOPIA directed by Madeleine Gavin
Nominees:
DEFIANT directed By Karim Amer
HOLLYWOODGATE directed By Ibrahim Nash’at
NO ACCIDENT directed By Kristi Jacobson
STAMPED FROM THE BEGINNING directed By Roger Ross Williams
UNSEEN directed By Set Hernandez
Jurors:
Barbara Kopple (Director, HARLAN COUNTY USA, AMERICAN DREAM, SHUT UP & SING)
Richard Rowley (Director, KINGDOM OF SILENCE, 16 SHOTS, DIRTY WARS)
Heidi Ewing (Director, I CARRY YOU WITH ME, THE BOYS OF BARAKA, JESUS CAMP)
Jury Statement:
This year’s winner is an astonishingly intimate, white-knuckle thriller following families trying to escape North Korea.
Stitched together from raw, first-person footage, it is impossible not to feel the heart-breaking courage as a family clings to each other during a nighttime crossing of the Mekong River. Or the anguish of a mother who may have led her only son into a horrific trap by trying to buy his way to freedom.
Madeleine Gavin’s BEYOND UTOPIA combines high-stakes and human intimacy to grab a hold of us and never let go. It is this year’s winner of The Leon Gast Award for Best Feature Documentary.
BEST EDITING: NARRATIVE
ASLEEP IN MY PALM edited by Max Ethan Miller
Nominees:
EILEEN edited By Nick Emerson
FAIRYLAND edited By Peter Cabadahagan & Lawrence Klein
PARACHUTE edited By Henry Hayes & Matthew Weiss
RACHEL HENDRIX edited By Victor Nunez
Jurors:
Suzy Elmiger (Editor, ALL THE BRIGHT PLACES, SHORT CUTS)
Sabine Hoffman (Editor, PACHINKO, PASSING, THE GLORIAS, MAGGIE’S PLAN)
Brian A. Kates (Editor, ALL THE BEAUTY AND THE BLOODSHED, THE MARVELOUS MRS. MAISEL, SUCCESSION)
Jury Statement:
We are happy to honor a film whose editing conveys a respect for silence as much as dialogue, for stillness as much as motion, and for the beauty of wide open spaces as much as small, domestic hideaways. For its sophisticated sense of rhythm and musicality, we give this year's editing award to Max Ethan Miller for ASLEEP IN MY PALM.
BEST EDITING: DOCUMENTARY
Maverick Awards. 2023 Woodstock Film Festival. Photo by John Mazlish
BEYOND UTOPIA directed and edited by Madeleine Gavin
Honorable mention: GRASSHOPPER REPUBLIC edited by Alyse Ardell Spiegel
Nominees:
DEFIANT edited By Emiliano Battista, Austin Reedy & Zackary Obid
STAMPED FROM THE BEGINNING edited By John Fisher
THE TUBA THIEVES edited By Alison O’Daniel & Zack Khalil
Jurors:
Rabab Haj Yahya (Editor, THE FEELING OF BEING WATCHED, SPEED SISTERS, THE LEGEND OF THE UNDERGROUND)
Emir Lewis (Editor, IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF MARCO POLO, DRIVING WHILE BLACK: RACE, SPACE, AND MOBILITY IN AMERICA)
Sabine Hoffman (Editor, PACHINKO, PASSING, THE GLORIAS, MAGGIE’S PLAN)
Jury Statement:
Our jury was intrigued by all the submissions and we deliberated a lot.
We would love to give an honorable mention to a film that deftly walks the line between traditional verite & highly stylized montage to portray a little-known subculture in Uganda, examining the balance between communities and ecosystems. A Special mention goes to Alysse Ardell Spiegel for GRASSHOPPER REPUBLIC.
This film skillfully offers a poignant historical portrayal of a harsh geopolitical reality while intimately exploring the experiences of courageous individuals. The film's high-stakes tension keeps us on the edge of our seats, resulting in an utterly gripping experience that immerses us in the global struggle for liberation and a better life.
WORLD OF HA CHANGE-MAKER AWARD
RAZING LIBERTY SQUARE directed by Katja Esson
Jury Statement:
This year’s Change Maker Award was presented to a film that goes above and beyond in its effort to document the adverse effects of climate change, racism, and the housing crisis, and protect those who need that most.
The Change Maker Award honors a filmmaker whose work, either narrative or documentary, most effectively delves deep into a pressing contemporary issue and generates a constructive conversation. The award comes with a $5,000 cash prize courtesy of World of HA Productions.
An award of $5,000 is given to the winner, presented by World of Ha.
GRAY SCHWARTZ ULTRA INDIE AWARD
NO RIGHT WAY. GRAY SCHWARTZ ULTRA INDIE AWARD. 2023 Woodstock Film Festival. Photo by Laura Revercomb
NO RIGHT WAY directed by Chelsea Bo
Nominees:
STOCKADE directed By Eric McGinty
SUMMER SOLSTICE directed By Noah Schamus
Jurors:
Jack Fessenden (Director, Producer, FOXHOLE, STRAY BULLETS)
Sara Bernstein (Producer, JUDY BLUME FOREVER, THE ZEN DIARIES OF GARRY SHANDLING, MEA MAXIMA CULPA: SILENCE IN THE HOUSE OF GOD)
Joe Berlinger (Producer, Director, PARADISE LOST 3: PURGATORY, EXTREMELY WICKED, SHOCKINGLY EVIL AND VILE)
Jury Statement:
“For its standout performances, heart-wrenching turns, and impressive narrative scope on a limited budget, the jury awards the 2023 Woodstock Ultra Indie to “NO RIGHT WAY” directed by Chelsea Bo.
No Right Way asks its audience to re-evaluate preconceived notions of the “right way” to raise a kid in today’s world and does so with subtlety and grace. With memorable characters lead and supporting alike, it is a heart-warming and refreshing portrait of the ‘it takes a village’ proverb in a time when such community can feel like a figment of the past. Written, directed, edited, and starring Chelsea Bo, No Right Way is an affecting meditation on parents and children, and an accomplished piece of filmmaking. Congratulations to No Right Way.”
An award of $2,000 is given to the winner, presented by Gray Schwartz LLP.
HASKELL WEXLER AWARD FOR BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
ASLEEP IN MY PALM, BEST EDITING, NARRATIVE. 2023 Woodstock Film Festival. Photo by Laura Revercomb
ASLEEP IN MY PALM cinematography by Tatjana Krstevski
Honorable mention: THE MONK AND THE GUN cinematography by Jigmé T. Tenzing
Jurors:
Joan Churchill (Cinematographer, SOLDIER GIRLS, AILEEN: LIFE AND DEATH OF A SERIAL KILLER)
Jury Statement:
The jury was torn so it selected a 2nd film as runner-up. In the words of the inestimable Haskell Wexler, “as communicators & artists, we have a responsibility to work from some ethic,”
“The Monk & the Gun” deserves an honorable mention for the Haskell Wexler Award for Cinematography. Beautifully shot by Jigmé T Tenzing.
To quote Haskell once more, who said “the role of the cinematographer is to serve the story,” the Haskell Wexler Award for Outstanding Cinematography goes to Tatjana Krstevski for her impressive work on “Asleep In My Palm.” This stunning film was shot in just 16 days…which makes it even more impressive.
NYWIFT AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN DIRECTING
NYWIFT, KIM JACKSON. THREE BIRTHDAYS, Jane Weinstock, NYWIFT AWARD FOR EXCELLING IN DIRECTING A NARRATIVE FILM. 2023 Woodstock Film Festival. Photo by Laura Revercomb
NO ACCIDENT, DIRECTED BY KRISTI JACOBSON. NYWIFT AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN DIRECTING A DOCUMETARY FILM. 2023 Woodstock Film Festival. Photo by Laura Revercomb
NARRATIVE:
THREE BIRTHDAYS directed by Jane Weinstock
DOCUMENTARY:
NO ACCIDENT directed by Kristi Jacobson
PRESENTED BY NYWIFT Board Member: Kim Jackson
An award of $1,000 is given to each recipient, plus a certificate and a NYWIFT 6-month membership.
Narrative nominees:
PARACHUTE directed by Brittany Snow
RAMONA AT MIDLIFE directed by Brooke Berman
Documentary nominees:
INVISIBLE NATION
Directed by Vanessa Hope
MARK BRAUNSTEIN AWARD FOR BEST SHORT NARRATIVE
(OSCAR QUALIFYING)
AMANDA NASEEM, RASHAD FRETT, JONATHAN GRAY. ‘RICKY’ DIRECTED BY RASHAD FRETT. WINNER OF THE MARK BRAUNSTEIN AWARD FOR BEST SHORT NARRATIVE. 2023 Woodstock Film Festival. Photo by Laura Revercomb
RICKY directed by Rashad Frett
Special acknowledgment for performance - Matthew Leone from BLUE BOY
Nominees:
MARIA SCHNEIDER, 1983 directed by Elisabeth Subrin
THE FUSE directed by Kevin Haefelin
BLUE BOY directed by Tyler Riggs
LEAVING YELLOWSTONE directed by Kayla Arend
SCOTTY’S VAG directed by Chaconne Martin-Berkowicz
NIAN directed by Michelle Krusiec
KICKS directed by Yemisi Brookes
AFRICANS WITH MAINFRAMES directed by Kima Hibbert
Jurors:
Thomas Sadoski (Actor, THE NEWSROOM, LIFE IN PIECES, WILD, JOHN WICK)
Jonathan Gray (Production Counsel, THE MOLE AGENT, AMERICAN FACTORY, BLACK SWAN, LIFE, ANIMATED)
Lori Singer (Actress, FOOTLOOSE, SHORT CUTS, RACHEL HENDRIX)
BEST SHORT DOCUMENTARY
(OSCAR QUALIFYING)
DECIDING VOTE. BEST SHORT DOCUMENTARY. JEREMY WORKMAN & ROBERT LYONS. 2023 Woodstock Film Festival. Photo by Laura Revercomb
DECIDING VOTE directed by Jeremy Workman, Robert Lyons
Honorable Mention: HOW TO CARRY WATER directed by Sasha Wortzel
Nominees:
AMERICAN SANTA directed by Avi Weider
THE BARBER OF LITTLE ROCK directed by Christine Turner & John Hoffman
BLACK GIRLS PLAY: THE STORY OF HAND GAMES directed by Joe Brewster & Michele Stephenson
A DESERT IS AN OCEAN directed by Katherine Clary, Emily Sternlicht
HOW WE GET FREE directed by Geeta Gandbhir & Samantha Knowles
IF DREAMS WERE LIGHTNING directed by Ramin Bahrani
Jurors:
Kim Snyder (Director, US KIDS, NEWTOWN, I REMEMBER ME)
Marshall Curry (Director, THE NEIGHBOR’S WINDOW, STREET FIGHT, RACING DREAMS)
Ondi Timoner (Director, LAST FLIGHT HOME, THE NEW AMERICANS: GAMING A REVOLUTION, COMING CLEAN)
BEST STUDENT SHORT
SWIM CAPTAIN directed by Christa Haley
Honorable Mentions: SOUND TO SEA directed by Ryan Craver, WAITING FOR BUFFALO directed by Grace Beutter
Nominees:
EL BASTÓN directed By Nemo Allen
FINE LINES directed By Amit Lerner
MOTHERLAND directed By Christina Yoon
ON TRACKS directed By Roni Vainer & Itai Kerem
Jurors:
Denise Grayson (Actress, THE SOCIAL NETWORK, SHAMELESS, THE KILL ROOM)
Jeff Roda (Director, Writer, 18 TO PARTY)
Shelby Stone (Producer, THE CHI, BESSIE, LACKAWANNA BLUES)
Jury Statement:
Before announcing the winner of the Student Short Film Competition, we want to highlight our two honorable mentions.
SOUND TO SEA is a searing examination of teenage longing and desire, the angst of which is amplified by Ryan Craver's direction and the beautiful performances, especially those of the young cast.
In WAITING FOR BUFFALO Al Fast Wolf, of the Oglala Sioux tribe, awaits the delivery of 400 heads of Bison to the Pine Ridge Reservation. The authorities only deliver 140 heads to Pine Ridge without explanation or apology. Directors Grace Beutter and Aidan O'Malley use this small act to help the audience understand the legacy of unending broken promises while breaking your heart.
The winner of this year's Woodstock Film Festival is SWIM CAPTAIN. Christa Haley wrote, directed, and edited this brilliant angst-ridden short about the havoc a tampon can cause. The star, Kelley Depeault delivers a subtle, nuanced performance. We're so excited to see what Christa and Kelley do next!
BEST ANIMATED SHORT
SUNFLOWER FIELD. BEST SHORT ANIMATION. Polina Buchak. 2023 Woodstock Film Festival. Photo by Laura Revercomb
SUNFLOWER FIELD directed by Polina Buchak
Nominees:
AIKĀNE directed by Daniel Sousa, Dean Hamer & Joe Wilson
A COW IN THE SKY directed by C. Fraser Press & Darren Press
FLOAT_HOME directed by Mike Enright
GRANNY X directed by DD Sheahan
MORNING JOY directed by John Henry Hinkel
MY DEAR MR. WHITMAN directed by Jeremiah Dickey
NINETY-FIVE SENSES directed by Jerusha & Jared Hess
PACEMAKER directed by Christopher Lennertz & Brian Vincent Rhodes
A TALE OF TWO WEDDINGS directed by Candy Kugel
TOMATO KITCHEN directed by Junyi Xiao
WHAT EVEN IS A TERF? directed by Dez Stavracos
Jurors:
Noelle Melody (Animator, Netflix, NBC, Cartoon Network, Amazon Studios)
Joy Buran (Animator, Netflix, NBC, Cartoon Network, Amazon Studios)
Arthur Metcalf (Animator, HE’S WATCHING, FANTAISIE IN BUBBLEWRAP, IN THE BEGINNING)
Jury Statement:
The Best Animated Short Award goes to a film that communicates in a way only animation can, allowing the viewer to experience a child’s perspective of the threat of war on her home. It is surreal yet all too real. From a filmmaker who has experienced this threat firsthand, and weaves symbolism of Ukrainian culture throughout, every aspect of the film is given the thought and care the subject matter deserves. Expressing a theme of resilience and hope, the child bravely stitches her life back together, even as it unravels before her eyes. We honor the dedication of this small but mighty team who seamlessly brought this vision to life — the Award for Best Animated Short goes to Sunflower Field by Polina Buchak.
AUDIENCE AWARDS
Tony Goldwyn, Meira Blaustein. Photo by David Lowy.
NARRATIVE:
EZRA | directed by Tony Goldwyn
DOCUMENTARY:
AMERICAN SYMPHONY | directed by Matthew Heineman
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
RECIPIENT: James Ivory
Presented by Thelma Adams & Matthew Modine
This year’s Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to renowned filmmaker James Ivory by actor Matthew Modine. Ivory was the directing partner with the legendary producer Ismail Merchant, in their independent company Merchant Ivory Productions. In the forty-eight years they worked together as a team, usually accompanied by the writer and novelist Ruth Prawer Jhabvala, they created 28 feature films, including the classics A Room With a View, Maurice, Howards End and The Remains of the Day. Ivory also wrote the screenplay for Call Me By Your Name, for which he received an Academy Award in 2018.
Maverick Awards. 2023 Woodstock Film Festival. Photo by John Mazlish