Woodstock, NY, October 19, 2024 — The Woodstock Film Festival has announced their annual jury award winners  for this year's films in competition, categories include Best Narrative Feature, Best Documentary Feature and Best Ultra Indie. Acclaimed filmmaker Paul Schrader was also honored with the Honorary Maverick Award. Renowned producer Ira Deutchman received the Honorary Trailblazer Award. Globally celebrated filmmakers and human rights activists Pamela Yates and Paco de Onís received the inaugural Art of Activism Award.

Filmmakers, talent and other luminaries who attended this year’s edition of the festival include: Paul Schrader, Amanda Seyfried, Carol Kane, Walton Goggins, Tyra Banks, Sheila Nevins, Ramin Bahrani, Oren Moverman, Sandi Dubowski, Roger Ross Williams, Carla Gutierrez, Ira Deutchman, Nancy Savoca, Carol Alt, Stacey Williams, Michael Schwartz, Tyler Nilson, and Amy Goodman. 

The full list of award winners presented during the evening are as follows. 

—Gigantic Pictures Award For Best Feature Narrative: My Dead Friend Zoe, directed by Kyle Hausmann Stokes. 

Jurors: Oren Moverman (Producer/Writer, The Messenger, I’m Not There, Bad Education), Roger Ross Williams (Director, Music By Prudence, Stamped from the Beginning, Cassandro), and Debra Granik (Director/Writer, Winter’s Bone, Leave No Trace, Down to the Bone)

Jury Statement

For a standout central performance that delves into the darkness of the human psyche in the aftermath of its most extreme brutality, and for shining a light on the tragic consequences of war on those who are sent in our name to fight, we the jury unanimously award the Best Feature Narrative film at the 25th Annual Woodstock Film Festival to My Dead Friend Zoe. 

—The Leon Gast Award For Best Feature Documentary: Porcelain War, directed by Brendan Bellomo and Slava Leontyev. 

Jurors: Ivy Meeropol (Director, After the Bite, Bully. Coward. Victim. The Story of Roy Cohn), Angela Patton (Director, Daughters), Julie Goldman (Producer, Abacus: Small Enough to Jail, Life, Animated, In the Same Breath)

Jury Statement

This year’s winner captivated us with its intimate portrayal of resilience and artistry in the face of conflict. The film we chose stood out for its visually stunning cinematography and deeply emotional storytelling, blending the worlds of art and war in a way that feels fresh and impactful. 

What sets this film apart is how personal and raw it feels. Much of the footage was shot by the subjects themselves, giving the film an authenticity and immediacy that deeply moved us. 

This quote from the film resonates throughout: “As an artist, I am not interested in documenting evil but rather the people who resist it,” The focus on the resilience and bravery of those fighting back against unimaginable devastation creates a deeply humanizing narrative that transcends the typical war documentary.

The breathtaking cinematography and stirring, magical score only add to the film’s emotional depth, making it more than just a documentary about conflict but a tribute to the courage and hope of those living through it.

For its powerful storytelling and unique ability to humanize such a complex reality, we are thrilled to award Porcelain War this year's honor for Best Feature Documentary.

—Haskell Wexler Award For Best Cinematography: My Dead Friend Zoe, directed by Kyle Hausmann Stokes, cinematography by Matt Sakatani Roe. 

Juror: Richard Rowley (Director, Kingdom of Silence, 16 Shots, Dirty Wars)

Jury Statement

This year’s films embody the full range of cinematography’s potential—from the handheld urgency of scrappy independents, to the clean-lined scope of sweeping epics, to the shallow-focused intimacy of personal dramas.

It is, as always, a difficult award to give out. But this year, one film stood apart. 

With clear eyes and precision, this film unearths the buried guilt and trauma of a war that we as a country have still failed to come to terms with. 

With light, composition, and careful lensing, the camera balances the film's delicate mix of levity and weight, grace and cruelty, the documentary and the hallucinatory.

This years’ Cinematography Award goes to: Cinematographer Matt Sakatani Roe for My Dead Friend Zoe.

—NYWIFT Excellence in Documentary Filmmaking Award: Troll Storm, directed by Eunice Lau

Presented by NYWIFT Board Member Kim Jackson, an award of $1,000 is given to each Excellence in Documentary Filmmaking recipient, plus a certificate and a NYWIFT 6 month membership.

Jury Statement

We appreciate Eunice Lau’s journalistic approach to social justice in choosing her subject in Troll Storm. Shining a light, during these unprecedented political times, on a Jewish woman's personal battle against antisemitism shows us just how easily we could find ourselves becoming the target of harmful harassment. And by choosing to resist, unjust oppression is not only made visible it is held accountable.

—NYWIFT Excellence in Narrative Filmmaking Award: Brooklyn, Minnesota, directed by Jessica Blank and Erik Jensen.

Presented by NYWIFT Board Member Kim Jackson, an award of $1,000 is given to each Excellence in Narrative Filmmaking recipient, plus a certificate and a NYWIFT 6 month membership.

Jury Statement

The directing duo Jessica Blank and Erik Jensen captured a modern coming of age story that is both entertaining and engaging. Reflecting diverse family issues, the film explores how generational trauma can be healed when one has the support and courage to stand up for what they believe.  

—World of HA Change-Maker Award: Sabbath Queen, directed by Sandi Dubowski.

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.

Jury statement  

21 years in the making, Sabbath Queen follows a radical and individualistic spiritual leader in his quest to challenge the norms, follow his dreams, and inspire a large artistically driven community that, together, strives for tolerance, respect for human life, and peace for all.

—Best Short Documentary Award: Bob’s Funeral, directed by Jack Dunphy. Honorable Mention: I Am Ready, Warden directed by Smriti Mundhra. 

Jurors: Josh Alexander (Writer/Producer, Loudmouth, Jay Myself, United Skates), Emma Pildes (Director/Producer, The Janes, Spielberg, Jane Fonda in Five Acts, Very Ralph), and John Hoffman (Director, The Barber of Little Rock, Fauci, The Antidote, Rancher, Farmer, Fisherman)

Jury Statement

The Award for Best Documentary Short this year goes to Bob's Funeral; an idiosyncratic, tender and often hilarious portrait of one very complex and some might say, neurotic family, navigating the difficult terrain of strained relations and death. The film heralds a unique and wonderful new filmmaking voice. Through a confident assemblage of family archive, handheld verite, including two funerals and some well earned nudity along with expertly realized animated sequences, we witness a story-teller pushing the edges of his craft to heartfully and humorously explore the often difficult contours of love, anger, connection and disconnection that can define families. The jury felt that in its comic and delightfully entertaining method, Bob's Funeral is as deeply radical and impactful as the issue-driven films often honored with jury distinction at film festivals.

Honorable Mention: The jury would like to extend an honorable mention to I Am Ready, Warden, a film with scenes of such sincere and ferocious humanity that they will likely stay with us forever. To capture moments like these requires not just a mastery of craft but a filmmaker with the soulfulness and deep well of compassion for their subjects. Congratulations on creating an exceptional piece of work.

—Best Short Narrative Award: Obraza (Resentment), directed by Gleb Osatinski

Jurors: Ryan Werner (Head of Cinetic Marketing), Scott Macaulay (Co-founder and Editor-in-Chief of Filmmaker Magazine), and Lawrence Inglee (Producer, The Messenger, Swiss Army Man, The Day After Tomorrow)

Jury Statement

For its bold and artful immersion into the conflicted psyche of a teenager facing prejudice while striving for a new life, the jury awards the Short Film Award to Gleb Osatinski for "Resentment." 

—Best Student Short Award: Some Kind of Bug, directed by Andy Rose H. Fidoten. Honorable Mention: Future is Panorama, directed by Muschirf Shekh Zeyn. 

Jurors: Jamie Buckner (Producer, Asphalt City, The Sixth Reel, Catch the Fair One), Susan Jacobs (Music Supervisor, Big Little Lies, American Hustle, Cruella, True Detective) and Clare Manchon (Composer/Music Department, Turn Every Page, The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent, Black Box)

Jury Statement

Some Kind Of Bug is about a mother daughter relationship, the judgments cast within their relationship, and in the broader world. It's a very unique take with a complete emotional arc, great performances, cinematography, production design and music. It's mature, patient, smart, witty, poignant filmmaking. This film feels as though it could be a pilot to a whole series, we want to see more. We can't wait to see what Andy Fidoten does next.

Honorable Mention: Future Is Panorama was skillfully executed. The lead was powerful. The unfolding of this deeply suspenseful story was driven by great cinematography, editing and narrative. A heartbreaking look into reality for so many migrants trying to work hard and fit into a society that rejects them on so many levels. 

—Best Short Animation Award: The Wild-Tempered Clavier by Anna Samo 

Jurors: Joy Buran (Animator, Netflix, NBC, Cartoon Network, Amazon Studios), Noelle Melody (Animator, Netflix, NBC, Cartoon Network, Amazon Studios) and Patrick Smith (Director/Animator, Beyond Noh, Gun Shop, Onward Ye Costumed Souls)

Jury Statement

The winning short is a clever and refreshing tribute to the tradition of drawing directly on film, using this premise to untangle the animator's personal struggles and mental anguish. This playfully experimental film has been meticulously crafted to express this personal story that engages the viewer directly; in story, design, and technique. Also, this film has a vibrant aura of personal independence, like a painter at the easel, the audience is invited to witness the animator's thought process, by peering through the artist's own POV. The winner of Best Animated Short goes to The Wild-Tempered Clavier by Anna Samo. 

—Gray Schwartz Ultra Indie Award: Brooklyn, Minnesota directed by Jessica Blank and Erik Jensen. 

Jurors: Shruti Ganguly (Director/Producer, To Kill a Tiger, Initials SG, Tripped Up), Sean Price Williams (Director/Cinematographer, The Sweet East, Good Time, Between The Temples), and Blair Breard (Producer, The Savant, While You Were Breeding, Scenes From A Marriage)

Jury Statement

Our choice for the winner of the Ultra Indie film is a layered family drama that moves through time and place. In spite of the budget, the film felt expansive and unconstrained, a testament to confident film craft.

Grounded by a rebellious teenager trying to find her place in the world, while collaging her family's challenging history, the audience is made to examine what it means to confront and repair our past, and to find connection with each other. 

We are excited to give the award to Brooklyn, Minnesota.

—Best Documentary Editing Award: Porcelain War, edited by Brendan Bellomo, Aniela Sidorska, Kelly Cameron. 

Jurors: Sabine Hoffman (Editor, Pachinko, Passing, The Glorias, Maggie’s Plan), Derek McCants (Editor, Nova, Witnesses to the Holocaust, Starting Over), and Gabriel Rhodes (Editor, Gaucho Gaucho, Time, The First Wave, Matangi/Maya/M.I.A.)

Jury Statement

Every film nominated for this year’s Documentary Editing Award beautifully captured a story of courage in the face of adversity. The jury was profoundly affected by the multitude of characters persevering through personal struggles and each story was expertly crafted through the editing. 

With a delicate touch, the editors of this year's winner created a rich sense of intimacy despite the large scale of its story. We found the film to be artfully crafted and incredibly moving. The editors were able to fuse a powerful depiction of unlikely warriors in a conflict zone with a loving and surprising portrait of artists.

This year’s winner of the Documentary Editing Award goes to: Porcelain War and its editors Brendan Bellom, Kelly Cameron and Aniela Sidorska.

—Best Narrative Editing Award: Los Frikis, edited by Jon Otazua. Honorable Mention: My Dead Friend Zoe, edited by Ali Greer. 

Jurors: John David Allen (Editor, The Golden Bowl, Le Divorce, The White Countess, City of your Final Destination), Sabine Hoffman (Editor, Pachinko, Passing, The Glorias, Maggie’s Plan), Joanna Naugle (Editor, The Bear, Ramy, Big Mouth), and Barry Alexander Brown (Editor, Do The Right Thing, BlacKkKlansman, Malcolm X)

Jury Statement

The jury would like to award a special Honorable Mention to a film that explores the deeply personal drama of a young woman regaining her life after a traumatic incident. This film brings attention to the important issue of veterans' mental health through a touching friendship and unexpected moments of levity, seamlessly edited with great empathy by Ali Greer: My Dead Friend Zoe.

There was one film that really impressed the jury in terms of its dynamic rhythm, nuanced characters, and beautifully crafted montages. It shined a light on serious and heartbreaking true events while balancing moments of joy and humor that felt authentic and captivating. It's clear this film was thoughtfully and expertly assembled in the cutting room by fully immersing us in 1990s Cuba, capturing the energy and individualism of punk music, and showcasing a stellar ensemble whose performances stayed with us long after viewing. For these reasons, we are thrilled to give the 2024 WFF Best Narrative Editing Award to Jon Otazua and his work on Los Frikas.

—Honorary Maverick Award: This year’s Honorary Maverick Award was awarded to acclaimed writer and director Paul Schrader. 

The award was presented by acclaimed actor Amanda Seyfried who worked with Schrader on First Reformed. Known for his provocative contributions to both mainstream and independent film, Schrader’s collaborations with Martin Scorsese—including Taxi Driver (Winner — Palme d'Or, Cannes Film Festival), Raging Bull, The Last Temptation of Christ and Bringing Out the Dead—are considered some of the most impactful works of screenwriting of the twentieth century. Schrader’s many writer-director credits include American Gigolo, Light Sleeper and First Reformed for which he was nominated for an Academy Award®.  Other credits include Affliction, The Card Counter; Master Gardener and his latest film Oh, Canada, in which he reunites with American Gigolo star Richard Gere. A special screening of Oh, Canada, took place on Saturday, October 19 followed by a conversation with Schrader.

—Honorary Trailblazer Award: This year’s Honorary Trailblazer Award was awarded to renowned producer Ira Deutchman. 

The award was presented by acclaimed director, producer, and screenwriter Nancy Savoca. Deutchman has been making, marketing and distributing films since 1975, having worked on more than 150 films including some of the most successful independent films of all time. He was one of the founders of Cinecom and later created Fine Line Features—two companies that were created from scratch and, in their respective times, helped define the independent film business. Deutchman co-founded Emerging Pictures, the first digital projection network in the United States and a pioneer in delivering live cultural events into movie theaters. Deutchman’s latest projects include feature documentary Searching for Mr. Rugoff, Nickel & Dimed and Radio Girls. In 2017, Deutchman was awarded the Spotlight Lifetime Achievement Award by the Sundance Art House Convergence for his service to independent film marketing and distribution. He is a Professor Emeritus in the School of the Arts at Columbia University, where he has taught since 1987 and was the Chair of the Film Program from 2011 to 2015.

—Art of Activism Award: Globally celebrated filmmakers and human rights activists Pamela Yates and Paco de Onís were honored with the inaugural Art of Activism Award. 

The award was presented by renowned journalist Amy Goodman of Democracy Now. Yates and de Onís are renowned for their Guatemala trilogy, which includes When The Mountains Tremble, Granito: How To Nail A Dictator and 500 Years. These films have been showcased globally and used as key forensic evidence in the genocide trial against Efraín Ríos Montt in Guatemala. Yates serves as the senior creative director with de Onís serving as the executive director at Skylight, a not-for-profit human rights media organization that combines cinematic arts with the quest for justice to inspire the defense of human rights. Their latest documentary, BORDERLAND | The Line Within, directed by Yates and produced by de Onis, screened at this year’s festival and investigates the costly border industrial complex that targets immigrants.

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Woodstock Film Festival

Samantha Emson- Press Director samantha@woodstockfilmfestival.org 

Nick Gallo- Press Assistant Nick@woodstockfilmfestival.org 

About The Woodstock Film Festival

Founded in 2000, the Woodstock Film Festival (WFF) is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization that nurtures and supports emerging and established filmmakers, sharing their creative voices through an annual festival and year-round programming to promote culture, diversity, community, educational opportunities and economic growth.

WFF provides innovative mentoring and inspired educational programs benefitting filmmakers, students and diverse audiences, while serving as a powerful cultural and economic engine for New York’s Hudson Valley and beyond. Such efforts have consistently resulted in the festival being hailed as one of the top regional film festivals worldwide.

The Woodstock Film Festival is an Academy Awards® qualifying festival in the categories of Animated Short Film, Live Action Short Film and Documentary Short Film.

The Woodstock Film Festival's Gold Sponsors include: Netflix, Amazon MGM Studios, Gigantic Pictures and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines. Visit https://woodstockfilmfestival.org/2024-sponsors for our full list of sponsors.