Hope and Dreams Awards Optimists

The Optimists, the Story of the Rescue of the Bulgarian Jews from the Holocaust, a documentary film by Jacky and Lisa Comforty, has been awarded Best Documentary at the 2001 Hope and Dreams Film Festival. The Optimists is also Winner of CINE Golden Eagle, 2001 Co-Winner of the Peace Prize, Berlin International Film Festival 2001 First Prize Winner in the category of "Documenting the Jewish Experience," Jerusalem International Film Festival 2000

The Optimists explores how different ethnic and religious groups stood by each other in Bulgaria even during the Holocaust. It is directed by award-winning filmmaker, Jacky Comforty, whose family was among those rescued and who has long been determined to tell this story on film. Bulgaria's experience offers valuable insight into how we can mobilize to protect human rights and civil rights. It is not only a Jewish story. It is a universal one, powerful in its ability to inspire religious tolerance, civil courage, and optimism in all audiences.

Jade Wins at Black Filmmakers Hall of Fame

A Song for Jade produced and directed by Indy filmmaker, Shari Lynn Himes, is the first place winner in the short film category and a second place, over all competitive film, winner of the Black Filmmakers Hall of Fame (BFHF), award to be given in Oakland, California, at a date to be determined. In addition the film has enjoyed overwhelming success at this year's 23rd Independent Feature Film Market (IFM) in New York City. As a result of the Market Jade has received over 20 inquiries concerning this film in and any plans Shari has or the future. In addition to the October 3rd Market screening, Jade screened on October 2nd, to a crowd of over 300 at a monthly film series hosted by Chicago Community Cinema.

In June, 2001, Shari was awarded an INDY from the Indiana Film Society where she was voted Best Emerging Filmmaker in the Midwest Region.

Purgatory Wins at Kaleidoscope

Director of Photography Franc Biffone has won the award for Best Cinematography at the Metroscreen Kaleidoscope 2001 Festival for the short film Purgatory. This is Biffone’s third cinematography award for this short which was filmed entirely in one seven minute Steadicam shot. His 2000 short film Autist recently won the Best International Film award at the Siena International Film Festival in Italy. Biffone is currently preparing to shoot the feature film The Hard Sell.