The IndieFEST Film Awards strives to give talented directors, producers, actors, creative teams and new media creators the positive exposure and credibility they deserve. IndieFEST discovers and honors the achievements of filmmakers who produce high quality films and new media. Attracting both powerhouse industry veterans as well as talented new filmmakers, The IndieFEST is an exceptional, truly international awards competition, not a traditional film festival. The goal of IndieFEST is about helping independent filmmakers gain the credibility and publicity they justly deserve. Our talented IndieFEST award winners have gone on to win Emmy, Telly and other awards.
~ Best of Show ~
Marcus – J.R. Poli
J.R. Poli (USA), Marcus, Film Feature – Marcus has a checkered past and an unstable present. As he struggles mightily with mental illness, unexpected news brings a new opportunity for him to right old wrongs and make amends. He leaves his life behind and sets off on an adventure to find purpose, forgiveness and redemption. But Marcus will have to face the consequences of his past life and overcome the greatest obstacle of all in order to find happiness: Himself. A film about mental health, deeply seated in resignation and inspiration while deftly and capturing deeper truths. With an exceptional and achingly authentic performance by Owen Miller (Graceland, Burn Notice) and supported by a very talented cast, Marcus delivers a film about life’s disappointments and redemption. Stars: Katana Malone (To Each His Own, Charlie’s Angels), Paul Wight (Fighting With My Family, Waterboy), Todd Bruno (I am Frankie) and Jennifer Lynn Sharp (Rough Winds, The Sinner).
~ Outstanding Achievement ~
Alexandre the Fool / Alexander Odyssey – Pedro Pires
Pedro Pires (Canada), Alexandre the Fool / Alexander Odyssey, Doc Feature – Emmy winner and Canadian Screen Award winner Pires – delivers a sensationally unique doc exploring the journey of a man with schizophrenia, Alex, who seeks his place in the world by pursuing an artistic journey and a quest for love that pushes him beyond his usual emotional boundaries. Skillfully combining journalistic documentation with artistic creation, stunning, exceptionally cinematic filming and imaginative edits – it reveals Pires’s desire to situate the subject in the present and the concrete. It is a film that is all at once an intimate, disturbing and sublime odyssey but unquestionably filmed with respect for Alex’s journey.
~ Award of Excellence Special Mention ~
Johnny DePalma (USA), 52 – A Tale of Loneliness, Children / Family Program – Emmy-winner Patton Oswalt (Ratatouille) narrates this charming tale – inspired by the true story of the 52 Hz whale. A creative, impactful and ultimately poetic story, both heart-rending and heart-warming. Beautifully messaged inviting viewers on a journey as unique as 52 himself. Deft direction, delightful animation and touching soundtrack.
Michael Schilf (USA), The Fixer, Film Short – Exceptional direction, gritty, raw, superb performances and pitch-perfect sound and technical craft – drive this crime drama. The emotions of the characters combine with a pinch of humor deliver a short with memorable impact. Danny Trejo (Heat), Jesse C. Boyd (The Highwaymen), Veronica Diaz Carranza (Dark Was the Night), Vincent van Hinte (Dutch).
Jonathan Bucari (USA), The Elephant in the Room, Film Short – The drama of a young couple questioning their relationship after a though political fight with his future in-laws on Thanksgiving. Insightful scripting, searing commentary and passionate performances. Seamus Davey-Fitzpatrick (Moonrise Kingdom), Clare Foley (Gotham), Tim Bohn (Law & Order), Amy A. Simmons (Violet Tendencies).
Gibelys Coronado (Venezuela), Two Autumns in Paris, Film Feature – Told through flashbacks of memories 25 years later a striking political activist and refugee from Paraguay escapes to Paris and falls in love with a rich law student changing their lives forever. The beauty of their love is challenged by a fervent devotion to fighting for a cause. Stars: Maria Antonieta Hidalgo, Francisco Villarroel, Slavko Sorman, Juan Belgrave.
Iara Lee, Cultures of Resistance (USA), Stalking Chernobyl: Exploration After Apocalypse, Doc Feature – These exceptional documentarians’ compelling film about Chernobyl 30 years later. Wildlife has returned in the absence of humans but illegal hiking adventurers, extreme sports enthusiasts and tours explore the ghostly landscape. An unsettling question about disturbing the sanctity of this horrifying man-made disaster.
Enrique Bencomo and Enrique Aranguren (Mexico), Die at Home, Web Series – A dystopian future in Mexico City, where COVID19 gets out of control and massively infects the city. Solo and Sola, two survivors search for a reason to move on in this desolate city. An imaginative, creative and compelling series with creative cinematography. Stars: Enrique Aranguren, Maria Pia Sanz and Enrique Sanchez Flores.
Maverick Moore (USA), My Dinner with Werner, Film Short – Based on real events and real things Werner Herzog and Klaus Kinski actually said…this is a wacky farce about a 1987 dinner date with a murder plot as the main dish. Deftly directed, creative, captivating and delightfully absurd. Carried by a talented cast. Stars Chynna Walker (Sam), Matthew Sanders (Volker Schlöndorff’s Return to Montauk), Andrew Perez and Grant Virtue.
Salim Kechiouche (France), Our Genes, Film Short – Educator and actor Karim is always playing stereotypical roles due to his Arabic origins. While at the theater with his free-spirited girlfriend he comes face to face with his own perceptions. Inspiring and thought provoking revealing hidden biases in everyone. Led by talented actors Bellamine Abdelmalek and Sara Forestier with delightfully convincing performances by Karim’s students.
Pedro del Santo (Spain), Paranoid Girls, Film Feature – Three beautiful women gradually discover the dark side of modeling behind the glamour…including dangerous liaisons with a captivating and dark photographer and a powerful boss. Ultimately they learn the true value of deep friendships and simple pleasures. Stars: Mairen Muñoz, Marta Mir Martín, Patricia Valley, Antonio Ibáñez and Bárbara de Lema.
Martin Garde Abildgaard (Denmark), TOM And His Computer “Future Ruins”, Music Video – A story about love, life and death told creatively through an unsettling story about a man and his attempts to find companionship. Imaginative concept, beautiful cinematography, lighting and tight editing deliver both hope and despair through the struggles of loneliness. Featuring Danish Pop Star Tom and his Computer.
~ Award of Excellence ~
Adam Weber (Australia), The Body, Film Short
Bogdan Anghel (France), The Mortola Tower, Documentary Short
C.J. Julianus (USA), The Misadventures of Mistress Maneater, Film Feature
Celine Parrenas Shimizu (USA), THE CELINE ARCHIVE, Asian, Documentary Feature
Chris Francis, Rosedale (USA), Making Lemonade: Our COVID-19 Story, Documentary Feature
Dale Fabrigar (USA), The Interview, Film Short
Dale Fabrigar (USA), Vegan And Then Sum, Film Short
Daniel Catullo (USA), Breathe, Nolan, Breathe, Documentary Short
David Shilale (USA), The Worcester 6: Heroes Remembered, Documentary Short
Deepak Reddy (India), Manasanamaha, Asian, Editing, Creativity / Originality, Post-Production Overall, Script / Writer, Cinematography, Direction, Viewer Impact: Entertainment Value, Experimental, Sound Editing / Sound Mixing
J.R. Poli (USA), Marcus, Actor: Leading (Owen Miller as Marcus)
Jake Diamond (USA), doin’ great, Web Series
Joe Lam (USA), Fugitive Zero, Film Short
Johnny DePalma (USA), 52 – A Tale of Loneliness, Animation, Film Short
Jonathan Bucari (USA), The Elephant in the Room, Actor: Leading (Seamus Davey-Fitzpatrick as Liam)
Layla Kaylif (United Kingdom), The Letter Writer, Islamic
Lucia Rinaldi (USA), Limbo, Film Short
Lucy Velik (Australia), Domicide, Women Filmmakers, Film Short, Actress: Leading (Kat Stewart as Molly)
Manoj Annadurai (USA), Get Happy, Film Feature
Manolo Campos (USA), Precursor, Liberation / Social Justice / Protest
Martin Reinhart and Virgil Widrich (Austria), tx-reverse, Experimental
Matthew Cichella (USA), Without Grace, Actor: Leading (Shannon Brown as Lucas)
Oshri Cohen (Israel), NEW WORLD (pizza) ORDER, Web Series
Patrick Cavanaugh, Valiant Productions (USA), #FitnessProblems, Actor: Leading (Scott Michael Wagstaff as Pete)
Paul Lacovara (USA), 38 Minutes, Film Short, Direction
Robert H. Lieberman and Deborah C. Hoard, PhotoSynthesis Productions (USA), Echoes of the Empire: Beyond Genghis Khan, Documentary Feature
Ryan Gentle and Austin Quarles (USA), Galileo, Film Short
Sanjin Mirič (Czech Republic), Seven Thousand Souls, Documentary Feature
~ Award of Merit Special Mention ~
Bradley Hawkins (USA), Calf Rope, Film Short, Movie Trailer
Cameron Barrett (USA), Think of Your Neighbors, Public Service Programming / PSA
Chris and Robert Smellin (Australia), In Love with Ally Barker, Actress: Leading (Laura Jane Turner as Ally Barker), LGBT
Derek Bauer (USA), Two Yellow Lines, Film Feature
Devi Morgan (USA), Like Daughter, Like Mother, Film Short, Actress: Leading (Devi Morgan as Myra)
Gigisha Abashidze (USA), BODY PLACE IMAGE, Documentary Short
Hongshi Zhong (USA), Almost May, Film Short (Student)
Joslyn Rose Lyons (USA), Looking Glass, Women Filmmakers
M. Rowan Meyer (USA), Patient, Television – Pilot Program
Marcelo Vogelaar, Graci Guarani, Alexandre Pankararu, Thiago Dezan, Leo Otero and Thomaz Pedro (United Kingdom), My Blood Is Red, Documentary Feature
Menelek Lumumba (USA), 1 Angry Black Man, Film Feature, Liberation / Social Justice / Protest
Michael Everett (USA), Canes Creek, Music Video
Myles Banks, Just Stunt Productions, LLC (USA), Not Just A Game -The Story of Savage, Documentary Short
Richard Zelniker (USA), Beckoned, Film Short
Russell Southam (Australia), Black Heart, Red Hands, Actor: Leading (Benjamin W Sullivan as Pete), Film Short (Russell Southam)
Seth Kozak (USA), Rendezvous, Liberation / Social Justice / Protest
Steve Chivers (USA), Dated, Film Short
Steve Gibson (USA), The Lost Within, Actor: Leading (David Gries as Jon Edens), Actress: Leading (Jami Tennille as Adelaide Zook), Film Feature
Thomas R. Bloom (USA), Human, Music Video
Tiffany Rhodes (USA), Harbor Island, Television – Pilot Program, Women Filmmakers
~ Award of Merit ~
Adam Maurer and Mike Yosh (USA), The Grail, Actor: Leading (Adam Maurer as Johnny), Actor: Supporting (Paul Alcaraz as Tim)
Akash Khurana (India), The River of Love, Film Feature
Amina Chaudary (USA), Third Base to Faith, Islamic
Amina Chaudary and Beth Murphy (USA), #LiveLikeHaris, Documentary Feature
Andrea Natale (Italy), Australian Dreams, Documentary Short
Anthony Calderella (USA), Laundrette Blues, Actor: Leading (Kevin Quigley as Frank)
Armando DuBon Jr. (USA), Reckoning, Actor: Leading (Armando DuBon Jr. as Nick Barros), Film Short
Luciano Barsuglia (USA), Social Distance, Actor: Leading (Jed Rowen as Stork Winters), Film Feature, Direction
Brandi Webb (USA), Betrayal of a Nation Part 1 & Part 2, Documentary Feature
Bushra Khanum (Australia), Chained to Traditions, Film Short, Women Filmmakers
Carmen Lamar Gonzalez (USA), Second to None, On-Camera Talent (Carmen Lamar Gonzalez)
Christaan Felber (USA), From Heaven is Cali, Documentary Short
Christina Zorich (USA), The New Abolitionists, Documentary Feature
Corey Koepper (USA), On The Floor, LGBT
Cydney Cochrane (Canada), Short Stay, Disability Issues
Cynthia M. Uhrich (USA), Misplaced Trust, Women Filmmakers, Film Short
David C. Whiteman (USA), Intermission, Documentary Short
Eduardo Ramirez (USA), Human Spectrum – Episode 1, Contemporary Issues / Awareness Raising, Miniseries
Erin Rooke (Canada), The Story of Special Woodstock, Documentary Feature
Federica Alice Carlino (USA), The Monster’s Club, Women Filmmakers
Fred Bonheim, Belair Productions LLC (USA), King of Angels, Film Short, Actor: Supporting (Jack Mulcahy as Sonny), Actress: Leading (Kat Miccio as Anastasia), Actor: Leading (Joe Nemchek as Vinny), Ensemble Cast, Actress: Supporting (Jamie Ragusa as Pam)
Ganesh Vinayakan (India), Thaen, Film Feature
Griffin Cubero (USA), Goyishe, Film Short (Student), Jewish (Student)
Heidi Germiane Schnappauf (USA), F-Word, Actor: Leading (Michael Wawrzynek as Mike), Actor: Supporting (Rob Klubeck as Principal Korin), Actress: Leading (Connie Shelhamer as Janet), Actress: Supporting (Jessica O’Hara Baker as Violet), LGBT, Women Filmmakers
Helen Alexis Yonov (USA), WE STAND TOGETHER, Public Service Programming / PSA
Hesam Rahmani (Iran), Faces without Visage, Film Short
Hiroaki Mizuno (Japan), Trouble on the Brain Front, Film Short
Hudson Hillin (USA), Letting Go, Children / Family Programming (Student), Young Filmmaker – 17 and younger
Isaac Padrós Suárez (Spain), Kayak No Limits – Menorca in the dark, Disability Issues
Ivy Tobin (USA), My Life as a Doormat, Television – Pilot Program, Web Series
J.J. Barmettler (USA), Eye & the Oracle, Web Series
Joao Butoh (Brazil), ALEPH, Film Short
Joe Nolan (USA), The Tuneful Trolley, Documentary Feature
John Robert Hammerer (USA), Severance, Script / Writer (Daniel Kirby)
JP Snell (USA), FREE, African American
Karim Mahdjouba (French Polynesia), The Children of the Coral, Documentary Feature, Nature / Environment / Wildlife
Kim Talikoff (USA), I’m Smart, Too, Documentary Short, Liberation / Social Justice / Protest
Kousuke Hishinuma (Japan), Hide & Sniff, Film Short
Kyle Cowling (USA), No Runners, Film Short
Lucia Rinaldi (USA), A Separation Story, Experimental
Marc Lucas (USA), Angry Young Man, Film Short
Mark Rose (USA), Alaska Long Hunters, Christian, Documentary Feature
Matthew Cichella (USA), Without Grace, Film Feature
Matthew Mirliani and Cesar Castillo (USA), Keep Me, Music Video, Original Song (composed by Matthew Mirliani)
Michael L. Hopwood (USA), Living Legends 66-0, African American, Documentary Feature
Miguel Castanet (USA), La amable euforia de la danza, Documentary Short
Molly Flood (Canada), Band Ladies, Web Series
Mr. Kullachat Jitcajonwanich (Thailand), Heart of Gold, Asian, History / Biographical, Special Purpose Productions, Makeup (Ms. Kulwadee Jitkajornwanich)
Myra Lewis, Myroc Productions (USA), Love is in the Legend, Documentary Feature, LGBT, Women Filmmakers, Viewer Impact: Entertainment Value, Editing
Nathan Wilson (Australia), A Cruel Turn, Documentary Short
Nikki Estridge (USA), Don’t Make it Awkward, Actress: Leading (Nikki Estridge as Kate Manopolous)
Oluwatoyin Adewumi (Nigeria), STRAIN, Women Filmmakers, Drama Program / Series
Patty Butler Spiers and Jay Maloney (USA), Guadalcanal 1942: A Christmas Story, Documentary Short
Pedro Hector Canales (USA), Getaway, Latin / Hispanic (Student)
Peter Hiscock/Grant Dodwell of Australian Theatre Live (Australia), Lindrum: The Uncrowned King, Actress: Leading (Janne Clara Lindrum as Clara, Harriet, Violet, Joy and Jan)
Peter Kondra and Mikael Schallock (Germany), Good Old Friends, Film Feature, Actor: Leading (Peter Kondra as Pete)
Samantha Nolte (USA), Fair Haven, Actor: Leading (Bobby McGruther as Billy Gregor), Actress: Leading (Amandalyn McLellan as Heather Robinson), Film Feature, Women Filmmakers
Sarah Goff, James Meyer, Rachel Morgan Perry, Elizabeth Usher (Australia), Sending Love Your Way, Music Video
Scott Ferril, RENT THE SKY FILMS (USA), Pay Me, Music Video
Shea Allen (USA), Safe Space, Women Filmmakers
Such Stuff as Dreams Productions (USA), What We May Be, Film Short, Women Filmmakers
Swaminathan Venkatraman (USA), The Neighbour, Film Short
Terry Ross (USA), A Castle in Umbria, Actor: Leading (Frank Papia as Rick), Women Filmmakers (Terry Ross and Lisa Bruhn), Actress: Leading (Lynn Allinger as Charlotte), Film Short
Thorsten Schade (Germany), The Invitation (Die Einladung), Film Short
Tommy G. Kendrick (USA), The Dark Places Film, Christian
Toshi Asaka (Japan), The Place of Memories, Asian
Travis Patten (USA), Nemeku Lights, Film Short (Student)
Victor Dean (USA), MRS. TAYLOR’S SHOW AND TELL – A PRINCE STORY, Animation
Wesley Shrum (Kenya), Pioneer Pizza, Documentary Short
Wesley Walker (USA), How the Sausage is Made, Animation (Student)
~ Award of Recognition ~
Adam Karsten (USA), Viceroy, Young Filmmaker – 17 and younger
Andre Blaze Rodgers (USA), The Mysterious Mr. Wizdom, African American
Angel N. Livas (USA), I AM BLACK: The Enlightenment, Liberation / Social Justice / Protest
Angelica Pique (USA), Escapism, Experimental
Antwione Saunders (USA), League 215, African American
Ayanna Laverne Ziegler (USA), A Word, African American, Web / Internet Programming, Women Filmmakers
Bea W. Bliss (USA), Aborted Traffick, Women Filmmakers, Contemporary Issues / Awareness Raising
Carmen Lamar Gonzalez (USA), Second to None, Latin / Hispanic, Web Series, Women Filmmakers
Casey Grant (USA), Boss Hoggin Road Trip Series – BMF 50, Web / Internet Programming
Chloe Spencer (USA), Phone Calls, LGBT (Student)
Chuk Otakpor and Richard Odilu (USA), The Anomalous, African American, Television – Pilot Program, Television – Program / Series
Dale Fabrigar and Suzanne DeLaurentiis (USA), Suzanne’s Saturday Night Scares, Television – Program / Series
Daniel J. Gillin and Todd Phillips (USA), Crypto Heads The Movie, Film Feature
Ed Lamberg (USA), Grace in High Heels, Television – Program / Series
Eddie DeBartolo (USA), Mansion on Maybelle Street – A Short Horror Film, Experimental (Student), Young Filmmaker – 17 and younger
Eduardo Ramirez (USA), Human Spectrum – Episode 1, Television – Pilot Program, Documentary Program / Series, Direction
Eric Hackler and Gian Carlo Durland (USA), Clutter Luck, Web Series
Erika Ágnes Bujdosó (Hungary), The Sky above Budapest, Christian, Women Filmmakers
Frank P. Mancuso (USA), Q-10 DINER, Film Feature
Frank P. Mancuso (USA), A glimpse of my life thru my eyes, Documentary Short
Gary M. Sanner (USA), Derivative, Film Short, Original Score (Composed by Gary M. Sanner)
Ghost (USA), Even in Darkness, Cities of Dreams Are Born, Christian, Actor: Leading (Ghost as Seven), Religion / Ethics, African American
Giovanna Caruso (USA), Double Faced, Film Short, Women Filmmakers
Golden Eagle Films (USA), Fire on the Ridge, Film Feature, Women Filmmakers, Actress: Leading (Corinne Meadors as Jessica), Actress: Leading (Sandra Dee Richardson as Gretta)
Greg Karnilaw (USA), Makuso II, Experimental
Jaewon Choi (USA), Chestnut Drive, Film Short
James Chen and Shihyun Wang (Taiwan), Life in Taiwan 2020 as a retired job Seeker, Asian
James Curry (USA), masterjam, Documentary Short
James Newman and Nick Hastings (United Kingdom), Love and Information: A Zoom Play, Web / Internet Programming
Jared Jay Mason and Clark Runciman (USA), The Great and Terrible Day of the Lord, Film Feature
Jimmy Dasaint (USA), The KARMA EFFECT, Film Feature
Jing (June) Wang (Canada), A Tango with Chino Perico, Special Purpose Productions
Joe Nolan (USA), The Tuneful Trolley, Liberation / Social Justice / Protest
John Robert Hammerer (USA), Severance, Film Short, Art Direction (Sally SangHee Bae), Cinematography (Andreas Mansson), Direction (John Robert Hammerer), Editing (Daniel Lewinstein), Sound Editing / Sound Mixing (Samuel Durand, José Villaman, Angel Alonso Sarmiento, Jesús Bermúdez)
Josh Karan (USA), Birth Of A Union, African American
Julia Deak (Hungary), Future Fractal, Film Short
Kaitlin Morris (USA), Do Us Part, Web Series
Kathryn Lewis (USA), Nowhere To Go, Music Video
Lallan Samaroo and Larry Horrell (Trinidad and Tobago), FRUITVILLE, Animation, Experimental
Leila Edelstein (Australia), Plunge, Young Filmmaker – 17 and younger
Maria Carpenter (USA), Learning To Keep The Planet Green, Young Filmmaker – 17 and younger
Matthew Lee (United Kingdom), Empty Shelf, Film Short
Michael Guigliano (USA), Cleithrophobia, Young Filmmaker – 17 and younger
Miriam Revesz (USA), Voices From the Invisible, Disability Issues
Nikki Estridge (USA), Don’t Make it Awkward, Film Short
Omar Casillas and Fernando Rodriguez (USA), Last Vacation, Actress: Leading (Lisa Christine Holmberg as Samantha)
Paul Chan and Shihyun Wang (Taiwan), Go with your heart, Asian
Peter Hiscock/Grant Dodwell of Australian Theatre Live (Australia), Lindrum: The Uncrowned King, Women Filmmakers
Ray Spivey (USA), Process, Film Short
Richard Buswell (USA), Order 86, Film Feature
Robert Brooks (USA), Background Noise, Film Feature (Student)
Ryan Zamo and Jordan Fraser (USA), Back Stabber- Season 2, LGBT, Web Series
Sarah Goff (Australia), Give it Space, Music Video
Scott Ferril, RENT THE SKY FILMS (USA), Pay Me, Animation
Sean Tretta (USA), Day 14, Film Short
Shihyun Wang (USA), Win the invisible war – Coronavirus, Documentary Short
Shihyun Wang, Paul Chan and James Chen (Taiwan), Taiwan- my home, Documentary Short
Sophia Romma (USA), Used and Borrowed Time, Experimental, Film Feature, Jewish, LGBT, Liberation / Social Justice / Protest, Women Filmmakers
Swaminathan Venkatraman (USA), The Neighbor, Film Short
Teddy Alexis Rodriguez (USA/Puerto Rico), Hell No, Actor: Leading (Moises Chavez as Franky), Latin / Hispanic, Actor: Leading (Teddy Alexis Rodriguez as Roberto)
Thorsten Schade (Germany), The Invitation (Die Einladung), Original Song (This old man composed by Christian Reisert, produced by Danny Seith, Pariah Music Studios)
Tom Andre (Canada), Wild Fire, Documentary Short
Victor Dean (USA), MRS. TAYLOR’S SHOW AND TELL – A PRINCE STORY, Documentary Short
Victor Verhaeghe (USA), Pandemic Softball, Film Short, Actor: Leading (Victor Verhaeghe as Bobby)
Chatelin Bruno 
