Women in Film

Local Impact

For acting.

For cinematography.

"There were many standout shorts that made selecting a winner difficult, but "Coin Boy" best demonstrated the craft of filmmaking with its exceptional cast and quiet restraint in directing."

"This is an authentic and unique insight into the Muslim Hui people in one of the most desolate rural communities in Western China," said the Jurors. "It's a story that transcends the local with a universal elegy of grief and desperation and embodies achievement in cinema on every level."

Juror Pamela Young said "Arthur, Karim and I were privileged to be inspired, educated, and encouraged by this year's impressive documentary entries, all of which demonstrated a commitment to excellence by filmmakers who took audiences into the worlds of surfing, drug addiction, samurai's, LGBT rights, and family history. One film in particular transported us on a lyrical exploration of cultural and technological transitions, where the analog nature of celluloid film projection crumples to make way for a digital future."

"Spare language and cinematography with a documentary feel illuminate the possibilities of love, hope and healing in this American yet universal story. The authenticity of the acting and the attention paid to emotions of the characters let the audience see the world through Chiron's big eyes and open heart, making MOONLIGHT accessible to viewers anywhere."