TRIBECA FILM FESTIVAL

The jurors state that the award is for "lifting the veil on a subject so openly discussed."

The film's glimpse into a lost world is particularly eye-opening, and the jurors said that "the filmmaker provides a glimpse into a closed sisterhood-proud of their traditions, yet accepting the disappearance of their way of life."

Their sensitive depiction of issues ranging from immigration to poverty to single motherhood earned them an Honorable Mention in this year's Festival.

The jurors state that "The filmmaker uses minimal storytelling to achieve maximum emotional impact and we commend the terrific performances of the young actors."

The film "captures the cultural rhythms and unmistakable sounds of the city to artistically portray a sense of poverty in what remains of old Havana and its beauty."

"We reacted with unanimous, unquestioned affection for Racing Dreams," the jurors state, "and found it a completely compelling, entertaining film of incredible quality."

"It tells a post-Hurricane Katrina story in a new, inventive and poignant way."

"There were moments in this film that brought the whole world back to New York," the jurors said. "They were uniquely New York moments."

The jurors were pleased by the fact that "it gave us not only New York, it gave us great characters, a great story, it gave us the world."

"The universality of the characters and themes and the director's riveting grasp of this story make About Elly a film that collapses barriers and deepens our understanding of the world we share."

The jurors feel that "The director, Carlos Chahine, portrays the absurdities and contradictions of how we deal with grief through humor, freshness and subtlety."