"This film is a crucial perspective on American life, gender dynamics and tragic complexity of every day violence. Thru the loving lens of the director, we follow his own and his friends adolescence into early adulthood with their challenges and simple joys, the freedom of youth versus the responsibility of maturity made Minding the gap our choice for best documentary."

Episode: "Armed With Faith"

"Virginia Minnesota is an entertaining coming-of-age-tale that artfully highlights Minnesota's north shore as indelible backdrop to this quirky and thoughtful road trip."

"Telling a simple yet primal and timeless story of man against nature, what starts out as childhood pranks turns into devastating tragedy. Confident in it's technical and artistic virtuosity, with beautiful and epic cinematography holding real and raw performances that could be seen as a critique of youthful machismo and masculinity, it's a film felt in the body. This is a film of the highest order."

Official Selection

"This award is intended to acknowledge and support an up-and-coming filmmaker from around the world for their achievements in narrative filmmaking whom the Award Jury expects will make significant contributions to the art of film in the course of their filmmaking career. We have selected Sofia Djama's stunning debut film The Blessed. Working from her own script and aided by a brilliant cast, Djama displays an uncommon command of cinematic language, as she weaves together a multigenerational narrative that follows a couple, their teenage son and his friends over a 24-hour period as they navigate their lives in the wake of decade-long Algerian Civil War. With keen observation, deep empathy and a sophisticated understanding of history and psychology, Djama takes us to a place and time where every encounter threatens to sow more division, open old wounds, and pose new dangers. Yet, Djama succeeds in illuminating this bleak view of her world via intimate and compassionate portraits of people caught in the nightmare of history."

"Supa Modo was chosen for the Youth Jury Award for cinematography, acting, and pacing that emphasized the natural bond between family and community in Kenya. The tragic story took beautiful risks in moments of comic relief and genuine love that made Supa Modo supa good."

"Baby Brother is an example of documentary storytelling at its best. A seemingly simple glimpse into the life of the filmmaker's brother, the film is both a deeply personal and loving portrait of family and the transition to adulthood and a powerful illustration of mindful, poetic filmmaking. All of this, plus a sense of humor."

"Life of Davie is chosen for the Youth Jury Favorite Film Award for its ability to dignify childhood, bring a unique flavor to a common story, and a humorous approach to the serious dilemma of relationships and priorities. The production attests to a commendable level of detail with editing, symbolism, and time period continuity."