2024 AWARD WINNERS
BEST OF FEST & BEST NARRATIVE SHORT
Barely Breathing
US - Director: Derek Evans
Barely Breathing is a dark comedy about Sai, who is guilted into moving in with his father and stepmother after nearly dying in an embarrassing autoerotic asphyxiation (AEA) accident. To get his dad off his back, Sai begins “hanging” with an AEA support group filled with loveable misfits but humor can only hide so much. As Sai begins to get comfortable, the distance between him and his father grows deeper in the lingering chasm left behind by the death of Sai’s mother ten years prior.
BEST FEATURE DOCUMENTARY
Join or Die
US - Director: Rebecca Davis
Join or Die is a film about why you should join a club — and why the fate of America depends on it. This documentary follows the half-century story of America's civic unraveling through the journey of legendary social scientist Robert Putnam, whose groundbreaking "Bowling Alone" research into America's decades-long decline in community connections could answer our democracy's present crisis. Flanked by influential fans and scholars — from Hillary Clinton, Pete Buttigieg, and Surgeon General Vivek Murthy to Eddie Glaude Jr., Raj Chetty, and Priya Parker — as well as inspiring groups building community in neighborhoods across the country, join Bob as he explores three urgent civic questions: What makes democracy work? Why is American democracy in crisis? And, most importantly... What can we do about it?
BEST FEATURE NARRATIVE
Egghead & Twinkie
Orlando, Florida, US - Director: Sarah Holland
After coming out to her parents, seventeen-year-old Twinkie takes off on a road trip to meet her online crush with the help of her nerdy best friend, Egghead. As they make their way across the country, Egghead wrestles with his unrequited feelings for Twinkie, while Twinkie learns to embrace her identity as a gay mixed-Asian woman.
BEST SHORT DOCUMENTARY
I am Kanaka
UK - Director: Genevieve Sulway
Despite a dark history and only 5% speaking the native language, a local Hawaiian hero fights to save his culture by teaching traditions, sustainability and life skills to disadvantaged indigenous kids.
BEST STUDENT FILM
Neon Hereafter
Marco Island, Florida, US - Director: Pacey Hansen
The hypnotic buzz and glow of neon engrosses Cecilia as she struggles to evade her addiction, disturbed past, and the nightmarish monster ceaselessly stalking her.
BEST FLORIDA FILM
Space Coast
Coral Springs, Florida, US - Director: Justin Barber
People from around the world gather on the Space Coast to witness the launch of Artemis-1, the 'World's most powerful rocket.' But Mark, a veteran of the Space Shuttle Program, doubts this 'moondoggle' will ever fly.
BEST Jacksonville FILM
Lake Placid Blue
Jacksonville, FL, US - Director: Justen Mann
A grieving father grapples with the thin line between vengeance and redemption.
SPECIAL JURY AWARD - Bold Storytelling
Elpida
Greece - Director: Billy Soulis
Driven by an obsession she cannot control, Elpida scours the streets of Athens for the one thing that brings her hope. Homeless, hungry and slipping through the cracks of modern society, she must continuously navigate the savagery of daily life to survive. What looks like a shelter, could be a cage. What is offered as a gift, could come at the ultimate price. Elpida can only count on her hopes as she finds them.
SPECIAL JURY AWARD - Casting
Lemon Tree
US - Director: Rachel Walden
At a Halloween carnival, a young father steals a magician's rabbit to impress his ten-year-old son. The thrill of the petty theft quickly dissolves into reality when the young boy is tasked with getting himself, his father, and his new pet home safe.
SPECIAL JURY AWARD - Unique Voices
Fish Boy
Canada - Director: Christopher Yip
FISH BOY is a lyrical meditation on faith, love, and polyamory through the eyes of an Asian American teenager. When 16-year-old Patrick questions his love for God, his self-discovery manifests in his skin.
SPECIAL JURY AWARD - Cinematography
The Rehearsal
France - Director: Antonin Chalon
Liam, a fragile young actor, joins a theatre troupe and falls in love with Elea. However, the rehearsals soon turn to nightmares, as the director of the play pushes the limit of Liam’s psychology too far. There is no turning back.
SPECIAL JURY AWARD - Personal Storytelling
Wright of Passage - “The Pilot”
Jacksonville, Florida, US - Director: Lee Giat
A violent plane crash fuels a daring mission. Follow a young pilot as he prepares for the biggest aviation challenge of his life.
SPECIAL JURY AWARD - Practical Effects
Gnomes
St. Augustine, FL, US - Director: Raphael Cosme
When Terry turns to garden gnomes to cope with a tragic accident, things start to go south when a pet fish is introduced.
SPECIAL JURY AWARD - Direction
Last Call
UK - Director: Harry Holland
A woman swings open the door to a smokey pub. This is Kate, and she’s looking for someone. After navigating her way through the eclectic mix of patrons, she spots him - a teenage boy, Charlie - her son. There’s an obvious void - too long has passed between them to allow for casual conversation. As Kate and Charlie are forced to retrace their history - Kate will finally have the chance to ask the questions that have haunted her past, and will decide her future.