HIFF has proudly bestowed over a million dollars in its 28-year history. In 2020, we were honored to reward emerging filmmakers with $29,500 in cash, as well as another $102,500 in in-kind goods and services, through the following awards.
Each year, awards are given in the following categories.
COMPETITION AWARDS
BEST NARRATIVE FEATURE
The Narrative Feature winner receives a cash prize plus a film production package of in-kind goods and services.
BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE
The Documentary Feature winner receives a cash prize plus a film production package of in-kind goods and services.
BEST NARRATIVE SHORT
The Narrative Short Film winner receives a cash prize and qualifies for consideration at the Academy Awards® for Best Live Action Short Film.
BEST DOCUMENTARY SHORT
The Documentary Short Film winner receives a cash prize and qualifies for consideration at the Academy Awards® for Best Documentary Short Film.
ADDITIONAL AWARDS
The Peter Macgregor Scott Memorial Award: $10,000
The Peter Macgregor Scott Memorial Award aims to continue Peter’s mentorship for a new generation of passionate filmmakers. Sponsored by Susan Macgregor Scott, this $10,000 award is specifically designed to recognize narrative short filmmakers and reward creative approaches to solving practical production challenges in the service of storytelling.
Brizzolara Family Foundation Award for Films of Conflict & Resolution: $5,000
This award recognizes one of the films in the Films of Conflict & Resolution program, which is is dedicated to showcasing films that deal with the complex issues and societal effects of war and violence. These films are selected because of their excellence in filmmaking and depiction of provocative and dramatic content. Since this signature section was launched 20 years ago, it has continued to stimulate discussion about major issues and conflicts of our time.
Zelda Penzel “Giving Voice to the Voiceless” Award
Presented to a film in the Compassion, Justice & Animal Rights Signature program, accompanied by a cash prize. Raising public awareness about the moral and ethical treatment and the rights of animals, as well as environmental protection, the winning film inspires compassion and compels social change. Given by Zelda Penzel, long time educator, advocate for animal rights, and a volunteer at HIFF since its inception.
The Dick Cavett Artistic Champion Award
Named for a local legend who has supported artists and the arts in unique and indelible ways, this award honors individuals who have supported the arts throughout their career and have made a significant impact and contribution within the industry.
New York Women in Film & Television Award for Directing
New in 2020, this award honors an outstanding female filmmaker who has demonstrated exceptional artistic vision and dedication to their craft.
New York Women in Film & Television Award for Excellence in Documentary Filmmaking
New in 2020, this award honors an outstanding female filmmaker who has demonstrated exceptional artistic vision and dedication to their craft.
Victor Rabinowitz & Joanne Grant Award for Social Justice
Presented to a film that exemplifies the values of peace, equality, global justice, and civil liberties, and named in honor of two people who spent their entire lives fighting for those values.
University Film Awards
The five films selected for the University Short Film Showcase each receive a cash award, honoring emerging talent.
