HIFF29: Awards

HIFF has proudly bestowed close to five million dollars in its 29-year history. This year, we are honored to be rewarding emerging filmmakers with $34,000 in cash, as well as another $100,000 in in-kind goods and services, through the following awards.

Award winners were announced this morning at a ceremony in East Hampton. This year HIFF screened 61 films from 34 countries, with five (5) World premieres, two (2) North American premieres, and two (5) U.S. premieres. We are very proud to report that 53% of this year’s films were directed by women, and 36% were directed by filmmakers of color.

“Being able to once again experience the power of cinema on a big screen with audiences was incredible and something that was dearly missed within our community,” said David Nugent, HamptonsFilm Artistic Director. “We are so thankful to all of the filmmakers and artists who allowed us to showcase their films.”


COMPETITION AWARDS

BEST NARRATIVE FEATURE

MURINA
Directed by Antoneta Alamat Kusijanović
US Premiere | Croatia/Brazil/USA/Slovenia | 2021

The Narrative Feature Competition honors emerging directors who represent cinema’s next generation of innovative film artists. Juried by world-class filmmakers and industry professionals, the winning Narrative Feature film receives a $3,000 cash prize as well as a film production package of in-kind goods and services, with a total value of over $82,500.

In addition, Franz Rogowski received a Special Jury Prize for Exceptional Performance for his work in GREAT FREEDOM “GROSSE FREIHEIT” (North American Premiere), directed by Sebastian Meise.

BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE

ASCENSION
Directed by Jessica Kingdon | USA | 2021
Featuring an array of powerful subjects, the Documentary Feature Competition honors new and distinctive voices in documentary filmmaking. Juried by world-class filmmakers and industry professionals, the winning Documentary Feature film receives a $3,000 cash prize as well as a film production package of in-kind goods and services, with a total value of over $20,000.

Best Narrative Short

EGÚNGÚN (MASQUERADE)
Directed by Olive Nwosu
US Premiere | Nigeria/UK | 2021
Featuring exceptional technique and storytelling, the Narrative Short Competition honors the fresh perspectives of up-and-coming filmmakers. Juried by world-class filmmakers and industry professionals, the Narrative Short Competition winner will take home a cash prize of $500 and qualify for Academy Award consideration.

Best Documentary Short

IN FLOW OF WORDS
Directed by Eliane Esther Bots
Netherlands | 2021
The Documentary Short Competition celebrates new and emerging voices in the documentary film world. Juried by world-class filmmakers and industry professionals, the Documentary Short Competition winner will take home a cash prize of $500 and qualify for Academy Award consideration.

>> Meet the Competition Jury


ADDITIONAL AWARDS

The Peter Macgregor Scott Memorial Award:
$10,000

BAD OMEN
Directed by Salar Pashtoonyar
New York Premiere | Canada/Afghanistan | 2020
This award aims to continue the celebrated producer’s mentorship. for a new generation of passionate filmmakers. Sponsored by Susan Macgregor Scott, this 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

PAPER & GLUE
A JR Project
Documentary Feature | France/USA | 2021
For over two decades, the Films of Conflict and Resolution section has showcased films that focus on the realities of war and conflict around the world and inspire possibilities for resolution.


Suffolk County Next Exposure Grant: $3,000

GOOD GRIEF
Directed by Nastasya Popov
East Coast Premiere | Narrative Short | USA | 2020
Awarded to a film that has completed 50% of principal photography within Suffolk County, New York. Presented by the Suffolk County Film Commission.


The Zelda Penzel Giving Voice to the Voiceless Award: $2,500

COW
Directed by Andrea Arnold
East Coast Premiere | Documentary Feature | UK | 2021
Given to a film in the Compassion, Justice and Animal Rights section that provokes discussion about contemporary issues of social concern, with a focus on the rights, as well as moral and ethical treatment of animals. The award is presented to a film that inspires compassion, motivates action, and compels change, and is given by Zelda Penzel—a long time educator, advocate, and a volunteer at HIFF since its inception.


New York Women in Film & Television Awards

These two awards honor outstanding female narrative and
documentary filmmakers who have demonstrated exceptional
artistic vision and dedication to their craft.

NYWIFT Excellence in Narrative Filmmaking: $1,000

QUEEN OF GLORY
Directed by Nana Mensah
2021 | USA


NYWIFT Excellence in Documentary Filmmaking: $1,000

INTRODUCING, SELMA BLAIR
Directed by Rachel Fleit
2021 | USA



Victor Rabinowitz & Joanne Grant Award for Social Justice: $2,000

PAPER & GLUE
A JR Project
Documentary Feature | 2021 | France/USA
Given to a film that exemplifies the values of peace, equality, global justice, and civil liberties; this award is named in honor of two people who spent their entire lives fighting for those values.


University Film Awards: $500 each

Awarded to five student filmmakers selected from hundreds of submissions, the University Short Film Showcase highlights the extraordinary talent and achievements of exceptional students.
BAD OMEN dir. Salar Pashtoonyar (York University)
BUZZKILL dir. Kathy E. Mitrani (Columbia University)
NEURIM dir. Shaylee Atary (Steve Tisch School of Film & Television, Tel Aviv University)
UN DIABLE DANS LA POCHE dir. Antoine Bonnet, Mathilde Loubes (GOBELINS, l’école de l’Image)
WAVELENGTHS dir. Jessie Zinn (Stanford University)


“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to bring everyone safely back together this year. It so clearly remains that our community out East loves cinema and we are so glad to be able to share such an incredible slate of films with them,” said Anne Chaisson, HamptonsFilm Executive Director. “We are so thankful to all of the staff, volunteers, sponsors and most of all to the audiences for their continued support. Next up, our 30th anniversary!”