HIFF has proudly bestowed close to five million dollars in its 31-year history. This year, HamptonsFilm will continue to present emerging filmmakers with awards totaling $130,000 in cash, goods and services, with special events taking place throughout the duration of the festival.
Each year, awards are presented in the following categories.
COMPETITION AWARDS
BEST NARRATIVE FEATURE
The Narrative Feature winner receives a $2500 cash prize plus a film production package of in-kind goods and services valued at $72,500.
BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE
The Documentary Feature winner receives a $2500 cash prize plus a film production package of in-kind goods and services valued at $20,000.
BEST NARRATIVE SHORT
The Narrative Short Film winner receives a $1000 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 $1000 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 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
For over two decades, the Films of Conflict and Resolution section has showcased films that focus on the realities of human conflict and injustice around the world, and inspire discussion about the possibilities for resolution. One film from this section will be awarded the Brizzolara Family Foundation Award.
Sherzum Award: $5,000
Sponsored by producer Jayne Baron Sherman, a long time LGBTQ+ activist, this award is designed to acknowledge and foster stories about LGBTQ+ people, issues and concerns. Named for Jayne and her wife Deborah Zum, the Sherzum Awards encourages films that show the realities and challenges—as well as successes—of the people and communities
it represents.
Suffolk County Film Commission Next Exposure Grant: $3,000
The $3,000 Suffolk County Next Exposure Grant is awarded to a film in the Views From Long Island section. This program supports the completion of high quality, original, director-driven, low-budget independent films from both emerging and established filmmakers who have completed 50% of principal photography within Suffolk County.
Zelda Penzel “Giving Voice to the Voiceless” Award: $2,500
Presented to a film in the Compassion, Justice and Animal Rights section that raises public awareness and 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.
Victor Rabinowitz & Joanne Grant Award for Social Justice: $2,000
Presented to a film that exemplifies the values of peace, equality, global justice, and civil liberties, named in honor of two people who spent their entire lives fighting for those values.
New York Women in Film & Television Award for Excellence in Narrative Filmmaking: $1,000
This award honors an outstanding female filmmaker who has demonstrated exceptional artistic vision and dedication to her craft.
New York Women in Film & Television Award for Excellence in Documentary Filmmaking: $1,000
This award honors an outstanding female filmmaker who has demonstrated exceptional artistic vision and dedication to her craft.
University Film Awards
The five films selected for the University Short Film Showcase each receive a $500 cash award, honoring emerging talent.
