“It’s great to see audiences finding and supporting a true discovery film like ‘Here Alone’ and the powerful and affecting documentary ‘The Return’.’ While very gifferent films, both highlight the resillience of the human spirit.” said Festival Director Genna Terranova during a statement.
By: Linita Masters
The 2016 Tribeca Film Festival, which began on April 13, comes to a close and that means the Audience Awards for Narrative and Documentary categories were presented. The Audience Awards are determined by attendees votes for best of festival.
This years recipients were “Here Alone,” directed by Rod Blackhurst, won the prize for a narrative film, and “The Return” (pictured), directed by Kelly Duane de la Vega and Katie Galloway, received the documentary award.
Being recognized is not the only thing the winners went home with. Each award includes a $10,000 cash prize and work of fine art.
Runners-up were “Children of the Mountain,” directed by Priscilla Anany for the narrative audience award and “Midsummer in Newtown,” directed by Lloyd Kramer, for the documentary
The winning movies and runners-up will screen on Sunday, April 24, at the Regal Battery Park Stadium 11, along with the festival’s jury-chosen winners.
WINNERS
Here Alone, directed by Rod Blackhurst, written by David Ebeltoft. (USA) – World Premiere, Narrative. A virus has ravaged human civilization, leaving two groups of survivors: those who have managed to avoid infection, and those driven to madness, violence, and an insatiable bloodlust. Living deep in the woods, Ann, Chris, and Olivia are forced to fend off the infected while foraging for supplies. But when a supply expedition goes terribly awry, one among their number must make a terrible choice. With Lucy Walters, Gina Piersanti, Adam David Thompson, and Shane West.
The Return, directed by Kelly Duane de la Vega and Katie Galloway, written by Kelly Duane de la Vega, Katie Galloway, and Greg O’Toole. (USA) – World Premiere. How does one reintegrate into society after making peace with a life sentence? California’s controversial and notoriously harsh three-strikes law was repealed in 2012, consequently releasing large numbers of convicts back into society. The Return presents an unbiased observation of the many issues with re-entry through the varied experiences of recently freed lifers.
RUNNERS UP
Midsummer in Newtown, directed by Lloyd Kramer. (USA) – World Premiere, Documentary. Midsummer in Newtown is a testament to the transformative force of artistic expression to pierce through the shadow cast down by trauma. From auditions to opening night, we witness the children of Sandy Hook Elementary find their voice, build their self-confidence, and ultimately shine in a rock-pop version of A Midsummer’s Night Dream.
Children of the Mountain, directed and written by Priscilla Anany. (USA, Ghana) – World Premiere, Narrative. When a young woman gives birth to a deformed and sickly child, she becomes the victim of cruelty and superstition in her Ghanaian community. Discarded by her lover, she is convinced she suffers from a ‘dirty womb,’ and embarks on a journey to heal her son and create a future for them both. With Rukiyat Masud, Grace Omaboe, Akofa Edjeani, Adjetey Annang, Agbeko Mortty (Bex), Dzifa Glikpo, Mynna Otoo. In Twi with subtitles.