Showcase of the best FILMS in the world today.
Audience Award Winners:
Best Feature Film: CALAMITY & MERCY
Best Short Film: DOWN IN FLAMES: THE TRUE STORY OF TONY ‘VOLANCO’ VALENCI
Best Story: THE FUTURE OF FASHION FOR ALL: CREATING SAFE SPACES
Best Direction: MEKO
Best Human Interest Film: INK
Best Society Film: HOPE FOR THE HOLIDAYS
Best Sports Film: EIGHTH YEAR
Best Nature Film: ICELAND, ON THE TRAIL OF DEMOCRACY
See info for each film:
INK, 96min., Hungary
Directed by Márta Anna Kempf
With the participation of numerous well known and world famous Hungarian tattoo artists, the all night documentary “Varrat” (Eng. – “Suture”) features contributions from noted professionals working in the tattooing business. The show presents the art of tattooing with impressive imagery and explores the journey of tattooing from low to high culture.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt26446119/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1
https://www.instagram.com/kempfmarti/
Watch NOW – the audience feedback video.
CALAMITY & MERCY, 98min., USA
Directed by Daniel W Smith
Calamity and Mercy is a feature length documentary film detailing the stories of individual Ukrainian refugees submerged in the chaos of battle, fleeing war, and integrating into new cultures, along with the NGOs and efforts in place to assist the incoming migrants.
https://www.facebook.com/calamityandmercy/
https://www.instagram.com/calamityandmercy
Watch NOW – the audience feedback video.
HOPE FOR THE HOLIDAYS, 95min., USA
Directed by Yuri Omar Shariff Williams, Nathan Cribari
In this participatory documentary, join Yuri and Rodney on a heartfelt mission as they, dressed as Santa’s helpers, traverse the diverse landscapes of every US state during the holidays. Their goal is to bring hope to families facing difficult circumstances, including those in animal shelters, homes with special needs, disabilities, and individuals battling life-threatening illnesses. From snow storms in remote landscapes to navigating the weathered side streets of major cities, these two men are committed to spreading holiday cheer by providing gifts and dedicating time to listen to the stories of those they encounter. Doors will open across America as Yuri and Rodney embark on a journey to bring hope during the holiday season.
http://hope4theholidaysfilm.com/
https://twitter.com/Hope4TheH0liday
https://www.instagram.com/hopefortheholidaysfilm/
Watch NOW – the audience feedback video.
MEKO, 62min., USA
Directed Harrison Buck
A film 7-years in the making, Meko is the story of man and community who have weathered the storm.
https://pandioncreative.com/
https://www.instagram.com/pandioncreative/
Watch NOW – the audience feedback video.
DOWN IN FLAMES: THE TRUE STORY OF TONY ‘VOLANCO’ VALENCI, 29min., USA
Directed by William Joseph Stribling
Meet Tony Valenci and his bona fide sideshow of eccentric colleagues. Tony has spent his life dreaming of setting a world record. Despite numerous failures, Tony has never stopped believing in himself. Now, Tony has devised his most ambitious world record attempt yet: to be the first man to blow fire while skydiving.
https://www.facebook.com/downinflamesfilm
Watch NOW – the audience feedback video.
THE FUTURE OF FASHION FOR ALL: CREATING SAFE SPACES, 23min., USA
Directed by Mei Ling Marzonie
The fashion industry is one of the most mainstream industries today that still perpetuates harmful discriminatory practices within their field. From fatphobia, to racism, to ageism, the mainstream fashion industry is medieval in terms of its strides towards inclusivity. This lack of progress has been the backbone to many prominent issues facing young people today. Its effects have had far reaching and long lasting consequences for today’s young people; from eating disorders to openly discriminating against and outcasting folks with differing bodies. What can be done to stop these harmful practices and show young people a new way to live and ultimately love themselves?
https://vimeo.com/user200753655
https://www.instagram.com/future.of.fashion_/
Watch NOW – the audience feedback video.
EIGHTH YEAR, 40min., USA
Directed by Renard Cheren
Embark on an inspiring journey with Kyle Pugh, conquering an unprecedented 8-year journey in college football. Witness his unwavering dedication, a testament to a young man’s extraordinary love for the game. In his final season as a senior, navigate alongside him through challenges on and off the field. Feel the anticipation as he awaits for professional opportunities and embraces the profound roles of fatherhood and coaching. This film is a captivating exploration of resilience, passion, and the transformative power inherent in the journey from the field to the extraordinary chapters beyond. Kyle’s journey serves as a powerful testament to the relentless pursuit of dreams, showcasing the transformative evolution of a young athlete into a multifaceted force of inspiration, leaving a mark on hearts and minds.
Watch NOW – the audience feedback video.
ICELAND, ON THE TRAIL OF DEMOCRACY, 58min., Switzerland
Directed by Steve Vilhem
The Icelandic revolution, also known as the “Pots and Pans Revolution”, occurred in October 2008 in Iceland. It was rooted in the context of the subprime financial crisis when, in less than a month, the country’s three main banks declared bankruptcy. From this protest emerged an unprecedented process: the drafting of a new Constitution based on participatory democracy, which utilized methods such as random selection, online participation, citizen debates, elections, and more.
Watch NOW – the audience feedback video.
Documentary Film Festival. Los Angeles & Toronto 