Held May 1-4 screening over 40 films to more than 10 sell-out crowds, the First Annual Independent Film Festival of Boston has wrapped as a major success.
The Nine Zero Spirit Award for best feature was presented to “IVANS XTC.,” directed by Bernard Rose. “IVANS XTC.,” which made its New England premiere at the festival, was co-presented by Boston Jewish Film Festival.
The Grand Jury Award for best documentary film was presented to Jesse Moss for his film SPEEDO, also making its New England premiere. Ed ‘Speedo’ Jager, the subject of the film, was present at the festival and joined Moss in his enthusiastic acceptance of the award.
Lastly, the Grand Jury Prize for best short film was presented to academy award winner Sarah Kernochan for her film “THOTH,” detailing a New York City street performer.
Prizes were awarded during an official Awards Ceremony held at the Tremont Boston Hotel on Saturday, May 3, 2003. Independent Film Festival of Boston Executive Director, Jason Redmond presided over the ceremony which highlighted the successes of the first year festival.
The jury, consisting of film industry writers, filmmakers, editors and festival organizers, selected the winners whose work best revealed films that surpassed the ordinary and those of unexpected artistry, intellect and style. In addition to the Grand Jury Prizes, the panel requested to award Special Jury Prizes to three directors whose work they wanted to honor. For narrative feature the Special Jury Prize went to SOFT FOR DIGGING, directed by JT Petty. For documentary feature the panel honored “THE KING OF SIXTH STREET,” directed by Charles Burmeister with the Special Jury Prize documentary award. Lastly, the Special Jury Prize for short film was given to “MET STATE,” directed by Bryan Papciak.
“The Independent Film Festival of Boston is delighted by the gathering of talented and inspirational filmmakers that supported us during our inaugural festival. We are ecstatic at the positive reception that our visiting filmmakers received from audiences this weekend and look forward to providing access to films of this caliber during festivals for years to come,” said Jason Redmond, executive director of the Independent Film Festival of Boston.
Audience members were invited to cast their ballot to vote on the Audience Choice Award for best film in a category based on the 40 films screened at the festival. Ballots were collected at the close of each screening. The Audience Award for narrative feature is MELVIN GOES TO DINNER, directed by Bob Odenkirk; The Audience Award for Documentary Feature is 7TH STREET, directed by Josh Pais; and The Audience Award for short film is HAVE YOU SEEN THIS MAN?, directed by Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck.
For more post fest info, visit the Independent Film Festival of Boston website.
