Grand Prize Winners

BEST SHORT

Finding JaMia's Spirit

Director Biography - Candace D. Patrick
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Candace D. Patrick is a writer, director, and producer born and raised in Los Angeles, CA. Her stories explore themes of grief and healing, mental health, finding joy, and debunking stereotypes. Her notable work includes her acclaimed short film "The 5th Room," where she earned nominations for Best Director, Best Short, and Best Writer. Her 1-hour family drama pilot, “Harrington’s Crossing,” advanced to the finalist round of the Spring 2021 WeScreenplay Diverse Voices competition. Candace’s upcoming project, "Finding JaMia's Spirit" earned her a selection as a 2023 Reel Sisters Micro Budget Film Fellow which guarantees a world premiere at their Oscar Qualifying Film Festival in the fall of 2024.

Film Overview
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In "Finding JaMia's Spirit," we follow the journey of JaMia, a curious and optimistic 5-year-old girl. After the loss of her father, JaMia grapples with the concept of him being in a "better place" and feeling abandoned right before her first day of kindergarten. With the guidance of her wise grandmother, Gam Gam, JaMia embarks on a search for her father's ancestor spirit. Through a series of heartwarming moments with her mother, Denise, and flashbacks of her father, JaMia discovers that her father's spirit is always with her, providing comfort and strength.

BEST RECOVERY

Back to One

Director Biography -  Rob Koebel
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​Rob is an award winning filmmaker and investigative journalist. As the CEO/Founder of Back To One Entertainment he oversees the development of unscripted and scripted content across multiple platforms.

Film Overview
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Rob Koebel is far from his midwest roots in Ann Arbor, MI. He's now in the bright city lights of Hollywood. Some people's lives fall apart in Tinseltown. 

BEST DOCUMENTARY

DISABILITY IN FOCUS

Director Biography - Allan Wasserman

Allan Wasserman appeared as Roger in Suburbicon opposite Matt Damon and directed by George Clooney and produced by The Coen Brothers, and as Adam Sandler’s doctor in Funny People directed by Judd Apatow, and as Matthew Broderick’s psychiatrist in Finding Amanda directed by Peter Tolan. He was in Certifiably Jonathan costarring with Jonathan Winters. Allan’s many other film credits include Echo Park Blues which internationally garnered Allan with numerous film festival awards, Big, Little Big League and Cocktail.
Allan has created and directed several award winning films including Ira Aldridge and Lucky Lopez and Losing Faith.

Film Overview
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Disability In Focus is a documentary short that offers an intimate look into how portrait photography tells the stories of individuals with disabilities.

Special Achievement Winners

BEST PERSONAL STORY

Breakout

Director Biography - Jake Solomon
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Jake Solomon is a seasoned writer and performer from Cleveland. Drawing from his own experience on the controversial acne medication, Accutane, inspired him to create a film about the acne experience including self-esteem issues and fear of social interactions.

Film Overview
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Desperate for clear skin, Myles begins a powerful and controversial acne treatment. He is forced to live with his increasingly declining mental health, and insecurities on a daily basis while trying to navigate simple social interactions.

BEST DIRECTOR

Lullaby

Director Biography - Elias Alexandro
Elias Hinojosa; Culture Vulture.  Elias finds purpose in showcasing the disenfranchised and gives characters the freedom to fly without shame. He is an award-winning director whose debut 'Lullaby' was showcased at the UT Student Showcase at SXSW 2018. His work can also be seen in the form of fashion films, music videos and brand-films. Also an actor and on-stage personality, Elias hosts events for the Miss Universe Organization.

Film Overview
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A woman has visions of a dream come true.

BEST ACTOR

For his performance in

You & Me

Actor Biography - James Jones
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When you ask the question “who is James Jones,:” in-person it usually comes with a long winded story describing all major events that took place in my life so far, but in short, I am someone who loves to create and perform. For as long as I could remember I've always loved to express myself in any shape or form I could. Due to that I've always had an appreciation for the art of expression, however that may come. I've always surrounded myself with creatives and explored as many facets of self expression as I could. 

Film Overview
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Mason is forced to process the trauma of his abusive childhood after reconnecting with the adoptive brother who abandoned him.

BEST MENTAL HEALTH DIAGNOSIS

I Love You

Director Biography - Naomi Smith

As an Atlanta native with a biracial background (Chinese & Caucasian) and bilingual proficiency, Naomi Smith stands at the forefront of a vibrant and diverse creative community. With over a decade of experience collaborating with the city’s brightest talents in the Art, Set Dec & Props Department, she has recently embarked on an exhilarating new journey into screenwriting and directing.Naomi has directed four short films with a focus on mental health topics. One of here films “Parallel” won three awards in 2019. As a production designer & art director she has collaborated on 37 short film projects, with many of them being recognized for her achievements.

Film Overview
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Based on a true story, "I Love You" unfolds at a Chinese-American family’s dining table. The Jones family gathers for one last meal, navigating Grandma's Alzheimer's and her impending return to Hong Kong, creating a deeply emotional atmosphere.

BEST ANXIETY

Anxiety

Director Biography -  Nancy Sanchez
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Nancy Sanchez is a Filipino/Chinese writer and producer based in Los Angeles, CA. With her film distribution and marketing background, she’s able to think big picture during the initial writing/development stage and then transition to a detail-oriented mindset once the execution phase of production/distribution begins. She’s produced shorts including LINES (an official selection at the 2023 LA Shorts Fest) and ROSEBUD (currently in post-production). ANXIETY, a finalist in the Los Angeles International Screenplay Awards, will be her directorial debut.

Film Overview
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The film takes us on a delightful journey filled with unexpected twists and turns, as we follow the story of Mia, a young woman anxiously waiting for her date, Luke, to arrive. Mia's anxiety takes on a life of its own in the form of Naomi, a personified manifestation of all her fears and worries.