The $10,000 Excellence in Filmmaking Award in honor of Fr. Patrick Peyton, CSC

The Trojan Cow

Barbara Stepansky, American Film Institute

The Trojan Cow, a film by Barbara Stepansky of the American Film Institute, inspired by true events, takes places in 1973 when two teenagers are illegally transported across the East German border inside a hollow cow. An unexpected love story blossoms in the midst of a dangerous situation.

The $5,000 Priddy Bros. Triumph Award

Queen of Cactus Cove

Anna Christopher, American Film Institute

Queen of Cactus Cove, a film by Anna Christopher of the American Film Institute, is the story of a teenage chess champ Billie who faces the prospect of defeat for the first time when she competes against her best friend at the biggest chess tournament of her career.

The $2,500 Fujifilm Audience Impact Award
-and-
The $1,500 Act One Screenplay Prize

Kilroy Was Here

Charlie Boyles, North Carolina School of the Arts

Kilroy Was Here, a film by Charlie Boyles of the North Carolina School of the Arts, is the story of two who fought for different causes in the same war. Now together, they will forge a connection that transcends language - and their cause will become one.

The $2,500 Mole-Richardson Production Design Award

Lucky

Avie Luthra, National Film and Television School

Lucky, a film by Avie Luthra of the National Film and Television School, is the story of a South African AIDS orphan who learns about life through an unlikely bond with a racist Indian woman

The $3,000 Outstanding Documentary Award, sponsored by Maryknoll Productions

Silences

Octavio Warnock-Graham, City College of New York

Silences, a film by Octavio Warnock-Graham of the City College of New York follows the filmmaker’s journey to understand his mother’s refusal to discuss the circumstances of his birth. With a silent mother, Octavio travels to San Francisco with only a name and a phone number to find that one person who can complete his search for answers; his biological father.

The $2,000 Outstanding Animation Award, sponsored by the Catholic Academy for Communication Arts Professionals

Crooked Mick of The Speewah

Philip Smith, Australian Film Television and Radio School

Crooked Mick of The Speewah, a firm directed by Philip Smith of the Australian Film Television and Radio School, is the story of Strong-Arm Sam and his promoter Gus. Down on their luck they are tired of hearing about how much stronger Crooked Mick of the Speewah is so they decide to find the Speewah and challenge Crooked Mick.

The Director’s Choice Award

Kibera Kid

Nathan Collett, University of Southern California

Kibera Kid, a film by Nathan Collett of the University of Southern California, is the story of a twelve year old street kid in one of the world's largest slums who must choose between gang life and redemption

Honorable Mentions

Animation

Smile
Written and directed by Chris Mais, Chapman University

Production Design

What’s Love Doing in the Mountains?
Written and directed by Yunus Emre Firat, Chapman University

Documentary

The Guide Still Standing
Directed by Dima Otvertchenko, Vassar College