Our 2023 FILM FESTIVAL AWARD WINNERS

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 Cowboy Bourbon: The Full Proof Tale of Garrison Brothers

(DOCUMENTARY FEATURE)

Georgetown, Texas

01:19:46

Directors: Chet Garner, Daniel Mecey

"Never tell a Texan he can't do something, because he just won't stop; he's like a dog with a bone then..." - Chuck Cowdery, Whiskey Writer.

When Dan Garrison founded Garrison Brothers Distillery in the mid-2000's, everyone told him that making bourbon whiskey in Texas was an impossible dream. Bourbon was on the decline, and beyond that, could only be made in the state of Kentucky. Dan proved everyone wrong…

Cowboy Bourbon tells the unlikely tale of how a small distillery in the heart of Texas Hill Country ignited a nationwide movement in craft distilling. It's the story of grit, determination, and refusing to compromise on the singular goal to make the best bourbon whiskey in the world.

 Fathers Wanted

(DOCUMENTARY FEATURE)

Austin, Texas

01:33:00

Director: Isaac Rowe

A thought provoking story from women speaking on the importance of fathers in the life of the family. Fathers Wanted is a documentary feature depicting the need for a father.

 GOOD GUY WITH A GUN

(NARRATIVE FEATURE)

Chicago, Illinois

01:51:00

Director: John Mossman

Will Greenwood, a Chicago teenager forced to come to terms with his father's violent death, visits a small town and finds solace in a group of local kids. When the town bully threatens Will’s new friend, how far will he go to protect him...especially with a gun? It is a coming of age drama where young men and guns come crashing together.

BEST FOREIGN FEATURE

EVERYBODY WANTS TO BE LOVED

(FOREIGN FEATURE)

Berlin, Germany

01:20:00

Director: Katharina Woll

On a blisteringly hot summer day, Psychotherapist Ina notices something is wrong with her. But she doesn't have time to worry about it: Patients are waiting at the practice, her daughter is threatening to move in with her father, her boyfriend wants to emigrate to Finland, and her self-centered mother is celebrating her 70th birthday. Ina wants to please everyone. But then everything changes.

BEST NARRATIVE SHORT

Curtain Call

(NARRATIVE SHORT)

Pflugerville, Texas

18:01

Director: Christian Jacob Ramón

In a competitive high school theatre program, a passed-over high school senior finds herself overshadowed by a precocious freshman. Mired in jealousy, she must come to terms with the fact that she isn’t as talented as she wants to be.

BEST STUDENT SHORT

Ghost on the Dance Floor

(STUDENT SHORT)

Austin, Texas

12:15

Director: Edwin Raul Oliva

On Dia-de-los-Muertos, a young Latino attempts to go on a date as he struggles to let go of the memories of his ex.

BEST FOREIGN SHORT

World Cup

(FOREIGN SHORT)

Iran

17:42

Director: Maryam Khodabakhsh

On the night of a couple's migration, the child of their friend who has been entrusted to them gets lost, and then a secret is revealed.

BEST YOUTH SHORT

Water Lullaby

(YOUTH SHORT)

Poland

3:39

Director: Piotr Kaźmierczak (age 16)

Stop motion, animated with sand, official video clip to "Water Lullaby" song from the "Waterduction" album by a famous Polish folk music band "Warsaw Village Band". The production of the film took 6 months.