MSPIFF44
MSPIFF44 FilmsMSPIFF44 JURY AWARD WINNERS – FEATURE FILMS
EMERGING FILMMAKER COMPETITION
This juried competition recognizes the achievements of first- and second-time fiction feature directors. The award is given to a film and filmmaker that demonstrates excellence in creativity, storytelling, technique, and innovation in the dramatic form.
JURY:
Lynn Lukkas – Filmmaker & Professor
Kai Miller – Filmmaker & Television Producer
Maya Washington – Filmmaker, Author, and Actress
Jury Award for Emerging Filmmaker
Directed by Ana Endara Mislov
Panama/Colombia, 2024
Ana Endara Mislov masterfully explores the unexpected intimacy and friendship that can emerge between a caregiver and an aging matriarch struggling with dementia. With poetic grace, discretion, and even humor, Mislov shows both the fleeting and seemingly ephemeral nature of such relationships, as well how they can shape individuals and move them to places of growth, acceptance, and gratitude.
Honorable Mention for Emerging Filmmaker
Directed by Rashad Frett
USA, 2025
A keen sense of place and mesmerizing performances (including a powerful turn from lead actor Stephan James) bring fresh authenticity to Rashad Frett’s film about the myriad challenges facing formerly incarcerated individuals on both a systemic and personal level.
DOCUMENTARY COMPETITION
This juried competition recognizes non-fiction filmmaking that exemplifies the very best in presentation, diversity, innovation, and powerful storytelling in the documentary form.
JURY:
Daniel Bergin – Filmmaker & TPT Executive Producer
Issac Gale – Filmmaker & Musician
Melody Gilbert – Filmmaker & Professor
Jury Award for Feature Documentary
Directed by Joshua Zeman
Ukraine/USA, 2024
This is a doc unlike anything we’ve seen before. This unflinching film reveals an original perspective on war centering on the care of innocent animals as victims and refugees. Using fearless cinematography, immersive sound and incredible access to the courageous humans on the ground, we see the best of humanity. While war is happening to humans, it’s also impacts animals in ways we never thought of before. The contrast between evil and beauty (and humor, too) is seen in every frame.
Special Jury Award for Feature Documentary
Directed by Heidi Ewing & Rachel Grady
USA/Norway, 2025
Nonfiction cinema strives to find that intersection of authenticity and artistry. Like the Norse yarn metaphor that weaves the story together, Folktales threads this needle with an evocative mix of intimate, arresting – and difficult to film- cinematography, with moments of honest verité. Along with teachers, sled dogs are the stable sage mentors in genuinely moving moments with their young adult co-stars. The film explores issues like teen mental health and the loneliness crisis set in a stunning snowscape filled with struggle and progress, hopelessness and hope.
MSPIFF44 JURY AWARD WINNERS – SHORTS
DOCUMENTARY SHORTS COMPETITION
This juried competition recognizes national, international, and local short form documentary filmmaking that exemplifies the very best in presentation, diversity, innovation, and powerful storytelling.
JURY:
Rachel Mueller – Filmmaker & Cinematographer
Andres Parra – Filmmaker & Cinematographer
Maribeth Romslo – Filmmaker & Photographer
Jury Award for Documentary Short
HOW TO CARE
Directed by Brennan Vance
USA, 2024
A moving and deeply human film, How to Care tenderly celebrates the compassion and irreplaceable spirit of direct care workers. With heart and clarity, How to Care honors both those who give and receive care, illuminating a future we all have a stake in.
Honorable Mention for Documentary Short
Directed by Dahee Kim
USA, 2023
Summer Camp transforms a forgotten box of letters into a portal through time, revealing layered truths of identity, memory, and belonging. Dahee’s intimate archival storytelling offers a unique reflection on adoption, adolescence, and discovering who we are.
FICTION SHORTS COMPETITION
This juried competition recognizes national, international, and local short form fiction filmmaking that exemplifies the very best in presentation, diversity, innovation, and powerful storytelling.
JURY:
Nicole Hinrichs-Bideau – Filmmaking Instructor & Producer
Raven Johnson – Filmmaker, Artist & Assistant Professor
Ryan Stopera – Filmmaker & Photographer
Jury Award for Fiction Short:
LENGUA
Directed by Tahiel Jimenez Medina
USA, 2024
With the brilliant performance of its child actor and bold choices of a clearly talented director, Lengua’s striking use of black and white photography, symbolically composed frames, and poetic use of sound, creates a powerful and moving tale of a young immigrant boy’s experience.
ANIMATED SHORTS COMPETITION
This juried competition recognizes national, international, and local short animated filmmaking that exemplifies the very best in presentation, diversity, innovation, and powerful storytelling.
JURY:
James Belfer – Producer & CEO of Cartuna
Adam Dargan – Motion Designer & 3D Generalist
Natalia Poteryakhin – 2D Animator & Storyboard Artist.
Jury Award for Animated Short
Directed by Brian Hawkins
USA, 2024
This allegorical story may build on ancient storytelling tradition but feels contemporary in its execution as Brian Hawkin’s delicately painted watercolors layer a not-so-quiet tragedy beneath warm, humorous narration. His style of directing immerses one completely, disarming the viewer in preparation for the cautionary warning within.
Honorable Mention Animated Short
Directed by Clara Chan
Canada, 2024
The parallel narrative structure and flowing visuals allow a conversation to unfold about the nature of parenthood, one that points to two truths within one story. Clara Chan’s authentic connection to the themes developed shines through as she gets to the heart of a question few dare to ask.
MSPIFF44 AUDIENCE CHOICE AWARDS WINNERS
Selected from ballots collected from audience members at each MSPIFF screening.
AUDIENCE CHOICE: Fiction Feature
Directed by Jessica Blank & Erik Jensen
USA, 2024
AUDIENCE CHOICE: Documentary Feature
Directed by Filip Hammar, Fredrik Wikingsson
Sweden, 2024
