2024 Summer Fest Awards
Best Director
Super Bois
directed by Jon Mancinetti
Jon Mancinetti - @mancinettipics, mancinettipictures.com
An indie filmmaker discovers his full potential by making a superhero movie with his brother, a young man with autism.
Based on director Jon Mancinetti's unique relationship with his brother Joel.
Best Orange County Film
Home
directed by Al Chang
Best Sound
‘UNMADE’
directed by Micah Streeter
Micah Streeter - linker.ee , @micahstreet11
Some decisions can’t be…
Best Comedy
What Are We?
directed by William Burney
William Burney - @williamburney_01
An animatronic cowboy at a Western-themed family entertainment center struggles to maintain his Things get awkward after a couple is forced to explain their complicated relationship after being pulled over by a cop.
Best Determination Feature
Columbia River Canoe Project
directed by Robert Lester, Neil Larson
Robert Lester - @columbiarivercanoeproject , mountain-king-industries.com
The Columbia River Canoe Project follows cousins Robert Lester and Braxton Mitchell as they attempt a 1,300-mile canoe expedition from the Continental Divide near Butte, Montana, all the way to the Pacific Ocean. Braxton, only 18, has never been in a canoe before volunteering for this adventure of a lifetime. Though just a few years older, Robert leads the expedition, trying to overcome the unforeseen challenges of such an ambitious journey. As the pair navigate the river, enduring the hardships of battling dams, rapids, and wind, Braxton grows up, learning about life and discovering his true capabilities.
While following their downstream journey, the film highlights the ecological issues facing the Columbia River Watershed and promotes the importance of environmental stewardship. The Columbia River Canoe Project takes viewers on an adventure filled with breathtaking landscapes, unpredictable challenges, and a wealth of inspiration.
Best Care Film
Kids Ocean Day
directed by David Creech
David Creech
A behind the scenes look at the the educational philosophy of Kids Ocean Day founder, Michael Klubock.
Best Picture
The Lethe
directed by Marshall Sutherin
Marshall Sutherin - @theltheproject , thelethe.com
Three college students create a promising memory-altering device for their final project. But when they clash over the use of their ground-breaking invention, things quickly spiral out of control, resulting in tragic consequences.
Best Conflict Film
Tough Man
directed by Zillman Diaz-Green
Zillman Diaz-Green
Inspired by a real news story, Tough Man follows a recently laid off construction worker who commits an impulsive robbery in order to provide for his family, but things soon go awry in this satirical look at toxic masculinity, the basis of self-worth, and internet virality.
Best Determination Short
The Straight & Narrow
directed by Andrew Beall
Andrew Beall - @straightandnarrow_film , @thebeall33
Austin is a young man who has done everything the right way his whole life. After graduating from college and starting his 9-5 job, Austin realizes that every day is beginning to feel the same. In turn, he contemplates one of life's basic questions: Does playing it safe mean giving up on your dreams? Avoiding the pitfalls that might come with his true passions, Austin grapples with settling for the safety of a guaranteed wage; staying up at night, he struggles more and more with life inside the straight and narrow.
Best Documentary
From Pen to Paper
directed by Paul Sutton
Paul Sutton
Behind bars, ink flows and barriers crumble as lifers and students unite in a transformative writing experiment.
Best Drama
My Own Silence
directed by Matthew Eberle
Matthew Eberle - @matthewjameseberle , matthewjameseberle.com
A young woman spends the day struggling with anxiety and depression, and a need for self-harm.
Best Hook
Thank You Sade
directed by Julie Fergus
Julie Fergus
17 year old Melody has to make a decision that will affect the rest of her life.
Best Perception Film
Nova
directed by Antony Post
Antony Post - @dawstudiosfilms , imdb.com
In the wake of her parents' divorce, 13 year old Nova is confronted by an identical but seemingly older version of herself called The Other, forcing her to admit her childhood is over.
Best Screenplay
What Shadows See
written by Joseph Parisi
Joseph Parisi
A trio of agents from a secret government agency that uses astral projection and remote viewing to solve and prevent crimes, get caught in the middle of strange events with dire consequences.
Best Twist
A Perfect Match
directed by Miaomiao Wang
Miaomiao Wang - @kiyojohnz
A young man looking to explore love through online dating comes across a young lady who seems to be his perfect match. However, what seemed perfect may not be after all.
