12°N, 61°W Grenada Film Festival 2023 award winners
GRENADA — The 1261 Grenada Film Festival ― which recently marked its 5th season from October 24 to 29, 2023, concluded with the Closing Night screening of "In the Mele" by Ryan Gibbons & Miquel Galofré at the Olympic House ― has announced its award recipients for the 5th edition of the Festival.
Meschida Philip, Director of the 1261 Grenada Film Festival, expressed gratitude, stating, "We're grateful to all the audience members, filmmakers, industry professionals, and supporters who graced Grenada's Olympic House, red carpets, meeting spaces, and special events. As we recognize award winners today, we thank everyone who contributed to this collective experience."
The Festival showcased a diverse range of filmmakers, from revered veterans to emerging talents, highlighting the Festival's commitment to promoting creativity, diversity, and the art of storytelling. Philip also acknowledged the Festival's film programmers' invaluable contributions to championing emerging talent and enriching the Grenada film community with their expertise and passion.
FEATURE FILMS AWARDS
Best Narrative: Ten-Cent Daisy dir. by Lisbon Okafor
Best Feature Documentary: Paradise Discover dir. by Peter Bailey
SHORT FILMS AWARDS
Best Short Film: "A Shade of Indigo dir. by Hanif James
Best Short Documentary: "ICONOGRAPHY ROY CAPE dir. by Mikhail Neruda Gibbings
SPECIAL MENTIONS:
“We Were Meant To" dir. by Tari Wariebi offers a compelling depiction of the universal challenges faced by Black men in contemporary society. Akil's quest for flight serves as a poignant metaphor, highlighting the hurdles and societal expectations that Black men navigate in their pursuit of personal growth. By exploring themes of vulnerability, masculinity, and the complexities of family dynamics, the film resonates deeply with audiences, making it a standout work that delves into the multifaceted challenges and triumphs of its characters.
What We Deserve" dir. by Shelley Jarrett focus on calls for restorative justice and reparation adds a contemporary relevance to the historical exploration. By linking the past with present-day demands for justice, the film sparks important conversations about accountability, reparative actions, and societal healing. This connection underscores the film's significance as a thought-provoking piece that goes beyond historical documentation; it serves as a catalyst for discussions around social justice, equality, and the acknowledgment of historical injustices.
This year's award have been specially designed and meticulously handcrafted by Handystandbrand, a talented and skilled artisan from Grenada. This collaboration not only adds a unique and personal touch to the awards but also underscores the festival's commitment to supporting local artisans and businesses.
Social Media:
X: @1261filmfest
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Facebook.com/1261filmfestival
