FILMFEST DC Announces Award-Winning Films

The Washington, DC International Film Festival (Filmfest DC) just wrapped its 29th successful year in the nation's capital, showcasing a diverse selection of over 70 entertaining, thought-provoking and moving features, documentaries, comedies and shorts from around the globe. This year, awards were presented in six categories and were selected by a diverse group of arts, culture and film experts in the DC area. Filmfest DC is thrilled to announce the winners from this year's festival:

Circle Award: THE CIRCLE Award is a juried competition of selected films deserving of increased recognition. THE CIRCLE Award is named in honor of TED and Jim Pedas, founders of Washington's Circle Theatres, which set the standard for innovative quality film programming.

Winner - Margarita, with a Straw directed by Shonali Bose (India)

Special Jury Award - God Loves the Fighter directed by Damian Marcano (Trinidad, Tobago)

Filmfest DC Audience Award: Sponsored by the Embassy of Qatar, the Filmfest DC Audience award is presented to one feature film and one documentary voted the most popular by Filmfest DC audience members.

Best Feature Film - Margarita, with a Straw directed by Shonali Bose (India)

Best Documentary - Tap World directed by Dean Hargrove (USA)

Justice Matters Award: The Justice Matters award is presented to the film that best expands our awareness and understanding of social justice issues around the globe.

Winner - Limited Partnership director by Thomas Miller (USA)

Runner Up - This is My Land directed by Tamara Erde (France)

First Feature Award: One of the most important contributions of a film festival is to introduce new filmmakers to the world, and to cultivate, showcase, and encourage these new talents. The First Feature Award is given to the best first film in the festival.

Winner - The jury unanimously voted to give the Best First Feature award to director Luis Javier M. Henaine for his film Happy Times (Mexico)

Signis Award: The Signis award is presented to the film that best illuminates and celebrates what it means to be human in a diverse and challenging world.

Winner - Me and Earl and the Dying Girl directed by Alfonso Gomez-Rejon (USA)

Shorts Cuts Award: The Short Cuts Award shines a light on filmmakers who are less well-known whose works, in their subtlety and economy provide the viewer with a rich, emotionally resonant experience that expands with contemplation.

Winner - The Secret World of Foley directed by Daniel Jewel (UK)

Filmfest DC would like to acknowledge all of amazing the films that were presented at the 29th Filmfest DC. For more information about the nominees, judges and past award winners please click here.

Photo Credit: Official Site