BEST FEATURE FILM

Knuckle Sandwich
John Fordham & Ryan Miningham

After leaving his small town Southern roots, Carter Simms heads for the big city of Los Angeles to make it in the corporate world. On the outside looking in, he apparently has it all: money, a beautiful uptown girlfriend, a great career, a luxurious car, and a penthouse. When Carter suddenly loses his job and his girlfriend – in the same hour one morning - he makes a decision to head back home where he finds his old friends are still going through the same motions Carter left: drinking, shooting guns, and shunning employment at all costs. But in time they show Carter the true meaning of happiness. (90 min.)

 

BEST SHORT FILM

Space Available
Kathilynn Phillips

In the year 2025, the law mandates that no child can be born and remain alive unless at the moment of its birth, or within 60 seconds thereafter, there is space available in the region. At the moment of Lazaro’s birth, the counter reads zero… “Best Short” 2004 Ft. Myers Beach Film Festival and “Special Jury Award” 2004 Arizona International Film (16 min.)

 

BEST DOCUMENTARY

The Watershed
Mary Trunk

Faced with the extraordinary trauma of losing both their parents to alcoholism and neglect, seven siblings form a unique family structure. “The Watershed” is a moving documentary of survival and forgiveness that shows how tragedy can have transforming effects on individual identity. Still lulled by Camelot fantasies, the Trunk family represented both the accomplishment and downfall of the American dream. For more than four years the Trunk children were left to fend for themselves, often living without a phone, electricity, heat and very little food. Just when life seemed unbearable, all seven children were rescued and taken in by relatives who already had three children and limited resources. It was here that they had a second chance to become a family again. An Official Selection of the 2004 Slamdance Film Festival. Winner of Best Documentary Feature at the 2004 7th Annual Magnolia Independent Film Festival. (78 min.)

 

THE FESTIVAL DIRECTOR’S AWARD

Reveille
Bruce Bennett

Starting his morning in New York City, all Larry wants is a cup of drip coffee and a tea to go. But what he gets instead is an eye-opening slice of life from The Big Apple, in this visually-told, beautifully shot, and innovative film. (7 min.)