2012 Winners
Happy New Year
Best Film:
K. Lorrel Manning, Director; Michael Cuomo, Producer
'Synopsis: HAPPY NEW YEAR is the story of “Sgt. Cole Lewis” who, mentally and physically scarred by his time served in Iraq and Afghanistan, finds humanity, compassion and friendship in a group of similarly injured veterans in the psychiatric ward at a remote Veterans Hospital. The group, ranging from guys left behind from WWII and Vietnam, to those recently injured in the Middle East, slowly become Lewis’ new family. Along with them, he will attempt to redefine his sense of self, and find a new place in the world. Through humor and pathos, Lewis becomes a ray of hope in the ward, as the men find a way to combat their post-war grief. However, just as their luck starts to change, Lewis soon faces his fiercest battle yet.
Best Documentary and Audience Choice:
Awaken the Dragon
Synopsis:Beyond survival, an ancient Chinese sport catapults an unlikely crew of cancer survivors into a new way of being. Redefining the word 'sick' and re-framing the meaning of their diagnosis, these fractured individuals transform into a single force of power and beauty. Wrapped in a sport that is a feast for the senses, this film of nail-biting competition and intimate revelations challenges traditional medical thinking; revealing a path to wellness that holds hope for all survivors. Awaken the Dragon is a moving and inspiring ride that leaves viewers wondering if they too have the power to awaken the dragon within.
Liz Oakley: Director and Producer, Charleston, SC
Best Short Film:
Quirk of Fate
Marco J. Reidl Director Cologne, Germany
Synopsis:A quirk of fate leads Luke Hallow to risk violating his parole and losing his newly won freedom. He has to save the life of his nine-year-old daughter, Noel, who urgently needs a donor heart. Only a miracle
keeps him from losing everything forever.
Best Screenplay:
The Wedding Photographer
By Teresa Bruce, Beaufort, SC
Synopsis: 'A cynical Chicago advertising agency photographer, forced into shooting weddings for a season, is trapped in Southern Belle Hell. Even snubbing South Carolina's high-society wedding planner doesn't get him fired. A prisoner of his own genius, he can't take a bad picture of a beautiful bride. He's The Wedding Photographer. Bless his heart.
Best Student Film:
The Road to Jacob
Matt Allen Director, Savannah, GA
Synopsis: Dean has been in and out of prison all his life, but tomorrow he gets out. Feeling the need to change his ways due to the son that he has never met, Dean has to adapt to society and gain the self -respect and confidence needed to enter his son's life.