Short Term 12
The 18th annual Nantucket Film Festival which ran June 25 -30, 2013, is all over and announced its awards – with the top awards as usual honoring screenwriters. The top award – Showtime Tony Cox Award for Best Screenwriting in a Feature Film was awarded to Destin Daniel Cretton’s “SHORT TERM 12.” Winner of the Grand Jury Prize and the Audience Award for Best Narrative Feature at SXSW, SHORT TERM 12 is described as the touching and uplifting story of Grace, a twenty-something social worker. Her newest ward, Jayden, forces Grace to relive her own difficult upbringing just as she and her boyfriend Mason are on the cusp of making a decision that will change their lives. Funny, moving, and surprising, the film delivers an emotional powerhouse through tremendous performances and a smart script.
As for popular favorite films at the festival, the Audience Award for Best Feature Film went to Sean Fine and Andrea Nix Fine’s documentary film “LIFE ACCORDING TO SAM.” When their son, Sam, was diagnosed with progeria, an extremely rare and fatal disease characterized by accelerated aging symptoms, doctors Leslie Gordon and Scott Berns were told simply to enjoy him while they could. Instead, they spearheaded a campaign that has led to amazing discoveries, and Sam is turning 17 this year. LIFE ACCORDING TO SAM is an inspiring and heartwarming film about the power of family and making the most of the time we are given.
The list of award winning films at the 2013 Nantucket Film Festival:
The Showtime Tony Cox Award for Best Screenwriting in a Feature Film: Destin Daniel Cretton’s “SHORT TERM 12.”
The Showtime Tony Cox Award for Best Screenwriting in a Short Film: Goran Dukic’s “WHAT DO WE HAVE IN OUR POCKETS?”
Audience Award for Best Feature Film: Sean Fine and Andrea Nix Fine’s “LIFE ACCORDING TO SAM”
Audience Award for Best Short Film: PES’ “FRESH GUACAMOLE”
Teen View Award: Matthew Bonifacio’s “FORTUNE HOUSE”
The Vimeo Award for Best Writer/Director: Ryan Coogler, “FRUITVALE STATION“
Adrienne Shelley Excellence in Filmmaking Award: “OUR NIXON“
Showtime Tony Cox Screenplay Competition Award (Feature Film): “CAKE,” by Patrick Tobin
Showtime Tony Cox Screenplay Award (Short Film): “THE BRAVEST, THE BOLDEST,” by Moon Molson and Eric Fallen
Nantucket Film Festival Best Short Film: Mick Andrews and Brett O’ Gorman’s “DOTTY”
Screenwriter’s Tribute: David O. Russell
New Voices in Screenwriting Award: Lake Bell
A&E Special Achievement in Documentary Storytelling Award: Barbara Kopple
Hour-Long TV Pilot Award: “THE MESSIAH PROJECT,” by David Baugnon
Half-Hour TV Pilot Award, “TIME OUT,” by Ian McWethy