The 2021 Milwaukee Film Festival which ran virtually May 6-20 with over 200 films, wrapped with the awards – with “Who We Are: A Chronicle of Racism in America” directed by Emily Kunstler and Sarah Kunstler taking the Audience Award for Best Feature.
Top jury awards went to “Once Upon a Time in Venezuela” directed by Anabel Rodríguez Ríos for best documentary, “Mama Gloria” directed by Luchina Fisher won the Black Lens award and “The Heartland” directed by Marquise Mays won the Cream City Cinema award.
Winners of 2021 Milwaukee Film Festival Awards
Juried Awards
Documentary Jury Award ($5,000)
Winner: “Once Upon a Time in Venezuela” (dir. Anabel Rodríguez Ríos)
Special Mention: “Manzanar Diverted: When Water Becomes Dust” (dir. Ann Kaneko)
Black Lens Jury Award ($5,000)
Winner: “Mama Gloria” (dir. Luchina Fisher)
Special Mention: “How It Feels to be Free” (dir. Yoruba Richen)
Cream City Cinema Jury Award (3 awards totaling $10,000)
Winner ($5,000): “The Heartland” (dir. Marquise Mays)
Winner ($2,500): “Background Material” (dir. Britany Gunderson)
Winner ($2,500): “25 Weeks: A Wisconsin Pizza Harvest” (dir. Charlie Tennessen)
Pitch Contest ($15,000)
Winner: “The Good Land” (dir. Andrew Swant and scr. Michaela Murry)
Audience Awards
Allan H. (Bud) and Suzanne L. Selig Audience Award for Best Short ($1,000): “Tulip” (dirs. Andrea Love and Phoebe Wahl)
Allan H. (Bud) and Suzanne L. Selig Audience Award for Best Feature ($2,000): “Who We Are: A Chronicle of Racism in America” (dirs. Emily Kunstler and Sarah Kunstler)
Watch the 2021 Milwaukee Film Festival Awards Ceremony