THE CRITICS' AWARD FOR TECHNICAL ACHIEVEMENT

SAM THE SUPER STICKY

Notes from the critics: Mr. Thorman filled his animation with life. The line drawings, though bare-bones, are full of energy and wit. Inventive and surreal, this animation reminds of Gumby, Mr. Bill, and Pixar's early work.

THE CRITICS' AWARD FOR ACHIEVEMENT IN STORYTELLING

BASIC FRENCH

Notes from the critics: Mr. Blake constructs a simple, concise, but fantastically charming story. Furthermore, Blake is an inspired stylist, channeling David Gordon Green and Wes Anderson.

BEST IN SHOW

IN TRAINING

Notes from the critics: In In Training, Mr. Hackman has made quite a cinematic accomplishment. Kenny's story fascinates and inspires. The variety and depth of the interviews was impressive, and the narrative was enchanting.

VOX POPULI

SAM THE SUPER STICKY

Critic's comments on Good Cake and Flashbulbs Pop

GOOD CAKE: Mr. Kelley's GOOD CAKE is ambitious and succeeds on almost all counts. Making a film about film is a feat in and of itself, but to accomplish it with such grace and style is a coup. It was well-conceived, well-shot, well-paced, well-told, well-edited and utterly charming; the boys are naturals, all of them. The film also works as a quickie primer on filmmaking. A truly inspired effort.

FLASHBULBS POP: Ms. Barker developed an interesting narrative in Flashbulbs Pop, and the film shines on the technical side. The filming is rich, the photography brilliant, and the film's composition very stylish.

THANK YOU for watching. We'll see you next year!

NOTES ON THE AWARDS:

The Critics' Award for Technical Achievement: Awarded to a film that is an exemplar of the art and science of film production.

The Critics' Award for Achievement in Storytelling: Awarded to a film that taps our collective consciousness, provokes introspection, and inspires.

Best in Show: Awarded to a film of particular merit. Mere words are inadequate to express the complexity, the beauty, and the brilliance of film; instead, let's just say that this award is given to a film that our critics believe is simply the best.

Vox Populi: Awarded by the people to their favorite film.

If you would like to get in touch with any of the filmmakers, or learn more about the festival, please email the festival director, Peter Stein, at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)