…and just like that, the SXSW Film Festival is winding down a close. There are only a few days left at the fest, and folks are beginning to have BBQ regret as they pack their bags to leave Austin. But before they do, the juries have weighed in and handed out the statues for the best of the fest.
In the Narrative Feature department, “Gimme The Loot” has taken the Grand Jury prize. Directed by Adam Leon, making his feature film debut, the movie tells the story of Malcolm and Sofia, two determined teens from the Bronx who hatch a plan for revenge against a rival gang of graffitti artists by tagging a NYC landmark. Word out of Austin has been very strong on this one, and we’re eager to see it ourselves.
Meanwhile, in the Documentary category, “Beware Of Mr. Baker” scored the win. Another debut here, this time from Jay Bulger, the doc investigates the fascinating life of Ginger Baker, the drummer for Cream and Blind Faith, who battled drug addiction and self-destructive behavior while also creating an enviable catalog of music and becoming one of rock ‘n roll’s most colorful players.
No distribution deals for either film yet, but surely that will change soon. Full list of winners, the teaser for “Gimme The Loot” and the video for Battles‘ “My Machine” below (the latter won Best Music Video, and yeah, it really rules).
Documentary Feature
Grand Jury Winner: “Beware of Mr. Baker”
Director: Jay Bulger
Narrative Feature
Grand Jury Winner: “Gimme the Loot”
Director: Adam Leon
Feature Film Audience Awards
DOCUMENTARY FEATURE
Winner: “Bay of All Saints”
Director: Annie Eastman
NARRATIVE FEATURE
Winner: “Eden”
Director: Megan Griffiths
Short Film Jury Awards
NARRATIVE SHORT
Winner: “The Chair”
Director: Grainger David
DOCUMENTARY SHORTS
Winner: “CatCam”
Director: Seth Keal
ANIMATED SHORTS
Winner: “(Notes On) Biology”
Director: Danny Madden
SXGLOBAL SHORTS
Winner: “The Perfect Fit”
Director: Tali Yankelevich
MIDNIGHT SHORTS
Winner: “Don’t Hug Me I’m Scared”
Directors: Rebecca Sloan and Joseph Pelling
MUSIC VIDEOS
Winner: Battles, “My Machines”
Director: Daniels Casey
TEXAS SHORTS
Winner: “Spark”
Time Warner Cable & Ovation Young Filmmaker Scholarship for Texas High School Shorts
Winner: “Boom”
Jury Recognition: “Code Red”
SXSW Film Design Awards
EXCELLENCE IN POSTER DESIGN
Winner: “Man and Gun”
EXCELLENCE IN TITLE DESIGN
Winner: “Les Bleus de Ramville”
Audience Award Winner: “Bunraku”
SXSW Special Awards
SXSW WHOLPHIN AWARD
Winner: “The Black Balloon”
Director: Sen Safdie and Josh Safdie
SXSW CHICKEN & EGG EMERGENT NARRATIVE WOMAN DIRECTOR AWARD
Winners (Tied): “Eden” and “Sun Don’t Shine”
Directosr: Megan Griffiths (“Eden”) and Amy Seimetz (“Sun Don’t Shine”)
LOUIS BLACK LONE STAR AWARD
Winner: “Bernie”
Director: Richard Linklater
Special Recognition: “Trash Dance”
Director: Andrew Garrison
KAREN SCHMEER FELLOWSHIP
Winner: Lindsay Utz
