By: Valerie Milano

Los Angeles, CA (The Hollywood Times) 8/1/23 – The Female Eye Film Festival is an annual event showcasing the diverse talents and perspectives of women filmmakers worldwide. Established in 2001, it has grown to become one of the most respected and influential film festivals dedicated to promoting and supporting women in the industry.

The festival offers emerging and established female filmmakers a platform to showcase their work and connect with industry professionals, fostering collaboration and mentorship opportunities. By providing a space exclusively for women’s voices and stories, the Female Eye Film Festival aims to challenge the underrepresentation of women in the film industry and inspire future generations of female filmmakers.

This year The Hollywood Times was in attendance and had the chance to experience a diverse selection of films directed by women, covering various genres, themes, and styles. From thought-provoking documentaries to captivating narratives, these films offered a unique perspective on the world through the lens of talented female filmmakers.

Here is the list of award winners for Best Films, Best Screenplays, and Honorable Mentions: 

BEST FILM

My Love Affair with Marriage, directed by Signe Baumane.  This movie will open in Los Angeles on Oct 13.

 

BEST FOREIGN SHORT ANIMATION

Dancing Amid the Fire, Rising Above the Ruins, directed by Essmat Sophie

BEST NORTH AMERICAN ANIMATION

Ouroboros, directed by Jennifer Linton

 

BEST EXPERIMENTAL FILM

Behind the Loom, directed by Heejoo Kim

BEST SHORT FILMS 2023

EXCAVATING THE TRUTH

VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN PROGRAM:

BEST FOREIGN SHORT

The Silent Canary, directed by Vera Graziadei

 

BEST NORTH AMERICAN SHORT

Esmerelda, directed Jennifer Greco

 

LOVE SEX & IDENTITY PROGRAM:

BEST NORTH AMERICAN SHORT

Honey & Milk, directed by Lisa “dash” Donato

INTERGENERATIONAL FAMILIAL RESPONSE

Honourable Mention

The Sun is Up Forever, directed by Charlene Jones

INTERGENERATIONAL FAMILIAL RESPONSE

BEST FOREIGN SHORT 2023

Cycle, directed by Çaybaşı

INTERGENERATIONAL RESPONSE 

BEST NORTH AMERICAN SHORT

Seventeen, directed by Geqi li

BEST FOREIGN SHORT

My Old Gals, directed by Natasza Parzymies

THE PERSONAL IS POLITICAL:

I Was Born In 1988 directed by Yasamna Baghban

BEST SHORT FILM IN A GALA PROGRAM:

Juniors Giant, directed by Paula Brancati

 

 

BEST DOCUMENTARIES 2023

BEST SHORT DOCUMENTARY

The Big Idea: Indigenous Robotics, directed by Sarah Klein and Tom Mason

BEST FOREIGN FEATURE DOCUMENTARY

Beyond the light Barrier, directed by Uga Carlini

 

 

BEST CANADIAN FEATURE DOCUMENTARY

Category: Woman, Directed by Phyllis Ellis

SPECIAL JURY PRIZE

Most Impactful Film 2023

The Nature of Healing, directed by Faith Howe

Patricia Chica (Photo: Byron A. Martin)

BEST FEATURE FILMS 2023

BEST DEBUT CANADIAN FEATURE

Montréal Girls, directed by Patricia Chica

Read our review: Montréal Girls (2023): A Poetic Odyssey Of Personal Growth | The Hollywood Times

BEST DEBUT FOREIGN FEATURE

Grey Matter, directed by Arabella Burfitt-Dons

BEST NORTH AMERICAN FEATURE

My Home Unknown, directed by Yaz Canli

BEST OF SHOW

Stella, directed by Jessica Fox

BEST LATE-NIGHT THRILLS & CHILLS SHORT

Kickstart my Heart, directed by Kelsey Bollig

Special Jury Prize

Late Night Thrills & Chills Feature

Spoonful of Sugar, directed by Mercedes Bryce Morgan

BEST SCREENPLAYS 2023

Best Series: The Test written by Alyssah Richards

Best Feature: Invisible written by Shira Levin

Best Fresh Voice: Afghan Smoke written by Brishkay Ahmed

HONOURABLE MENTIONS 2023

Honourable Mention – Experimental

In Somnie, directed by Caro Bruchmann

Honourable Mention – Short Documentary

The Irreverent Feminists, directed by Maria del Carmen, De Lara Rangel and Tabatta Salinas Caballero

Honourable Mention – Feature Documentary

Koromousso: Big Sister, directed by Habibata Quarme and Jim Donovan

Jim and Habi at the awards 7/30/23 in Toronto (Photo: THT)

Read our review of Koromousso: Big Sister:

Co-directors Habibata Ouarme and Jim Donovan talk about their new film “Koromousso- Big Sister” | The Hollywood Times

Honourable Mention – Excavating Truths, Violence Against Women

Gefilte Fish, directed by Yuliya Lanina

 

 

Honourable Mention – Intergenerational Familial Response

The Sun is Up Forever, directed by Charlene Jones

 

 

Honourable Mention – Late Night Thrills & Chills Short

First Blood, directed by Olivia Loccisano

Honourable Mention – Late Night Thrills & Chills Short

Nian, directed by Michelle Krusiac