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
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
Read our review of Koromousso: Big Sister:
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