The 2009 Seattle Lesbian and Gay Film Festival (SLGFF) wrapped up its 14th run October 25 after a stellar run featuring unique and edgy stories told on eleven screens throughout Seattle. SLGFF, produced by local nonprofit Three Dollar Bill Cinema, is well-known for offering the best in lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender film and video. The festival’s juried and audience awards have been announced.
2009 Seattle Lesbian & Gay Film Festival Juried Awards:
BEST FEATURE FILM: The Man Who Loved Yngve
Directed by Stian Kristiansen.
An unexpectedly delightful film, THE MAN WHO LOVED YNGVE tells a compelling and beautifully cinematic coming-of-age story which captures the cynicism and innocence of self-discovery. Amazing performances and solid storytelling allow Stian Kristiansen to direct a memorable and fully engaging film.
FEATURE FILM HONORABLE MENTION: I Can’t Think Straight
Directed by Shamim Sarif
As a genre, I CAN’T THINK STRAIGHT, is film that needs to be recognized for its complex story and politics. Filmmaker Shamim Sarif is a remarkable storyteller that will continue to push the boundaries of world and social issues.
BEST DOCUMENTARY FILM: Edie & Thea: A Very Long Engagement
Directed by Gréta Olafsdóttir and Susan Muska
A timeless and timely love story that transcends being gay and is truly universal. This deeply intimate portrait of two charming, intelligent women and their life together engages the audience to consider the nature of love, commitment, and the definition of marriage. A movie that touched our hearts and brought the entire audience to tears.
BEST SHORT FILM: Diana
Directed by Aleem Khan
For a powerful and expressive portrayal of alienation based on complex identity. This film uniquely tackles all of the multiple challenges—cultural identity, gender identity, sexual orientation, and family relationships—in a single character.
SHORT FILM HONOURABLE MENTION: Claiming the Title
Directed by Jonathan Joiner and Robert H. Martin
For shedding light on an important part of our combined historical struggle against blatant discrimination. For reminding us that progress is not about winning or losing but about taking courageous, continual, incremental steps.
MOST INNOVATIVE SHORT: The Apple
Directed by Emilie Jouvet
For transcending our expectations of queer cinema. THE APPLE was a visual feast that showed us the sensuality of the forbidden.
2009 Seattle Lesbian & Gay Film Festival – Audience Awards:
Favorite Narrative Feature: PRAYERS FOR BOBBY, directed by Russell Mulcahy
Favorite Documentary: EDIE & THEA: A VERY LONG ENGAGEMENT, directed by Gréta Olafsdóttir and Susan Muska
Favorite Local Film: WAXIE MOON, directed by Wes Hurley
Favorite Short: CLAIMING THE TITLE, directed by Jonathan Joiner and Robert H. Martin
Favorite Boys Short: DIRTY MAGAZINES, directed by Jay J. Levy
Favorite Girls Short: ONE NIGHT, directed by Laura Jean Cronin
For more info about the awards or the Seattle’s Lesbian & Gay Film Festival, visit http://threedollarbillcinema.org.
