2024 HUMANITARIAN AWARD WINNERS

The Humanitarian Award  honors filmmakers who are bringing awareness to issues of Ecological, Political, Social Justice and Equality, Health and Wellness, Animals, Wildlife, Conservation and Spiritual importance while at the same time demonstrating excellence in storytelling and filmmaking craft. Congratulations to this year’s illustrious winners who are committed to making a difference in the world through memorable filmmaking. To read more about the award CLICK HERE:

Unspoken – Damian Walshe-Howling

Damian Walshe-Howling (Australia), Unspoken, Film Short – Set against the backdrop of the 1979 Croatian independence protests in Sydney, Unspoken is a poignant short that delves into the personal and political tensions of the era – and is a cautionary tale for our current times. Deftly directed by Walshe-Howling, the narrative centers on a young Croatian-born woman whose secret relationship with her Australian boyfriend is thrust into the open as political unrest escalates. As the protests intensify, she is compelled to confront her family’s expectations and the societal pressures surrounding her, leading to profound personal consequences. The film’s intimate portrayal of a community caught between cultural identity and political turmoil offers a powerful exploration of the complexities of love, loyalty, and identity. Through its compelling storytelling and evocative performances, Unspoken captures a pivotal moment in history, resonating with themes that remain relevant today and delivers a potent visceral punch. Stars: Kat Dominis (The Messenger), Goran Grgić (Behind Enemy Lines), Matthew Alexander (Home and Away), Tom Wilson (Heartbreak High), Ella Scott Lynch (NCIS: Los Angeles).

Martyna Wojciechowska (Poland), Woman at the End of the World, If Courage had a Name, Television Series – An impactful series, running for 15 years that celebrates inspirational women and their transformative impact worldwide, hosted by Wojciechowska, a renowned Polish journalist, traveler, human rights activist, and former National Geographic Poland editor-in-chief. In the episode “If Courage Had a Name,” it exposes a horrifying Nigerian superstition where children are branded witches and abandoned to die. The episode follows Anja Ringgren Lovén, whose viral rescue of a starving two-year-old sparked global awareness and inspired her work founding Land of Hope, dedicated to saving these vulnerable children. Wojciechowska’s compelling, empathetic hosting brings depth and urgency to the story, making this episode a tightly crafted, powerful testament to courage, compassion, and hope.

Gary Francis Quigg (USA), The Foot: A Community Remembered, Documentary Short – tells the story of Jefferson City’s vibrant African American neighborhood, “The Foot,” through heartfelt interviews with residents whose memories are both warm and wrenching. Once a thriving hub of culture and community, “The Foot” was erased in the 1960s by highway construction and urban renewal. The film explores broader themes of displacement, cultural loss, and the complex costs of urban “progress,” revealing how government decisions can reshape—and sometimes erase—the lives and histories of entire communities. Through personal stories and archival footage, it honors a community’s resilience and its lasting legacy.

Daniel Sheire and Jessica Suarez, Conservation Media, the Cornell Lab of Ornithology (USA), Conservation and Recovery of the Scarlet Macaw in Mexico, Nature / Environment / Wildlife – Emmy-nominee Sheire and Nat Geo Explorer Suarez deliver a potent doc about the Scarlet Macaw, a vibrant symbol of the Mexican rainforest, who is sadly disappearing from the ecosystem. With stunning cinematography and compassionate expert interviews, this film explores the tireless efforts of Natura y Ecosistemas Mexicanos (NEM) to save the last viable population of these iconic birds. Facing the constant threat of poaching, NEM rescues hatchlings from vulnerable nests and, by partnering with local communities, has built a network to locate and protect macaw nests. This compelling film showcases the resilience of both people and wildlife united in the fight to preserve a species that symbolizes the beauty and diversity of the region’s natural heritage.

Kalman Apple and Natalin Avci (USA), Lucy the Lion, Contemporary Issues / Awareness Raising – Oscar-nominee Kalman Apple directs Lucy the Lion, a powerful short film about a single mother balancing personal ambition and parental responsibility amid economic hardship, prejudice, and societal judgment. The film, crafted with nuance and sensitivity, reveals the systemic challenges Lucy faces—financial instability, gender expectations, and social biases—that shape her struggle to secure a better future. Through intimate storytelling, it highlights the resilience and complexity behind the daily challenges many working mothers endure, offering a poignant look at the strength required to keep hope alive. Stars: Natalin Avci, Nick W. Nicholson, John F. Knight.

Brian Foyster (USA), The Last Take, LGBTQ+ – A poignant short film that delves into the life of a fading movie star from Hollywood’s Golden Age. As he faces the twilight of his career and life, he is compelled to confront unresolved emotions and reconcile with the only man he ever loved. Set against the backdrop of a bygone era, the film explores themes of love, regret, and the societal pressures that shaped the lives of LGBTQ+ individuals in a less accepting time. Through its intimate storytelling and evocative atmosphere, it reveals the cost of living a hidden truth behind the spotlight. Stellar performances deliver a deeply authentic portrayal of the private struggles behind Hollywood’s glamorous façade. Robert John Burke, Richard Fancy, Austin Basis, and Brian Foyster.

Dante Bellini (USA), Demons & Dragans. Mark Patinkin’s Cancer Journey, Contemporary Issues / Awareness Raising – Emmy-winner Bellini’s inspirational short doc chronicles Pulitzer Prize finalist Mark Patinkin’s battle with renal cell carcinoma, capturing his poignant confrontation with mortality and the profound impact on his family. Highlighting the pivotal role of his surgeon, Dr. Dragan Golijanin, and the medical team at The Miriam Hospital, the film explores themes of vulnerability, resilience, and the healing power of connection. Through intimate storytelling, Patinkin reflects on the emotional toll of his diagnosis, emphasizing the importance of family support and open communication. More than a story about cancer, this documentary is a powerful testament to the strength found in community and the courage to share one’s journey.

Skylar Chen and Rayne Sullivan (Palau), Palau, An Ocean Inheritance, Nature / Environment / Wildlife – a visually stunning and deeply moving documentary that explores the rich marine biodiversity and cultural heritage of Palau, a Pacific island nation renowned for its pristine waters. The film follows climate activist Rayne Sullivan as he highlights urgent challenges like climate change, over-fishing, and environmental degradation that threaten Palau’s delicate ecosystem. Beyond its local focus, the documentary speaks to universal themes of environmental stewardship, the fragile balance between humanity and nature, and the shared responsibility to protect our planet’s future. It celebrates the islanders’ enduring connection to the ocean and their proactive efforts to sustain their natural heritage, offering a hopeful message about resilience and community action worldwide.

 

Autumn Libengood (USA), Bleeding Heart, Viewer Impact: Content / Message Delivery

Caitlin Johnston (Australia), She Made It, Web Series

David Weder (Switzerland), Snacks for Smiles, Documentary Short

Den Wen-bin (Taiwan), Win-Win for Bats and Road-Bat Cave Ecology on Taiwan’s Provincial Highway No. 2 Coastal Highway, Documentary Short

Hung-Lung Hsu (Taiwan), Taiwan’s ‘Wild Bird’ Power Station, Documentary Short, Editing, Nature / Environment / Wildlife, Public Service Programming / PSA

Jessica Walsh and Brendan Walsh (USA), Seeing The Unseen: Aquatic Invaders & What’s at Stake, Nature / Environment / Wildlife

Karlos Simon (Spain), The 4 Kings, the Sanctuary in Halmahera Sea, Documentary Short

Lee Phillips (United Kingdom), Upstate Purgatory, Documentary Short

Mohammad Kazemzadeh Mojdehi (Iran), The Birth of a Girl, Film Short

Naz Çaybaşı (Turkey), Cycle, Film Short

Shireen Rahimi (Bermuda), Heart of the Sea, Film Short

Tierney Elizabeth Bonini (Kenya), The Gaza Man, Documentary Short

Andrea von Siebenthal (USA), MORE THAN BROTHERS, Contemporary Issues / Awareness Raising (Student)

Chari Pere (USA), Miscarried: An “Unspoken” Cartoonmentary, Animation, Women Theme, Jewish Filmmaker

Corban Aspegren (USA), Core City, Documentary Short

Ed R. Gutierrez (USA), Every Day, Something New, Animation

Genevieve Sulway (United Kingdom), I am Kanaka, Contemporary Issues / Awareness Raising, Native Peoples Theme

Gwen Levey and Logen Christopher  (USA), Barefoot & Pregnant, Music Video

Ian Sanders (United Kingdom), Sapara Nation. Guardians of the Sacred Rainforest, Native Peoples / Aboriginal Theme

Jeff A. Poole (USA), Planet X, Film Short

Jonah Lange (USA), Fury IV, Nature / Environment / Wildlife

Jonathan Sawyer (USA), I Am This Dark World’s Light, Documentary Short

Matthew Fridg (USA), The Homeless Pastor: A Legacy of Love and Hope, Documentary Short

Molly Moker (USA), Exploring Inclusion | Googlers meet USA Wheelchair Rugby Team, Contemporary Issues / Awareness Raising

Nicola Schafer (United Kingdom), Beneath The Surface, Nature / Environment / Wildlife, Documentary Short

Nolan Williams, Jr. (USA), Rise Up & Fight, African American Theme, Music Video

Sarah M. Temkin (USA), 1001cuts, Documentary Short

Thomas Allen Gear (USA), Prior Bad Acts, Liberation / Social Justice / Protest

William Hemminger (USA), Safer Stuff: Green Chemistry Gets Down to Business, Television – Program Series