Indigenous Peoples and Human Rights

November 17, 2008

American Indian Film Festival award winners 2008

THE 33rd ANNUAL AMERICAN INDIAN FILM FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES AWARDS WINNERS

By Cindy Benitz
Photo: Best film, Before Tomorrow

SAN FRANCISCO -- The American Indian Film Institute (AIFI) and Title Sponsor, the Seminole Tribe of Florida, are proud to announce the winners for the 33rd annual American Indian Film Festival. The award winners were presented at the annual American Indian Motion Picture Awards Show on Saturday Nov. 15 at 6:00p.m at the historic Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco.
The American Indian Motion Picture Awards Show, (established in 1978), has recognized excellence in American Indian cinematic achievement, making the annual awards show one of the most prominent Indian Country and Native Cinema showcases.
Outstanding performances varied across the talent venue, on awards night which included:
new country music artist Crystal Shawanda, You Can Let Go (single) -Dawn of a New Day CD; recording artist Shea Keck along with Grammy award winner Micki Free; violinist Swil Kanim and Raven dancer Gene Tagaban; Yaaw Tei Yi Tlingit Dancers from Juneau, AK; comic Charlie Hill; and singer Claude McKenzie.
Best Film: Before Tomorrow, Director: Marie –Helene Cousineau and Madeline Piujuq Ivalu, Canada
Best Director: Georgina Lightning, Older than America, USA
Best Actor: Trevor Duplessis, In a World Created By a Drunken God, Canada
Best Actress: Candace Fox, Moccasin Flats: Redemption,Canada
Best Supporting Actor: Wes Studi- Older than America, USA
Best Supporting Actress: Misty Upham- Frozen River,USA
Best Documentary Feature: River of Renewal, Director – Carlos Bolado, USA
Best Documentary Short: Byron Chief- Moon: Grey Horse Rider, Directors: Philip Szporer and Marlene Miller, Canada:
Best Live Action Short: Niigaanibatowaad: Front Runners, Director –Lori Lewis, Canada
Best Animated Short: By the Rapids, Director – Joseph Lazare, Canada
Best Music Video: You Can Let Go, Director: Margaret Malandruccolo, USA
Best Public Service: Modern Day Warriors, Director –Jenni Monet, USA
Cindy Benitez, Public Relations, American Indian Film Institute, 333 Valencia Street, Suite 322, San Francisco, CA 94103, Fax: 415-554-0542, email: publicrelations@aifisf.com, www.aifisf.com

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