Woodstock, NY — At the 25th iteration of the Woodstock Film Festival, a cinematic event celebrated for spotlighting indie films and visionary artists, Kyle Hausmann-Stokes’ “My Dead Friend Zoe” garnered the top prize for Best Feature Narrative. His film, which stars notable actors such as Sonequa Martin-Green, Natalie Morales, Ed Harris, and Morgan Freeman, tells the poignant story of an Afghanistan war vet who confronts her own wartime scars and her Vietnam vet grandfather, at their family’s ancestral lake house.
The movie, which evolved from a short film by Hausmann-Stokes, himself a U.S. Army veteran and filmmaker, impressed the jury—comprising professionals Oren Moverman, Roger Ross Williams, and Debra Granik. They lauded the work for its “standout central performance” and depth in examining “the darkness of the human psyche” in the aftermath of war, recognizing its efforts to spotlight the tragic consequences of conflict.
Furthermore, “My Dead Friend Zoe” also clinched the Haskell Wexler Award for Best Cinematography, praised for Matt Sakatani Roe’s ability to blend “levity and weight, grace and cruelty,” through his camera work. In addition, the film received an honorable mention for Best Narrative Editing, a nod to the work of editor Ali Greer.
On the documentary front, “Porcelain War” directed by Brendan Bellomo and Slava Leontyev, seized the Grand Jury Award for Best Feature Documentary. The film follows Ukrainian couple Leontyev and Anya Stasenko, artists who persist in their craft amid the ongoing Russian invasion, even as Leontyev also serves in the Ukrainian army. The documentary jury, consisting of Ivy Meeropol, Angela Patton, and Julie Goldman, were captivated by its “visually stunning cinematography and deeply emotional storytelling”.
“My Dead Friend Zoe” and “Porcelain War” were not the only films recognized for their storytelling and technical prowess. “Troll Storm,” a gripping documentary by Eunice Lau, took home the NYWIFT Excellence in Documentary Filmmaking Award, which comes with a $1,000 prize and a six-month NYWIFT membership.
Jessica Blank and Erik Jensen’s “Brooklyn, Minnesota” received accolades as well, winning the Best Ultra Indie award and an Excellence in Narrative Filmmaking from NYWIFT. Jurors praised the film for its expansive storytelling, despite a limited budget, and its probing into generational trauma and personal reconciliation.
The festival’s milestone edition also honored revered filmmaker Paul Schrader with the Honorary Maverick Award. Ira Deutchman received the Honorary Trailblazer Award for his extensive contributions to film marketing and distribution. Additionally, filmmakers Pamela Yates and Paco de Onís were awarded the inaugural Art of Activism Award, recognized for their works that combine cinema and human rights defense.
As attendees basked in the collective appreciation of cinema, filmmakers, and their crafts, the festival not only showcased emerging and established talents but also fostered discussions on pivotal issues through the powerful medium of film. Note that this article was automatically generated by OpenAI, and therefore, the facts and narratives might contain discrepancies. Corrections or retractions can be requested via email at contact@publiclawlibrary.org.