Austin, Texas – The winners of the 31st SXSW Film & TV Festival were announced on Wednesday evening, marking a celebration of outstanding talent and innovation in the industry. The festival honored a diverse range of films and TV shows in various categories, including Narrative Feature, Documentary Feature, Shorts, Independent TV Pilots, Music Videos, Design, and XR Experience.
One of the standout winners was “Bob Trevino Likes It,” directed by Tracie Laymon, which took home the top prize in the Narrative Feature Competition. This semi-autobiographical film tells the story of a struggling young woman who finds solace in an unexpected connection. The jury appreciated the film’s raw and honest portrayal of the human experience, and praised the performances of Barbie Ferreira and John Leguizamo for bringing the characters to life.
Another film that gained recognition was “Mamifera,” directed by Liliana Torres, which received the Special Jury Award for Performance. Maria RodrÃguez Soto’s performance in the film, a character study of motherhood, was described as detailed and unflinching. The jury commended Soto for her dedication and curiosity in bringing the character to life.
In the Documentary Feature Competition, “Grand Theft Hamlet” stood out as the winner. The film, directed by Pinny Grylls and Sam Crane, explores the unique combination of 16th-century drama and 21st-century online gameplay. The jury praised the film for its innovative approach to storytelling and its ability to bridge different forms of media.
The winner of the Narrative Short Competition was “Dissolution,” directed by Anthony Saxe. This poignant film delves into the complexities of love and marriage, merging decades of footage to create a profound exploration of human connections. The jury commended the film for its exceptional directorial restraint and its ability to leave a lasting impact on viewers.
The Texas Shorts Competition honored “Jedo’s Dead,” directed by Sara Nimeh, which portrays the intimate journey of two young siblings navigating their emotions in the face of grief. The film’s exploration of loss and its universal themes resonated with the jury, who praised its authentic portrayal and cinematography.
The Independent TV Pilot Competition acknowledged “Marvin Is Sorry,” a serio-comical pilot that tackles timely issues and media influencers’ disingenuous tactics. The jury applauded the pilot’s sharp-edged point of view and its potential for continued exploration of complex characters and engaging storylines.
The SXSW Special Awards recognized the remarkable contributions of individuals in the industry. The Janet Pierson Champion Award, named after the festival’s Director Emeritus, was presented to Kara Durrett, President of Pinky Promise Films. Durrett’s tireless work championing filmmakers and her impressive body of work earned her this prestigious accolade. The Kickstarter NextGen Award went to Benjamin Finkel for his film “Family,” which captivated viewers with its chilling and thought-provoking narrative.
The 31st SXSW Film & TV Festival winners represent the ingenuity and creativity of the industry. Through their storytelling, these exceptional filmmakers and artists have left a lasting impact on audiences, bringing new perspectives and pushing the boundaries of the medium.