Stony Brook, NY – The Stony Brook Film Festival, presented by Island Federal, concluded its 29th season with a vibrant awards ceremony showcasing an eclectic mix of global cinema that thrilled attendees from July 27 at the Staller Center for the Arts. This year’s lineup most notably marked a historic occasion for the festival—it hosted its largest crowd since the pandemic, included a record-breaking number of awards, and celebrated one of the youngest filmmakers to ever receive an accolade at this esteemed event.
Throughout the ten-day festival, a total of 36 films from 19 different countries were screened, reflecting a diverse palette of independent filmmaking. Thirteen of these films were honored during the closing ceremony, which witnessed some of the most innovative and touching stories brought to the big screen this year.
The highlight of the evening was the Grand Prize Award given to “Mediha,” a compelling documentary directed by Hasan Oswald. The film portrays the poignant story of a young Yazidi girl’s return from ISIS captivity, marking the second time a documentary has claimed the festival’s top honor. During his acceptance speech, Oswald emphasized the importance of acknowledging the ongoing struggles faced by the Yazidi community and the broader implications of global conflict.
Additionally, “Audrey’s Children” received the 2024 Dr. Gabriel Sara Humanitarian Award. The award was introduced at last year’s festival honoring Dr. Gabriel Sara’s compassionate approach to cancer treatment at Sloan Kettering in New York City. Featuring a groundbreaking story about Dr. Audrey Evans, a pioneer in pediatric cancer treatments and co-founder of The Ronald McDonald House, the film received much acclaim, even outside the traditional competition bracket.
Another significant award, The Spirit of Independent Filmmaking, was presented to “Daughter of the Sun.” This award honors standout films made with limited resources. The film, which narrates the life of a man with Tourette’s Syndrome and supernatural abilities struggling to protect his young daughter, was lauded for its creative execution and storytelling. Ryan Ward and Mackenzie Leigh, the producer and director who also starred in the film, expressed their gratitude for the recognition of their hard work.
The festival also celebrated the achievements of young filmmakers like 20-year-old Zach Finger from Long Island and 19-year-old Axel Dahan from France. Both tied for the Audience Choice Award for Best Short, with Dahan becoming the youngest award recipient at the festival. His short film, “On the Paths Awakened,” was celebrated for its artistic vision and maturity, heralding him as a promising new voice in cinema.
“Running on Sand” captured the Audience Choice Award for Best Feature, beautifully depicting the story of a refugee mistaken for a famous soccer star, adding light-hearted yet profound commentary on identity and belonging.
Moreover, the festival’s jury presented awards recognizing outstanding directing and storytelling. “Mastergame” clinched the Jury Award for Directing, with its director Barnabás Toth praising the festival as a healing experience for creators. Other jury awards included “Where We Belong” for Best Short and “The Strangers’ Case” for Best Feature, each selected for their unique narrative and cinematic achievements.
As the festival wrapped up with honors also going to films like “The Blond Boy from the Casbah” and “One Million Minutes,” the impact of the Stony Brook Film Festival continues to resonate as a significant cultural event that celebrates and elevates the art of independent filmmaking.