Film at Eleven

Linda Hattendorf’s The Cats of Mirikitani has won the Best Feature prize at this year’s Big Sky Documentary Film Festival. The jury said of the film:

“We recognize this film for the ability of cinema to transform not only the lives of the viewers who witness it, but also the transformation of the lives of the filmmaker and the subject - an impact that is often understated or denied in the documentary filmmaking process, but in this case is embraced when the events of life surpass the conventions and expectations of filmmaking itself. This is a film that renders the true depth of the importance of artists in society. This film introduces us to an extraordinary, and previously unrecognized ‘Grand Master Artist’ - Jimmy Mirikatini. His creations are both a source of coping with his tragic past and a catalyst for his salvation. We celebrate the ability of the filmmaker to show great restraint as she navigates the potential land mines of politics. The film skillfully references an aspect of America’s dark racist past and creates a poignant parallel to current events. We honor this film for its artistry, social consciousness, humanity, and for demonstrating the real impact documentary can have on people’s lives.”

The Artistic Vision Award went to Carolina Rivas’ The Colour of Olives, about which the jury said:

“This film transports us into a time and place through its artistic vision. It allows the viewer to observe from the vantage point of those living in the midst of a difficult conflict - a Palestinian family imprisoned in their own home. The film artfully conveys the truth and poignancy of this situation without the limits of more conventional filmmaking techniques.”

And the Big Sky Award went to Travis Peterson’s Salvation Mountain:

“We would like to acknowledge the wealth of important issues explored via the films in this category. We elected, however, to give the Big Sky Award to a modest yet artistically realized portrait, Salvation Mountain. It is a beautifully shot film that does not judge the artistry or convictions of its subject whose work in scale and execution could only belong to the American West.

Marilyn Braverman’s A Revolving Door won the Best Short award; JD Ligon’s Ha Ha Ha America was awarded Best MiniDoc and Wojciech Kasperski’s Seeds won the Artistic Vision Award.

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