Out Now
"My intent with this festival is simple: bring art alive again. I spent years covering film festivals as a member of the media. I began to discover that the main motivation for many of these events was not the movies. Because I am a leader and not one who lags, I took it upon myself to produce a platform whereby art would once again come alive. Less celebrity and red carpets; more about honoring the czars of independent cinema. Give filmmakers and fans a chance to mesh and make dreams happen. Show worthy work by astounding artisans. Lastly, help them to create more film through offering them more exposure."
I am so thrilled that my festival, over the course of the last eight years, has done so much to help the filmmaking community. Those who have met through my event have gone on to work together to make more movies. I am proud to say that I have provided numerous Q and A panels that are both thought provoking and truly in-depth. I am delighted that many filmmakers have left the festival not just with laurels, but also film reviews, interviews at and after the festival, as well as being offered distribution on various platforms. I am also told that my festival is a very friendly, hands on experience that allows for numerous networking opportunities. Lastly, I am able to honor the lives and legendary work of those in and out of Hollywood. Thank YOU one and all for helping me to achieve all these accolades.
Below is the list of winners for the 2025 Art is Alive Film Festival. I am incredibly thrilled for all of these talented artisans, and wish them well with their future endeavors.
Best Comedic Film - "The Commission"
Best Feature Film - "What's Left of Us" & "If This is Goodbye"
Best Dramatic Film Over 17 Minutes - "Jacob Kainen: The Last Expression"
Best Dramatic Film Under 17 Minutes - "Life Support" & "218"
John Gallagher Award for Best Director of a Dramatic Film Under 17 Minutes - Jason Tolbert - "Life Support" & Sam Pinnelas - "Trevor Hurt Someone"
John Gallagher Award for Best Director of a Dramatic Film Over 17 Minutes - Duda Penteado - "Artists That Inspire Future Generations: 10th Anniversary JCYMAP Program"
John Gallagher Award for Best Director of a Feature Film - Aaron Strand - "Withdrawal"
Best Cinematography in Feature Film - Jake Johnson - "If This is Goodbye"
Best Cinematography in a Dramatic Short or Series Over 17 Minutes - "Townsend"
Best Cinematography in a Dramatic Short or Series Under 17 Minutes - Emile Haris - "Quarantine"
Mela Hudson Award for Best Actress in a Feature Film or Web Series - Mille Rose Evans - "Withdrawal"
Mela Hudson Award for Best Actress in a Short Film - Elena Gogoladze - "Winter Sun"
Michael Madsen Award for Best Male Actor in a Dramatic Short Film Under 17 Minutes - Billy Carlos Saleebey - "218" & Daniel Grochowski - "Gun Control"
Michael Madsen Award for Best Male Actor in a Dramatic Short Film Over 17 Minutes - Steven Earl Oliver - "Diego Velazquez: A Body of Work" & Matt Borlenghi - "Townsend"
Michael Madsen Award for Best Male Actor in a Feature Film or Web Series - Kenny Pollone - "If This is Goodbye" & Haulston Mann - "How to Start A Cult in 5 Easy Steps"
Best Film Screenplay - "What's Left of Us"
YOUTH AWARDS:
Best Youth or Student Film -" Piecing the Remnants" & "Cowboy Connor"
Best Youth or Student Screenplay - Quoc Huy Tran - "Pretend I Existed"
Best Director of a Youth or Student Film - Alan Davis - "Is This All There Is to It"
Best Cinematography in a Youth or Student Film - Patrick Civitelli - "Ascending Beyond the Shadows"
Best Actor in a Youth or Student Film - Elijah Bourne - "Piecing the Remnants"