Independent Spirit Awards
Congratulations to the Film Fatales members who have been recognized by the Film Independent Spirit Awards!
All That’s Left of You directed by Cherien Dabis – Best International Film
In the Occupied West Bank of the 1980s, a Palestinian teenager is swept into a protest that changes the course of his family’s life. Reeling from its aftermath, his mother shares the story that led them to that fateful moment. Spanning seven decades, All That’s Left of You traces the hopes and heartaches of one uprooted family, revealing not only the scars of displacement, but the unbreakable spirit of survival.
In the Occupied West Bank of the 1980s, a Palestinian teenager is swept into a protest that changes the course of his family’s life. Reeling from its aftermath, his mother shares the story that led them to that fateful moment. Spanning seven decades, All That’s Left of You traces the hopes and heartaches of one uprooted family, revealing not only the scars of displacement, but the unbreakable spirit of survival.
Blue Sun Palace directed by Constance Tsang – Best First Feature, Best First Screenplay, Best Cinematography, Best Supporting Performance
When tragedy strikes, an unexpected bond forms between two migrants in the Chinese community of Queens. Far from home, their labor-filled lives intertwine as they grieve and search for familial connections.
When tragedy strikes, an unexpected bond forms between two migrants in the Chinese community of Queens. Far from home, their labor-filled lives intertwine as they grieve and search for familial connections.
Citizen Nation directed by Singeli Agnew – Best New Documentary Series
Diverse teens from across America come together to compete in a prestigious civics competition, bringing their unique perspectives and backgrounds to the intellectual arena.
Diverse teens from across America come together to compete in a prestigious civics competition, bringing their unique perspectives and backgrounds to the intellectual arena.
Esta Isla directed by Cristian Carretero and Lorraine Jones Molina – Cassavetes Award WINNER
Bebo, a teenager from a coastal Puerto Rican town, lives with his brother in a public housing complex. They fish for a living, but growing desperation drives them to illegal dealings that promise easy money. When a job goes wrong and blood is spilled, Bebo flees with Lola, a wealthy girl seeking to escape her troubled reality. As they navigate the labyrinthine mountains, they encounter remnants of a fading way of life, contrasting with the violence that follows them. As hitmen close in, Bebo must confront his choices and decide if redemption is possible, or if the sea will be their final escape.
Bebo, a teenager from a coastal Puerto Rican town, lives with his brother in a public housing complex. They fish for a living, but growing desperation drives them to illegal dealings that promise easy money. When a job goes wrong and blood is spilled, Bebo flees with Lola, a wealthy girl seeking to escape her troubled reality. As they navigate the labyrinthine mountains, they encounter remnants of a fading way of life, contrasting with the violence that follows them. As hitmen close in, Bebo must confront his choices and decide if redemption is possible, or if the sea will be their final escape.
Outerlands written and directed by Elena Oxman – Best Screenplay
In OUTERLANDS, Cass juggles multiple jobs as a nanny, restaurant server, and party drug dealer to make ends meet and pay for their tiny San Francisco apartment. After a one-night stand with Kalli, a co-worker they have a crush on, Cass agrees to watch her 11-year-old daughter, Ari, while she goes out of town. But as days pass without word from Kalli, Cass and Ari form a bond that spirals Cass back to their own difficult childhood and the pain they’ve been running from.
In OUTERLANDS, Cass juggles multiple jobs as a nanny, restaurant server, and party drug dealer to make ends meet and pay for their tiny San Francisco apartment. After a one-night stand with Kalli, a co-worker they have a crush on, Cass agrees to watch her 11-year-old daughter, Ari, while she goes out of town. But as days pass without word from Kalli, Cass and Ari form a bond that spirals Cass back to their own difficult childhood and the pain they’ve been running from.
Seeds directed by Brittany Shyne and produced by Sabrina Schmidt Gordon – Truer Than Fiction Award
Using black-and-white imagery, Seeds is a portrait of Black generational farmers in the American South, revealing the significance of owning land and the fragility of a legacy that deserves to endure.
Using black-and-white imagery, Seeds is a portrait of Black generational farmers in the American South, revealing the significance of owning land and the fragility of a legacy that deserves to endure.
Seen & Heard: The History of Black Television directed by Giselle Bailey – Best New Documentary Series
The 2-part HBO documentary Seen & Heard is a how-to for authorship and ownership in television. Charismatic, critical, and urgent, the series features some of the most influential voices in the genre— taking viewers on a kaleidoscopic journey through the personal stories of the creatives behind your favorite shows and the tumultuous history of Black television across decades.
The 2-part HBO documentary Seen & Heard is a how-to for authorship and ownership in television. Charismatic, critical, and urgent, the series features some of the most influential voices in the genre— taking viewers on a kaleidoscopic journey through the personal stories of the creatives behind your favorite shows and the tumultuous history of Black television across decades.
The Perfect Neighbor directed by Geeta Gandbhir – Best Documentary WINNER
Using bodycam footage from dozens of police visits, The Perfect Neighbor bears witness to a tight-knit community navigating one neighbor’s relentless harassment. But her hostility takes a sinister turn when it escalates into a fatal crime.
Using bodycam footage from dozens of police visits, The Perfect Neighbor bears witness to a tight-knit community navigating one neighbor’s relentless harassment. But her hostility takes a sinister turn when it escalates into a fatal crime.
Valentina directed by Tatti Ribeiro – Someone to Watch Award WINNER
Using bodycam footage from dozens of police visits, A series of bureaucratic mishaps plagues Valentina as she tries to tackle a simple to-do list at the El Paso-Juarez border. The film follows her for 48 hours as she’s derailed by a crippling combination of laziness, debt, bureaucracy, partying, and imposing members of a close-knit family.
Using bodycam footage from dozens of police visits, A series of bureaucratic mishaps plagues Valentina as she tries to tackle a simple to-do list at the El Paso-Juarez border. The film follows her for 48 hours as she’s derailed by a crippling combination of laziness, debt, bureaucracy, partying, and imposing members of a close-knit family.
