Shorts Monthly: “The Witness” Captivates Audience and Jury at Aspen Shortsfest 2009

by Kim Adelman (April 8, 2009)

Two short comedies rounded out the festival’s remaining prizes.  Declan Cassidy, who flew in from Ireland, enthusiastically accepted the Best Short Short for his charming 4-minute “Whatever Turns You On” while NYU animator Stephen Neary picked up the High Five to Lo-Fi award for his kooky western “Chicken Cowboy.”

In his entertaining acceptance speech in which he mentioned his father and brother accompanied him to Aspen to show support and to get some skiing in, Stephen Neary expressed a sentiment that the many filmmakers attending this year’s Aspen Shortsfest felt after spending five days embraced by the welcoming mountain community: “It’s awesome.”


The full list of Shortsfest 2009 Award Winners

International Competition Awards

Animated Eye Award - $2,500
“She Who Measures,” by Veljko Popovic, Croatia

Best Comedy - $2,500
“This is Her,” by Katie Wolfe, New Zealand

Best Drama (shared) - $2,500
“Netherland Dwarf,” by David Michod, Australia and “Next Floor,” by Denis Villeneuve, Canada

Best Documentary - $2,500
“The Witness: From the Balcony of Room 306,” by Adam Pertofsky, USA

Best short short - $1,000
“Whatever Turns You On,” by Declan Cassidy, Ireland

Best Student - $1,000
“Ralph,” by Alex Winckler, UK/France; Columbia University

Special Jury Recognition

“Ground Beneath,” by Rene Hernandez, Australia
“Short Term 12,” by Destin Daniel Cretton, USA
“Soil in Good Heart,” by Deborah Koons Garcia, USA/India/Norway/UK
“Ten for Grandpa,” by Doug Karr, Canada

The Ellen Award - $1,000
“Copy of Coralie,” by Nicolas Engel, France

BAFTA/Los Angeles Award for Excellence
“Concerto,” by Filippo Conz, USA

BAFTA/Los Angeles Certificates of Excellence
“Miracle Fish,” by Luke Doolan, Australia
“A’Mare,” by Martina Amati, UK

High Five to LO-FI
“Chicken Cowboy,” by Stephen Neary, USA

Youth Jury Prize - $500
“Miracle Fish,” by Luke Doolan, Australia

Audience Favorite Award - $1,000
“The Witness: From the Balcony of Room 306,” by Adam Pertofsky, USA

Check out indieWIRE’s New Guide to Film Festivals (listings will be updated throughout the year):
JAN | FEB | MAR | APR | MAY | JUN | JUL | AUG | SEP | OCT | NOV | DEC

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posted on April 8, 2009
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