LAMA Fall 2024 Winners & Selections
Best Narrative Short
Best Documentary Short
“ Disability In Focus “
Dir. by Allan Wasserman
1st Place Winners
“ The CareGiver “
Dir. by William Bright
A family's struggle caring for a loved one with dementia tests their love for one another.
Audience Award
“ Takanakuy ”
directed by Karim Jason Phelps
Disability In Focus is a documentary short that offers an intimate look into how portrait photography tells the stories of individuals with disabilities. Through the lens of Scott Gutentag, a licensed educational psychologist and professional photographer, the film showcases how he uniquely captures the essence and humanity of individuals with disabilities. The documentary beautifully conveys how the power of photography can support and inform others about inclusion; create lasting legacies; and tell the authentic stories of a human population that tends to be under-represented, misunderstood, and overlooked.
Best Animation
Best International Film
“ Ghungroo “
Dir. by Shreya Shethia
“ Chain “
Dir. by Ling Han
"Chain," directed by Ling Han, is a 3D animated short film featuring charming characters and a sophisticated environment. It uniquely tells the story of the mantis catching the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind.
"Chain" is visually stunning and emotionally rich, expressing nature's survival instincts and prompting viewers to ponder life's deeper questions. We sincerely recommend this film to fans of animation and proverbs.
Ragha is the son of a conservative Indian family and a part of a society where there were pre-made rules for everyone to follow. 1982 the 7-year-old Raghaa first heard the sound that mesmerised him. It was the sound of the ghungroo.
When he turned 15 he started realising that his life revolved around the expectations of society and his family. He was expected to be a certain way and behave in a certain way that was considered appropriate. When he comes to meet the beautiful Sashi at school, who is a trained Kathak dancer. A Dance form that is usually performed by women. He couldn't stop himself from being pulled into the magic of it.
In a society and during a time where things and activities were specifically divided based on gender and class will Ragha be able to break through the division and find the courage to pursue his passion?
Best Experimental
Best Student Film
“ Buddy “
Dir. by Yeonwoo Kim
“ Velveteen “
Dir. by Erica Brown
The movie is about the relationship between the main character John, and his parrot Buddy. Buddy is John’s pet parrot. Every morning, when John’s mom opens the cage door, Buddy wakes up and helps wake John for school. This is a part of the routine that Buddy loves. John always makes sure Buddy doesn’t enter the bathroom, as it is a strict household rule. After John leaves for school, the house becomes quiet, and Buddy spends his time in John’s room.
Velveteen tells the story of becoming a real girl. Nikki Cano as "Hot Lost Girl", embarks on a journey to find her magic before sundown. Materialized as a holographic orb, her it-factor is not where she left it, posing a great threat to her sparkle and shine. With the help of a friend, an aimless spirit, and a very long landline cable, she navigates a fool's journey through Los Angeles. It is unclear if the people and things she meets along the way are clues or beautiful distractions as our main character attempts to decipher the difference between glitter and gold. But, she must work quickly before her magic disappears for good.
Best Music Video
Best Script
“ Redstone “
by Anthony Leon Watson
“ Pretty Please “
Dir. by Vanessa Zamarripa
When an Earthborn scientist is murdered on Mars in the 23rd century, a sheriff and his team uncover an ancient secret that will have negative ramifications for all humankind
Pretty Please" is an empowering anthem that celebrates the triumph of the human spirit over adversity. With a bold and stirring chorus, the song captures the fierce determination to confront and savor life's battles. The music video visually narrates this journey through stunning shots of boxing, symbolizing the transition from fear to strength. Once hesitant to step into the arena, the protagonist now courageously battles life's challenges head-on.
Best Actor
DeJuan Christopher
“ The CareGiver ”
Best Costume Design
“ Ghungroo “
Dir. by Shreya Shethia
Official Selections, Category “Best” and Honorable Mention Winners
“ Binate “
Dir. by Sahvannah Rae
“ Desert Duet Harmony “
Dir. by Nourah Al Hasawi
“ Family Time “
Dir. by Rami Almohammad
“ Frank and 3 “
Dir. by Charles A Ullrich
“ Free Mind “
Dir. by Ramy Gheit Abouelkhir
“ Heart Problems “
Dir. by Rebecca Demeter
“ Lucy The Lion “
Dir. by Kalman Apple
“ One Phone Call “
Dir. by Francesca Ling
“ Spaced Cat “
Dir. by Richard Culver
“ Takanakuy “
Dir. by Karim Jason Phelps
“ The Elevator “
Dir. by Julie Goldstone
“ Zury “
Dir. by Thyrone Tommy
______________________
“ Gun “
by Dana M St. Amand
“ Love’s Pure Light “
by Steven Hawkins
“ The Age Of The Empath “
by Steve Brown
“ The Winter “
by Marcus Nobreus & James P. Rabb
“ Western Sunset “
by Matthew Brendal
“ Yahoo Boy “
by Wendy J Bednarz
Category Winners
Honorable Mention
“C.T.R.L”
Dir. by Mariana Conde & Mariana Conde
“Caught Inside”
Dir. by Dwight Thompson
“Chuck Ransom”
Dir. by Arian Harandi
“Daddy Come Home”
Dir. by Mendel Katz & Yisrael Dubov
“FELONY”
Dir. by Thanos Kermitsis
“Jaysin Voxx 'Hands on Me'”
Dir. by Carlos Hurtado
“Mateo”
Dir. by Nancy C. Mejia
“The Courier”
Dir. by J.Mackye Gruber
“The Equation of Life”
Dir. by Gerry Orz
“The Stop”
Dir. by Marc Ruiz
“Two and a Quarter Minutes”
Dir. by Joshua Ovalle
Official Selections
