The winners of the Jameson Short Film Award and Maysles Brothers Documentary Award were announced at the closing night premiere of the 8th Jameson Belfast Film Festival.

Winner of the Jameson Award for the Best Short Film

"THE SOUND OF PEOPLE"
Director: Simon Fitzmaurice

The jury felt that this is a stylish, wonderfully cinematic film of great imagination. A marvelous central performance, an extraordinary voice over and some remarkable and compelling cinematography combine to provide a feast for the eyes and ears.

Winner of the Skillset Award to the best NI film

"JAMES"
Director: Connor Clements

The jury felt that the director had handled the extremely sensitive and emotive subject with care, skill and style. There was an impressive performance from the young actor whose character was seeking guidance about his concerns over his sexuality and whilst there was the danger that the story could be reduced to stereotypical characterisation, the writer / director avoided this trap and delivered a truly moving film.

Highly commended

The Jury highly commend the films "NEW BOY" directed by Steph Green and "BUA," directed by Sonya Gildea. New Boy for the mature performance of the young actors, witty dialogue and impressive story telling, including some brilliantly conceived, designed and filmed African settings. Bua for such courageous directing, editing and shot selection and in dealing with the subject matter so energetically and particularly with the added difficulty of having a horse as a central character in the piece

Winner of the Maysles Brothers Documentary Award

"END OF THE RAINBOW"
Director: Robert Nugent

The jury commented:
“We were struck by the way in which End of the Rainbow told an important and powerful story with breathtaking clarity, economy and beauty. We were also impressed by the way in which the director avoided what could have been an easy and obvious stereotyping of his characters and, in doing so, left the audience to reflect on the universal themes explored in the documentary.”

Winner of the Best Documentary Short

"THE FIRST DAY"
Director: Marcin Sauter.

Best Short at the Jameson Short Film Competition: “The White Dress” Directed by Vanessa Gildea

Maysles Brothers Award for Best Documentary: “Nomadak TX” Directed by: Raul de la Fuente

New 7th Belfast Film Festival website launched with features, shorts, special events and the Maysles Brothers Doucmentary Competition.

For further details visit: www.belfastfilmfestival.org