KIIFF Team
Sep 5, 2023
3rd Kurdistan International Independent Film Festival Nominees - 2023
Best Feature Film Nominees
“DOG’S WALK IN CIRCLE”
Director: Nicolas Di Cocco
Country of Origin: Argentina
Overview
Ricardo Darring is a moderately successful theatre director/actor. He staged some memorable plays a long time ago. Lack of the ideas for his writings and debts lead Ricardo to accept a proposal from a childhood friend, now mayor of his hometown Jorge Salcedo. On the occasion of the reopening of the Municipal Theater, Ricardo revives with the original cast the play that 30 years ago boosted his fame but forced him to leave his fellow cast member behind. Ricardo begins his journey back to his hometown full of doubts. He looks for the original cast and tries to convince them to participate in the play once again. He invites first Marcelo, his good friend from the past, and Clara, his youth love. Marcelo has a relationship of intense enmity with Salcedo. Ricardo decides to hide from them the real reason to participate in the play again and lies to convince him. Clara is torn between a relationship with Marcelo and the curiosity of discovering her first passion again. Ricardo has to recover the rest of the cast: marginals, alcoholics or simply lost in everyday life. The rehearsals go on and the play seems to have more and more things in common with real life. When it is revealed that Salcedo is sponsoring the event, Marcelo discovers Ricardo as a liar and a traitor. Ricardo faces the greatest dilemma, to repeat the betrayal of the past or to redeem himself in anonymity.
“PUNCHED AFTER THE FACT”
Directors: Ian Fowler, Gabriel Isaac Lakey
Country of Origin: United States
Overview
After a mild hostage situation a lonely janitor enlists his computer savvy son to help him find the bewitching assailant which ultimately leads to her stalker.
“VISITHIRAN”
Director: M Padmakumar
Country of Origin: India
Overview
Following the death of his ex-wife, a retired police officer, who is known for his investigative prowess, unexpectedly gets pulled into a criminal case involving organ harvesting.
“THE HOTEL”
Director: Aleksandr Baluev
Country of Origin: Russian Federation
Overview
Lost on the road to the sea, where the couple plans to spend their honeymoon, the newlyweds Marina and Maxim suddenly stumble upon an abandoned hotel. The Owner of the Hotel meets the couple and offers them to stay overnight. The events of one night change the lives of all heroes.
Best Feature Documentary Nominees
“HEALING WATERS FILM”
Directors: Derek EJohnson, Ali Scattergood
Country of Origin: United States
Overview
Linda Troeller is an art documentarian who is known for creating sensual images inside sublime water environments that were inspired by her childhood exposure to the healing powers of water. In this biographical film, we discover the intimate relationships between water, the female gaze, and a resident artist from the Hotel Chelsea. Healing Waters explores Linda's work with key figures in the art industry who examine her as a valued contributor to the first generation feminists movement.
This film depicts the journey of a world-renowned artist from conception to discovery and the manifestation of major works of art that have had a profound influence on social ideologies concerning water and healing around the world. Linda Troeller has lived for over two decades in the Hotel Chelsea in New York City. Her work has appeared extensively in galleries and in print. In Healing Waters, we will discover how she found success as an artist and come to understand the journey she has undertaken - a journey that continues today.
“MOTHERLAND”
Director: Vic Gerami
Country of Origin: United States
Overview
It took 106 years before the United States formally recognized the Armenian Genocide of 1915 at the hands of the Ottoman Turks. On April 24,2021, President Joe Biden became the first US president to officially recognize the Armenian genocide and to recommit preventing such an atrocity from occurring again. Tragically, history is repeating itself with Turkey's ongoing genocidal attack and ethnic cleansing against Armenians as we've witnessed recently in Artsakh. "Motherland" tells the story of this ongoing tragic chapter through the lens of Armenian-American journalist and LGBTQ+ activist, Vic Gerami.
“J'ACCUSE!”
Director: Michael D Kretzmer
Country of Origin: United Kingdom.
Overview
A documentary film that tears apart Lithuania's policy of holocaust denial and its official hero worship of mass murderers.
“SHOVELING PIXIE DUST: A MEMOIR”
Director: Tim Landry
Country of Origin: United States
Overview
From producing an audacious short film, to becoming a Hollywood refugee, to building a Magic Kingdom, follow Tim's adventures and struggles as he deals with the challenges of making magic. Enjoy a heartfelt memoir about the making of a Disney Imagineer, covering the entire working career of artist Tim Landry, from film school through to retirement.
Best Short Film Nominees
“TRIANGLE”
Director: Péter Engelmann
Country of Origin: United Kingdom, Hungary
Overview
Triangle, the graduation film of Peter Engelmann from the Arts University Bournemouth, is a sci-fi pseudo-docu drama exploring the dark realms of the human mind. The story follows three strangers who - based on a 1997's psychological experiment on the bonds of friendship - are about to become friends for life, separated only by 36 questions...
Premiered internationally at the Oscar Qualifying Indy Shorts International Short Film Festival in the US, shortlisted for the 2021 BAFTA Student Awards, received a Royal Television Society Award and qualified for the 2022 BIFA and the 2023 BAFTA.
“NIETZSCHEAN SUICIDE”
(Khokoushten Ba Shewazi Nietzsche)
Director: Payam Kurdistani
Country of Origin: Iran
Overview
“Nietzschean Suicide” tells the story of pharmacist Dr Samuel, who lives with his pregnant wife in a sad, war-torn city and sells suicide drugs in his strange pharmacy. When the city’s only midwife, Mrs Sissi, comes in one day with her “suicide prescription,” he realizes he must delay her death until after his child is born. His initial plan backfires on him but he eventually invents an unconventional suicide method that keeps Sissi alive long enough to deliver his child. The method quickly proves popular with his customers and can revive their will to live.
“BROTHER TROLL”
Director: Gudmund Helmsdal
Country of Origin: Faroe Islands
Overview
Once upon a time in the Faroe Islands, two lone brothers struggle to save their fragile relationship after the sudden loss of their older brother.
"UN ECLAT D´AMOUR INCOMPRHÉNSIBLE”
Director: Dante Silva
Country of Origin: Mexico
Overview
one morning Aymé suffers the abandonment of her partner. That same day he decides to meet again with Laura, her best friend whom she has not seen during the years of their relationship. her after letting off steam with Laura over coffee. they both go out that night to try to have fun. She Armé does not imagine that despite her loving duel that night she will discover something indescribable and that she had never felt before. the next day Aymé feels in her solitude, a glow of incomprehensible love.
Best Short Documentary Nominees
“UNCONQUERED”
Director: John Parr
Country of Origin: United Kingdom.
Overview
“A memoir of triumph over adversity and wounds no sword can make”
The true story of two elite soldiers severely injured in the line of duty. “Unconquered” charts their inspiring journey from the depths of despair to break the chains of life changing injuries to rise again.
“BARE METAL”
Directors: Brandon Robert Gries, Ryan Freng, John Shoemaker
Country of Origin: United States
Overview
Microsoft, Google, META, and AWS are some of the biggest single-power consumers in the world. Along with other digital infrastructure companies’ consumption, they make up 2.4% of the world's energy use. This film details the digital infrastructure industry's work to reduce their carbon footprint in an effort to lower carbon emissions and help save the world.
“INK AND GOLD: AN ARTIST'S JOURNEY TO OLYMPIC GLORY”
Director: Zakea Page
Country of Origin: New Zealand.
Overview
A young New Zealand artist and athlete wins the 2020 Youth Olympic Games medal design competition and fulfills a lifelong dream to perform at the opening ceremonies.
“UN CHALET AU PIED DES FIZ”
Director: Godefroyde MAUPEOU
Country of Origin: France
Overview
An elderly woman returns to her chalet at the foot of the Chaîne des Fiz and finds the draft of a letter she had written years earlier.
Best Short Animation Nominees
“DREAM”
Director: Snobar Avani
Country of Origin: Denmark
Overview
The young refugee girl Pari is carrying her many beautiful dreams through ruins and burning landscapes, hoping to reach The Land of Light.
Will Pari survive the journey to fight for her dreams in the new land, even if she is too different? Or did the deep dark sea wash her up on a forgotten beach?
Dream is a beautiful, but also serious film for Youth, Family; from 12yrs. and up.
“THE MOON FOLLOWED ME TO FALMOUTH”
Director: Joël Gibbs
Country of Origin: United States
Overview
A seafarer sings the story of how he, as a young man, left Falmouth looking for a new life on the High Seas. During his voyage, he recounts how the moon began to follow him, watching his every move. After months at sea, the ship arrived at a topical island where the moon lead him to his first true love awaiting on the beach. But the moon became envious of their love, drove them apart, and forced the young man, heartbroken and alone, back to Falmouth. Every time he looks up at the night sky, the moon is always there, reminding him of a love lost so many years ago.
“THE SEA OF HOPE”
Director: Walid Salhab
Country of Origin: United Kingdom
Overview
A Middle eastern refugee father and son dangerous sea journey trying to escape the war-torn country. The film will try to highlight the fears and the peril and the risks the refugees take just to have a chance of a semi normal life. The film is made in traditional hand drawn animation.
“A GUERRA FINITA”
Director: Simone Massi
Country of Origin: Italy
Overview
A world without war is another utopia that we cannot wait any longer.
Best Feature Screenplay Nominees
“GOLD MINE”
Writer: Robert Reeves
Country of Origin: United States
Overview
After several friends get trapped in a gold mine, an accidental death triggers a cycle of scheming and murder.
“SECOND CHANCES”
Writer: Gina L Falke
Country of Origin: United States
Overview
The hustle and bustle of New York City, the Big Apple. In an old run-down warehouse, Mark realizes something isn't right. He awakens in darkness and ponders as to where he is, and why? Mark wants to be reunited with his family, but will learn that that is not as easy as it seems. With the help of his friend Paul, he will have to travel through the streets of New York City to find his way home. Along the way Mark will learn a valuable less on in life, appreciating what you have while it's there.
“ASIMETRICA”
Writer: Shubhanjan Das
Country of Origin: from India
Overview
A painter fighting his inner demons survives a fatal accident entering into his own strange asymmetrical world. With an insecure wife and a dedicated but eccentric lady psychiatrist with a traumatic past of her own, can he finally wake up to reality?
“ALCANZA EL SOL”
Writer: Douglas May
Country of Origin: United States
Overview
As a very young girl, Isabella dreams of leaving her home in Mexico to find a better life in America, and after managing to make it to Los Angeles, she falls in love with her English-language teacher, Tom — but her dreams with Tom are dashed one night when she is apprehended by her cousin’s vicious rival drug gang, forever changing her life.
Best Short Script Nominees
“VAN GIRL_S”
Writer: Francesco Piotti
Country of Origin: Italy
Overview
Katy is a wannabe successful youtuber living in a Van. She remains without internet and her van is brocken in the middle of nowhere. There she meets another girl living in Van because she lost her house. The meeting between these two solitudes is gonna change their goals and attitudes.
“MADAM”
Writer: Andrew Vidgen
Country of Origin: United Kingdom
Overview
Madam opens on a scene of two priests (Fathers Gill and Donaghy) playing poker and betting on their ‘duties’ including the funeral of a local Madam. Long into the night they drink and smoke and with each turn of the card the stakes get higher as unbeknown to each other they have both frequented the local brothel, and are well-acquainted with Madam Suze. Father Gill loses and they continue to drink into the early hours…
“THE SOULMATE BIBLE”
Writer: Sydney Bennett
Country of Origin: Canada
Overview
When a soulmate tattoo comes with a warning, a woman and her best friend set out to protect a current lover from a past lover, and his family.
“DREAM ON”
Writer: Alejandra Decurgez
Country of Origin: Argentina
Overview
Lieutenant Raidon Moonage is a pilot. Due to the tragic loss of his wife, he has been performing poorly and he is no longer an asset for the Circle. He must enter the re-utilization program, where parts of his brain will be transferred to a drone. But what will happen to his memories? Moonage believes they will be discarded, but in fact they will be used to manufacture Daydreams, virtual reality experiences.
Best Director Nominees
“NICOLAS DI COCCO”
Film: Dog’s Walk in circle
Country of Origin: Argentina
“ALEKSANDR BALUEV”
(Alexandr Baluyev)
Film: The Hotel
Country of Origin: Russian Federation
“GIUSEPPE SCHETTINO”
Film: Wolf + Lamb
Country of Origin: Italy
“ARTHUR DUPONT”
Film: Torn Souls (Les Mains Vides)
Country of Origin: France
Best Leading Actor Nominees
“DONNY PERSONS”
Film: Punched After The Fact
Country of Origin: United States
“ALEKSANDR BALUEV”
(Alexandr Baluyev)
Film: The Hotel
Country of Origin: Russian Federation
“AXEL AURIANT”
Film: Torn Souls (Les Mains Vides)
Country of Origin: France
“DANIEL DI COCCO”
Film: Dog’s Walk in circle
Country of Origin: Argentina
Best Leading Actress Nominees
“TINA HAIDARI”
Film: Bubble
Country of Origin: Canada
“MARÍA INÉS PINTADO”
Film: Un Eclat D´amour Incomprhénsible
Country of Origin: Mexico
“MARINA PETRENKO”
Film: The Hotel
Country of Origin: Russian Federation
“NIKKI FLINN”
Film: Punched After The Fact
Country of Origin: United States
Best Supporting Actor Nominees
“GLEB MATVEYCHUK”
Film: The Hotel
Country of Origin: Russian Federation
“GUILLAUME GALLIENNE”
Film: Torn Souls (Les Mains Vides)
Country of Origin: France
“LINO GUANCIALE”
Film: Wolf + Lamb
Country of Origin: Italy
“MARCELO O FEO”
Film: Dog’s Walk in circle
Country of Origin: Argentina
Best Supporting Actress Nominees
“ARSHIN MEHTA”
Film: CATFIGHT
Country of Origin: India
“ADRIANA FERRER”
Film: Dog’s Walk in circle
Country of Origin: Argentina
“LEANNE JOHNSON”
Film: Greek Fire - Demon Spirit
Country of Origin: United States
“MOLI HALL”
Film: Greek Fire - Demon Spirit
Country of Origin: United States
Best DOP Nominees
“ALEXANDER NOSOVSKIY”
Film: The Hotel
Country of Origin: Russian Federation
“ANNA SHEPILOVA”
Film: Today’s Noose
Country of Origin: Armenia
“KEVIN STEVENSON”
Film: The Party
Country of Origin: United States
“SOL LOPATÍN”
Film: Dog’s Walk in circle
Country of Origin: Argentina
Best Editor Nominees
“HAMID NAJAFIRAD”
Film: Nietzschean Suicide
(Khokoushten ba Shewazi Nietzsche)
Country of Origin: Iran
“MARCO SIGNORETTI”
Film: Wolf + Lamb
Country of Origin: Italy
“MARK HYDE”
Film: Punched After The Fact
Country of Origin: United States
“LIONEL CASSAN”
Film: Torn Souls (Les Mains Vides)
Country of Origin: France
Best Original Score Nominees
“KAROLINA MICUŁA”
Film: MICUŁA - Rojava
Country of Origin: Poland
“TIM GORMAN, WILL KEATING”
Film: The Moon Followed Me To Falmouth
Country of Origin: United States
“JOHN CARROLL, DAVE BIGNELL”
Film: Enter the Drag Dragon
Country of Origin: Canada
“MOISES A PEREIRA”
Film: Dojo
Country of Origin: United States
Best Sound Nominees
“LEFTERIS DOUROS”
Film: It's Just Business
Country of Origin: Greece
“ALAN BIDARD”
Film: Opal
Country of Origin: France
“LORENZO DANESIN”
Film: A guerra finita
Country of Origin: Italy
“ENRIQUE BERMEJO, DIEGO MARQUÉS”
Film: Blind Flowers
Country of Origin: Spain
Best Costume Designer Nominees
“ASH PANJABI”
Film: CATFIGHT
Country of Origin: India
“ANASTASIA EGOROVA”
Film: The Hotel
Country of Origin: Russian Federation
“AIXA TORRES”
Film: Dog’s Walk in circle
Country of Origin: Argentina
“PIERRE JEAN LARROQUE”
Film: Torn Souls (Les Mains Vides)
Country of Origin: France