Diya Gambhir (India)

Judge's Comments: NEVER SAY DIE is a moving portrait of the filmmaker Diya Gambhir’s aunt Shivani Gambhir, whose story is revealed through a remarkable blending of interview audio, filmed portraiture, still photographs and multiple forms of animation. The only voice in NEVER SAY DIE is a narrative provided by her aunt, whose simple and thoughtful reflections about details of a life – what’s beautiful, what’s difficult -- are complemented by clever, artful filming that seamlessly transitions into delightful animated sequences and then back again into a film story. A box full of miscellaneous things turns into a box of lovely memories, and medicine turns into poison. . . And while we learn about a crippling diagnosis (rheumatoid arthritis), it’s really a story about the essence of a life, which is filled with both good memories and painful moments. Despite the physical challenges that her body presents, Shivani Gambhir has no regrets and looks forward to an afterlife that is “a perfect world,” and lives without any regrets. “If I had to paint my pain . . .” says Shivani Gambhir in NEVER SAY DIE. Her niece, Diya, has done it for her with a steady, artful hand.

Patrick Jang (San Diego, CA)​

Judge's Comments: WEATHERED is an important powerful film about adversity and resilient young people. The film presents three stories of challenge and perseverance. Storytellers Nella, Ashmita and Attila speak honestly about journeys of mental health and challenges they face at home. Elements of their stories are illustrated with powerful animated sequences that are at times metaphorical, other times literal, but always effective. Sound design for the animated sequences and a nice musical score support the storytelling. Thoughtful editing and production design blend nicely for a powerful cumulative effect.  As we hear about our characters coming back from seasons of hurt and pain and negativity, we see them strengthened by the journey. The three stories are bookended by sequences where young people talk about their insecurities and personal triumphs, making the film more universal in scope. There is wisdom and beauty in WEATHERED. Filmmaker Patrick Jang should be congratulated for his sensitive, respectful and artful handling of these deeply human stories.

William Somerville (Australia)

Judge's Comments: ONE TIDE presents three compelling stories about people who have a deep connection to the ocean. Not only is it a home, of sorts, it’s also where they make their living. A couple that makes hand crafted spearguns for sustainable/responsible fishing, a boat captain and an underwater director of photography are all connected in this film by their passion and respect for the ocean. ONE TIDE features beautiful cinematography (including dynamic underwater footage and a good use of drone filming). Amazing locations are filmed beautifully. Graphics are lively and the editing is nicely paced. In a short time, we get to know people surprisingly well. Each storyteller has a deep reverence for and powerful connection to the ocean. As one storyteller who has lost a daughter puts it, “The pain is deep, but life is OK, because I have the ocean and I have a job.” Filmmaker William Anthony Somerville's love of the ocean is clear, and he imbues ONE TIDE with a peaceful beauty.