The 14th International Film Festival Manhattan (IFFM NYC) celebrated world-class talent by honoring the best actors, directors, writers, producers, and creators with awards and special recognitions.
The event opened on October 11, 2024, at the Look Dine-In Cinema in Manhattan, New York City, USA, with film screenings continuing through October 12-13.
IFFM’s Socially Relevant Short Films
IFFM NYC showcased diverse genres, including documentaries, student films, and professional works from across the globe, focusing on socially relevant themes.
Special Awards: Honoring Jose Rizal’s Legacy
In partnership with the Dr. Jose Rizal Legacy International Foundation, four finalists of the Jose Rizal Short Film Contest were honored during the awards night.
- Winner:
“Sandig (Lean On)” – Director: Roveh Tondo, Alan Filoteo (Philippines)
Award: Original Dr. Jose Rizal plaque bust by Direk Fritz Silorio - Honorable Mentions:
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- “Amor Propio” – Director: Rain Ramas (Philippines)
- “Pepe 1896” – Directors: Philip Dipasupil, Frederick Claveria (Philippines)
- “Pamana ni Pepe” – Director: Jayson Pabalan (Philippines)
Additional Honorable Mentions:
- Actress Frenz Oria – “Sandig (Lean On)” (Philippines)
- Actress Yuna Casino – “Boss Ko Si Mommy” (UAE)
- Other Films: “Monday,” “Dreamweaver,” “Who’s Afraid of Shorty Virginia,” “Sound of Hope” (USA), “Shuhari” (Japan)
Lifetime Achievement Awards
IFFM NYC honored industry professionals for significant contributions:
- Junior Lifetime Achievement Awardees:
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- Alan Filoteo (Filmmaking, Philippines)
- Mark Sicat de la Cruz (TV Directing, Philippines)
- MJ Racadio (PR/Marketing/Singer, USA)
- Lifetime Achievement Awardees:
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- Bob Hopkins (Philanthropy/Education, USA)
- Roberta Pazi (Acting, Italy)
RELATED: Double Victories at International Film Festival Manhattan | BlogTalk with MJ Racadio
Festival Director’s Awards
IFFM NYC’s Festival Director Luis Pedron, a Most Influential Filipino American (75 MIFA) awardee, recognized the following achievements:
- Independent Achievement in Filmmaking:
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- Noman Robin – “Mighty Eighty” (USA/Bangladesh)
- Rain Ramas – “Amor Propio” (Philippines)
- Independent Achievement in Producing:
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- Amanda Troisi – “Caterpillar” (USA)
- Rolito Nino Chan Jr. – “Boss Ko Si Mommy” (UAE)
- Best Directors:
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- David S. Lindgren – “The Bicycle Store” (Sweden)
- Kyle Damiao – “A Picture of My Heart” (USA)
Jury Prize Winners
- Best Cinematography: Ian McGar – “Relieve” (USA)
- Best Student Film: “Jiro” – Director: Earhart Nehemiah Capulong Dilodilo, Production Manager: Krissie Kae Cabangon Cunanan (Philippines)
- Best Actor: Matthias Silvell – “Dieselheart” (Sweden)
- Best Actress: Anna Carvalho – “Relieve” (USA), Amalia Holm – “Dieselheart” (Sweden)
- Best Ensemble Acting: Actors of “Children of the Valley” (UK)
- Best Screenwriting: Oscar Gidefjord – “Dieselheart” (Sweden)
Best Short Films
- Europe: “Dieselheart” – Director: Oscar Gidefjord (Sweden)
- Asia and Pacific: “Risen” – Director: Tony Radevski, Producer: Peter Ireland (Australia)
- USA: “Dummy” – Director: Lukas Hassel (USA)
- Grand Prize (Best of the Best): “4 Estações” – Director: Carlos Coelho Costa (Portugal)
Other Recognitions
- Best Documentary: “Siete Palabras” – Director: Jayson Pabalan (Philippines)
- Best Feature Film: “Broken Pieces” – Director: Justin Ho (USA)
Professional Jury Prizes
- Bronze Awards:
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- “Lumayo Ka Man Sa Akin” – Music Video (Artist: MJ Racadio)
- “Sagip Ka” (Philippines) – Infomercial and Music Video
- “Pepe 1896” – Directors: Philip Dipasupil, Frederick Claveria (Philippines)
- “Don’t You Know” – Director: Antonio Reyes (USA)
- Silver Awards:
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- “Pilipinas Ang Bayan Ko” – Director: Jayson Pabalan (Philippines)
- “Brooke Josephson – Good Kinda Tired” – Director: Michelle Bossy (USA)
IFFM’s Online Edition
Following the October showcase, the online version of IFFM NYC will run from November 14-20, 2024.
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