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2023 Film Festival Winners

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David Ponce Best of the Fest Award:
King of Kings: Chasing Edward Jones
Directed by Harriet Marin Jones

     

Ohio Humanities Excellence in Documentary Film:

Small Town Strong

Directed by Chase Millsap and Spencer Millsap

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Emerging Filmmaker Award:       

Join or Die

Directed by Rebecca Davis

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Best US Documentary:   
Williams & Mansell: Red 5
Directed by James Wiseman
 

John A. Hellman International Documentary Award:
Monument
Directed by Michael Turner
 

Human Spirit Documentary:        
The Other Fellow
Directed by Matthew Bauer


Best Local Documentary:
Healing Paws
Directed by Henry Ortlip


Best Short Documentary:
The Last of the Nightingales
Directed by Masha Karpoukhina


Best Student Documentary:
Zambezia: A Well for Change
Directed by Amine Harboul 


Rotary Club of the Chagrin Valley Service Above Self Award:   
  Small Town Strong
Directed by Chase Millsap and Spencer Millsap

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Everyone's A Critic Award:    

The Carpenter

Directed by Xelil Sehragerd

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Best Environmental:    

Patrick and the Whale

Directed by Mark Fletcher

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Congratulations to our filmmakers and a huge thank you to all of our sponsors, donors, members and everyone that has supported the festival!

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Watch Award Show Highlights

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