Our Winners: The 2021 Independent Film Awards—Recognizing the Year’s Best in Indie Film in a Tough Year Shadowed by Covid

We’re pleased to host our ‘Independent Film Awards’ a fourth-straight year, especially during a second year overshadowed by Covid-19. With the continuation of the virus, and a strong focus on streaming options versus solely theater blockbusters, indie film has done better than ever. And honestly, part of the joy of these awards is the global nature of it. Unlike awards ceremonies like the Oscars, which relegate foreign cinema to its own category, The Movie Buff’s ‘Independent Film Awards’ include films from all over the globe in parity with each other. 

‘The Independent Film Awards,’ apart from being a way to recognize achievement in indie cinema, was also born from the desire to share these pictures with the rest of the world. Too often, Box Office films and even larger budget independent films take up our mind space when we think of indie cinema. The low or micro-budget crowd—which makes up the near totality of this awards ceremony—often falls to the wayside. These film awards are a way to not only recognize these films and their makers, but to introduce these films to our audience for consideration.

Without further ado, we present the winners of our 2021 Independent Film Awards. Carrying on from last year, we announce winners from the following categories: ‘Best Full-Length Film,’ ‘Best Short,’ ‘Best Actor,’ ‘Best Actress,’ ‘Best Supporting Actor,’ ‘Best Supporting Actress,’ ‘Best Documentary,’ ‘Best Debut Filmmaker,’ ‘Best Soundtrack,’ ‘Best Cinematography,’ ‘Best Director,’ ‘Best Original Screenplay,’ ‘Best Breakthrough Performance,’ ‘Best Set Design,’ and ‘The Movie Buff Choice Award’ for outstanding achievement in quality indie content.

Questions or comments? Leave us a message in the comment section below or email editor@themoviebuff.net. 

Best Documentary Film—’The History of Grand Theft Auto (1984-2021)’

As far as documentaries go, films about loved video games are always going to garner attention. And this year, the documentary that won our hearts was “The History of Grand Theft Auto (1984-2021).” The doc was released by YouTube content creator Nick Castellano, who infused his love for this video game franchise into the production. What stood out about the documentary is that it highlights not only the changing scopes of the games, but also the changing technology, controversies, and social issues that make each iteration better than the one before. If you love “Grand Theft Auto,” you shouldn’t miss this documentary. (Read our interview with Nick Castellano here).

“The History of Grand Theft Auto” is available to watch on YouTube. You can watch the film by clicking here. 

Best Short Film—’The Intimate Touch’

“The Intimate Touch” is an emotional, insightful film offering empathy on an often-difficult subject. The film, written and directed by Ariel McMillion and Michael Støen, highlights a ‘would-be’ romance between an irreligious woman and a devout Muslim man. And while tough conversations and hurt feelings line some of the film’s proceedings, empathy is the point of this short, not division. Anna Harling and Isa Aouifia bring strong emotions to the film’s run; and, with its intimate filmmaking, McMillion and Støen make you feel the film’s emotions, take-a-ways, and heart. (Read full review).

“The Intimate Touch” will finish its last film festival in March 2022, and then will start with a streaming option. Follow The Movie Buff for more information. 

Honorable Mention—‘Alive’ (Read full review)

Best Debut Filmmaker—Alain Nouvel, ‘State (Remix)’  

“State (Remix)” caught our attention this year due to its noir feel, its stellar cinematography, and overall thriller aspect. That Filmmaker Alain Nouvel was able to accomplish all this with a scant budget of $20,000 is even more impressive, and makes Nouvel a debut filmmaker to look out for. The success of “State (Remix)” belongs to the way that Nouvel starts his film slow, patiently adding character development and tension. He also brings on solid talent in both the cinematography and sound departments, which enhance the narrative. The Movie Buff critic Matt DeCristo noted the film’s “shocking conclusion;” and the rest of it is a solid effort too. (Read full review).

“State (Remix)” is available to watch on the film’s website. You can access the film here. 

Best Cinematography—Toby Petch, ‘State (Remix)’

Cinematography can make a film, but it’s often much more than that. The right camerawork, and the right cinematographer, can add to the film in ways that go far beyond the script or acting. The independent film “State (Remix),” a decidedly noir thriller, features expert directing by filmmaker Alain Nouvel. But the camerawork by Toby Petch creates subtleties in the film’s characters as well as letting the camera do the talking to establish tension and story. What’s more impressive is that Nouvel and Petch achieved the detail they did on a budget of $20,000. If you get the chance, check out this intriguing thriller.

“State (Remix)” is available to watch on the film’s website. You can access the film here. 

Honorable Mention—Robbie Walsh, ‘The Letters’ (Read full review)

Best Set Design—‘Buckskin’ 

Filmmaker Brett Bentman states “Buckskin” is close to his heart, and it shows in its acting, production, and set design. The latter is why we’re here in this category, and Bentman and B22 Films have done an amazing job with the set design—detailing a period piece that takes place in the fur trapping era—with a minimal budget. From the staging of the film’s aged outposts to the costumes, props, and eerie forest setting, “Buckskin” excels. The strongest evidence of its success is it makes you feel that you’re in this era and with these people. It’s a solid achievement worthy of success. (Read full review).

“Buckskin” is currently available to watch on Tubi, Amazon Prime, or on DVD for purchase at Wal-Mart. 

Honorable Mention—‘Outlaw’s Buckle’ (Read full review)

Best Soundtrack/Score—Alfonso Flores, ‘Buckskin’ 

Like the film’s production, “Buckskin’s” music department also excels, creating an eerie and capable accompaniment to the powerful film. Alfonso Flores handles the film’s sound; he uses his repertoire to create haunting, ambient sounds that add to the film’s overall eerie feeling. From the film’s ominous opening amidst an outpost, to the bitter, haunted forest that lines most of the film’s run-time, Flores excels at using sound to add to “Buckskin” in meaningful ways.

“Buckskin” is currently available to watch on Tubi, Amazon Prime, or on DVD for purchase at Wal-Mart. 

Honorable Mention—Philippe Lebraud, ‘Covidream’ (Read full review)

Best Breakthrough Performance—August Maturo, ‘Shepherd: The Story of a Jewish Dog’ 

“Shepherd: The Story of a Jewish Dog“—detailing the bond that a young, Jewish boy has with a German Shepherd  during World War II and the Nazi atrocity—is of course a somber film. But the film deals with a hopeful premise, while also asking some heartwarming questions. And at the crux of that heartwarming nature is the acting of young August Maturo, who imbues his character Joshua with a mix of emotions—from fearful, to independent, to hopeful—that make this a film to remember. It helps that the bond Maturo has with his dog is second-to-none, and Maturo’s mature acting makes this film a winner. (Read full review).

“Shepherd: The Story of a Jewish Dog” will be available to stream starting in April; platforms to be announced. The film is still doing the festival circuit. It will be screened in the Jewish Film Festivals in Boca Raton and Palm Springs on March 6th and March 9th, respectfully. Additionally, the film has recently released in Germany on DVD, and is currently streaming internationally in a number of countries including in the UK, Australia, Brazil, Spain, Italy, Hungary, Indonesia, Slovakia, and others. Visit www.shepherdthemovie.com for more information. 

Best Original Screenplay—Tom Heard, ‘Getting It’ 

“Getting It” is one of the nicest indie/romance films I’ve seen in some time. It’s got all the right ingredients; it has well-written characters, a strong script, and the ability for its characters and its filmmaker to be vulnerable. Tom Heard, the film’s Writer/Director must have had inspiration when penning this script, which is approachable and real. It’s an LGBTQ+ romance, and is wrapped in a package that is unmistakably relatable and sweet. And, under it all, it’s a film about healing. Lovers of romantic comedies should love this film. But even those just looking for an authentic and real narrative would do hard pressed to find better. (Read full review).

“Getting It” is available for streaming on Amazon Prime, YouTube, iTunes, Fandango, Google Play, Dekko, and Vimeo. It is also available on DVD.

Honorable Mention—‘The Letters’ 

Best Director—Robbie Walsh, ‘The Letters’ 

“The Letters” — a film about the 2018-present CervicalCheck scandal that rocked Ireland—is a powerhouse, made all the more so by its director, Robbie Walsh. Tackling the subject of misdiagnosed cervical cancer is no easy task, and “The Letters” is able to take a difficult topic and make it relatable. The film, which is shot in black and white primarily (Walsh also does the film’s cinematography), makes you really feel the proceedings, a testament to Walsh’s leadership. He manages to take three women’s stories and drill them down to their bare essentials. He does this (a) by having excellent actresses in Sarah Carroll, Kathleen Warner Yeats, and Mary Murray, (b) the intimate, forlorn, but beautiful camerawork, and (c) the impression the film leaves in its wake. The film is a high recommend—and Walsh is certainly a director you should look out for.

“The Letters” is currently playing in cinemas in the UK and is working on festival entires. The film will hopefully be added to Amazon Prime in the near future. 

Honorable Mention—Jimmy Olsson, ‘Alive’ 

Best Supporting Actor—Donato De Luca, ‘Getting It’ 

Tom Heard’s romantic drama “Getting It” was one of the nicest surprises we watched last year. It’s both a solid romantic film featuring good performances and a nice, healing package. And while Heard’s Jamie carries much of the film due to his likable nature, the movie wouldn’t have been the same without the presence of Donato De Luca, who plays Jamie’s love interest Ben. De Luca plays a young man with troubles of his own, and acts his character in ways that are both believable and sweet. Additionally, we believe his ability to crack Jamie’s tough veneer, when in truth it was not an easy ask. De Luca has great chemistry with Heard, and the film leaves the impact it does due to the talent he brings to the table. The film is a high-recommend, and all the more so due to De Luca’s acting. (Read full review).

“Getting It” is available for streaming on Amazon Prime, YouTube, iTunes, Fandango, Google Play, Dekko, and Vimeo. It is also available on DVD.

Honorable Mention—Myles MacVane, ‘State (Remix)’

Best Supporting Actress—Madeleine Martin, ‘Alive’ 

Director Jimmy Olsson’s “Alive,” the tale of a physically handicapped woman trying to live life on her own terms, is a great film. It captures all the nuances of its lead character, Viktoria, played by Eva Johannson, it has detailed characters, and makes us question our own stereotypes and prejudices. And while Johannson steals the show with her acting ability, the film turns up another performance in Madeleine Martin we couldn’t help but celebrate as ‘Best Supporting Actress.’ Martin plays Ida, Viktoria’s caretaker who supports her fully until she creates a Tinder profile and worries she’s setting herself up to be taken advantage of. Martin must take her character through the throes of care and protection—that sometimes border on control—and embark on a journey that eventually leads to acceptance. It’s a stellar performance, and despite Johannson’s excellent work, wouldn’t have worked without Martin’s equally impressive acting. (Read full review).

“Alive” is currently available to watch on ARTE.tv; it will be picked up by HBO later this year. 

Honorable Mention—Sharron Bower, ‘Getting It’ 

Best Actor—Tom Zembrod, ‘Buckskin’ 

“Buckskin” is a film defined by care, patience, and craft. But at its heart it’s a period piece and a meditation on seeking forgiveness for the unforgivable; and it is here that the film’s lead, actor Tom Zembrod, shines. With little but facial and vocal gestures, Zembrod must imbue his character Porter with a solemnity and pained existence that we only but shortly glean. He’s done deeds (not to be spoiled here, of course) that he tortures himself over. But where Zembrod excels is in his character’s minimalism: his performance is not one of dynamism, but quiet, tortured substance. In an interview I did with B22 Films, Zembrod is a lively, fun personality. It’s a credit to “Buckskin,” and his performance that he basks Porter in melancholy and repentance. The film is a solid recommend, and Tom is wholly deserving of praise here.

“Buckskin” is currently available to watch on Tubi, Amazon Prime, or on DVD for purchase at Wal-Mart. 

Honorable Mention—Tom Heard, ‘Getting It’ 

Best Actress—Eva Johansson, ‘Alive’ 

“Alive” is a great film, and definitely one of my favorite short films that I watched in 2021. What is best about it is that though the film features a disabled woman, it is about what people can do, not what they can’t. Eva Johansson imbues her character, Viktoria, with all the ups and downs of the struggles she faces day-in-day-out with realism and deft. And what is most impressive of all is that Johansson is an able-bodied actress, and not herself disabled.

Why this is so impressive is because Johansson makes us believe Viktoria’s struggle. Simple things like dressing herself can be hard. So when she announces to her careworker that she would like to set up a Tinder profile and go on a date, it shows a determination and drive that Johansson imbues naturally. She makes Viktoria feel like a real person we know and want to succeed. It’s a credit to her performance that the whole things comes off as naturally as it does.

“Alive” is currently available to watch on ARTE.tv; it will be picked up by HBO later this year. 

Honorable Mention—Kathleen Warner Yeats, ‘The Letters’ 

Best Full Length Film—’The Letters’ 

“The Letters” is a tough yet important film to watch. Directed and written by Irish filmmaker Robbie Walsh, it is an ambitious project that takes audiences through the lives of three women misdiagnosed as healthy, who are actually living with terminal cervical cancer. It’s ambitious because the film doesn’t concern itself with the dramatic, but the personal, and it slowly and imperceptibly lets you into the lives of these three women.

Walsh makes the smart decision to film in black and white, which makes us feel the proceedings that much more. “The Letters” also takes the time to set up its three leads (Sarah Carroll, Kathleen Warner Yeats, and Mary Murray) as real people. Though they are struggling with terminal cancer, they have real lives, dealing with trying issues such as loneliness, single parenting and mounting debt, and caring for an ailing mother while ailing yourself.

The film also tackles a scandal that rocked Ireland (the CervicalCheck Scandal) without making the film about the duplicity and shame that accompanied that scandal. We care about the scandal, and its fallout, because we care about these three women. The film’s script is tight and polished, the acting by all involved is stellar, and “The Letters” is filmed in such a way as to cause horror, empathy, and sadness at the proceedings. The film is a high-recommend, and, though the decision was tough, it is the recipient of this year’s ‘Best Full Length Film’ award.

“The Letters” is currently playing in cinemas in the UK and is working on festival entires. The film will hopefully be added to Amazon Prime in the near future. 

Honorable Mention—’Getting It’ 

‘The Movie Buff Choice Award’ (for outstanding achievement by a filmmaker in continued, quality indie content)—Brett Bentman 

Texas filmmaker Brett Bentman is a man who wears many hats. With 31 writing credits, 26 directorial credits, and  12 producing credits, he is an indie creator through-and-through. His production company, B22 Films, has continued to churn out many interesting films over the last couple years especially, many of which were reviewed on The Movie Buff. Over the years he’s grown as a filmmaker; it’s hard to believe it was only three years ago that we watched and reviewed his first, the emotionally deep and mature “90 Feet From Home.”

This year was no different for Brett, sending us intriguing films of varying plots and achievements. First there was “Buckskin,” which Bentman stated was a passion project, set against the backdrop of the American trapping era. The film featured an alluring tone, wonderful cinematography, and an accomplished lead performance by Tom Zembrod.

Following that we had “Outlaw’s Buckle,” a crime-caper of a film that was set in a police station. Featuring great performances by Thom Hallum and Rachel G. Whittle, it was a twisty/turny tale of greed and corruption. And then we watched “Meteor,” in which Bentman toned things down a bit. It’s a forlorn tale of apocalypse and grief, featuring a great Robert Keith (unfortunately not enough categories existed to get Keith an award here, but he deserves massive praise), Thom Hallum, and Olivia Nash. Additionally, Bentman produced and released the film “Operation Overlord,” which we did not get a chance to watch or review.

We praise Bentman for his success in indie cinema, and his continued devotion to releasing fun and engaging indie pictures. His style of modern Texas Westerns mixed with tales of luckless criminals make for fun pictures; and underneath it all he’s just a fun filmmaker to watch. We wish him continued success and look forward to more of Bentman and B22 Films in 2022. (You can read our interview with Brett Bentman here).