The 2022 Sun Valley Film Festival (SVFF), announced this year’s juried film award winners during the annual Awards Bash, presented by SVFF and Tito’s Handmade Vodka. The Awards Bash was hosted by Bobby Farrelly and Hayes MacArthur with a performance by The Nude Party.
WINNER: Linoleum, directed by Colin West
When the host of a failing children’s science show tries to fulfill his childhood dream of becoming an astronaut by building a rocket ship in his garage, a series of bizarre events occur that cause him to question his own reality.
WINNER: Mama Bears, directed by Daresha Kyi
Spread across the country but connected through private Facebook groups, over 30,000 conservative, Christian mothers call themselves “mama bears” because of how ferociously they fight for the civil rights of their children and the entire LGBTQ+ community. Mama Bears explores the journeys of two mama bears and a young lesbian whose struggle for self-acceptance exemplifies why the mama bears movement is vitally important..
Awarded to the film which received the most votes from audience attendees.
WINNER: We Feed People, directed by Ron Howard
We Feed People spotlights renowned chef José Andrés and his nonprofit World Central Kitchen’s incredible mission and evolution over 12 years from being a scrappy group of grassroots volunteers to becoming one of the most highly regarded humanitarian aid organizations in the disaster relief sector
The best short film made in Idaho. The films in the Idaho Shorts program are eligible for this award.
WINNER: Meridian, directed by Aidan Brezonick
We all know about climate change and its effects on our planet. What’s less talked about are the effects it has on us. Meridian is an ensemble dramedy detailing the ways climate change has involved itself in our everyday lives
The One in a Million Awards honor feature length stories made for under one million dollars. One narrative and one documentary film are each awarded.
WINNER: Karmalink, directed by Jake Wachtel
In near-future Phnom Penh, a teenage boy teams up with a street-smart girl from his neighborhood to untangle the mystery of his past-life dreams. What begins as a hunt for a Buddhist treasure soon leads to greater discoveries that will either end in digital enlightenment or a total loss of identity.
WINNER: Sirens, directed by Rita Baghdadi
On the outskirts of Beirut, five young women navigate friendship, identity and the pressure to conform in their pursuit of becoming thrash metal rock stars.
The best short film across all categories. All shorts are eligible for this award.
WINNER: Last Days of August, directed by Rodrigo Ojeda-Beck and Robert Machoian
Does a town still exist if nearly everyone has died or left? Using the photobook aesthetic, filmmakers Rodrigo Ojeda-Beck and Robert Machoian explore some nearly abandoned prairie towns of Nebraska and meditate on the blurred lines between still photography and cinema.
The Future Filmmakers Forum (FFF) showcases student-made films and encourages students in their craft, storytelling, and self-expression. The Future Filmmakers Forum is made possible by the Nordstrom Brothers and an annual generous gift from the Steen Family Foundation.
WINNER: The First 280 Honest Words of My Life, directed by Ella Janes
The High Scribe honors an emerging voice in screenwriting with Jared Stern, Zach Baylin and Trevor Groth, serving as judge and mentor of the contest. Three finalists were selected which include:
Daniel Talbott – “He Hangs Brightly”
Hank Isaac – “Shooting at Ballerinas”
Christian Lybrook – “Casualties”
WINNER: Shooting at Ballerinas, written by Hank Isaac
