IndieFEST Film Awards

Atlanta, GA – February 15, 2019 - Forrest Tuff, Director of "Released: When Does the Sentence End?" received exciting news yesterday. Not only was his documentary a film festival winner in the category of Best Documentary but also as a Humanitarian Award winner. The film was created in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Justice and the Georgia State Governor's Office, challenging the community to reflect on how we view recidivism. The 45-minute documentary focuses on work programs for returning citizens and the subject of criminal justice reform.

The goal of the Humanitarian Award is to honor filmmakers who are bringing awareness to issues of Ecological, Political, Social Justice and Equality, Health and Wellness, Animals, Wildlife, Conservation and Spiritual importance. Each year IndieFEST bestows a Humanitarian Award to a deserving filmmaker who is committed to making a difference in the world and tells the story with outstanding filmmaking craft. The awardees of the Humanitarian Award come from the judges recommendations only! Each year the judges nominate filmmakers who not only highlight critical issues of our times but also showcase these issues with exceptional craft in production and filmmaking.

This is not an award that can be submitted for. These selections are hand picked by the staff and judges that are judging the films  received throughout the year. Of the hundreds of films that are screened that may have a qualifying topic – only those that are nominated by the judges go on to be considered for the Humanitarian Award.  We feel very strongly in supporting filmmakers that are using their talents and passion to make a positive difference in the world.