We are thrilled to announce the following films as recipients of the 2016 VTeddy Awards. Custom-made by Festival sponsor Vermont Teddy Bear Company, the VTeddies are more than just huggable trophies; the MNFF will tour all VTeddy Award-winning films along our New England Tour which will provide films with valuable exposure throughout each of the six New England states.
This year the Festival introduced three new VTeddy Awards: “Audience Favorite – Short”, “Audience Favorite – Feature”, and the “VSO Award for Best Integration of Music Into Film” in collaboration with Vermont Symphony Orchestra. As part of its award, VSO will pair the winning filmmaker with a selected rising composer to co-create a new film with original music. Should that project be ready by the 2017 Festival, a live performance of the original score will take place during the debut screening of the film at the Festival.
VTeddy Awards and their recipients are listed below, in no particular order.
Best Feature Documentary: “Walk With Me: The Trials of Damon J. Keith”
Best Short Documentary: “Phil’s Camino”
Best Feature Narrative: “Broke”
Best Short Narrative: “The Best and Worst Days of George Morales’ Unnaturally Long Life”
Audience Award – Short: “Pony”
Audience Award – Feature: “The Guys Next Door”
VSO Special Award for Best Integration of Music into Film: “Black Canaries”
The Festival was also pleased to present special guest Barbara Kopple with an honorary VTeddy for the MNFF Special Award for Sustained Excellence in Creativity & Imagination, which she accepted at the closing ceremonies on Sunday evening at Town Hall Theater.
Congratulations to our winners – and stay tuned for updates on the New England Tour!