Pulling Focus
Award
Ceremony
6/8/2025

2025 Winning Films

Best Short Film - Fannie Directed By Christine Swanson

Best Inspirational - More than Hair Directed By Fitch Jean

Best Student Film -Spare Me Directed By Wilderley Mauricette

Best First Time Filmmaker -Baby Girl Directed By Jay Alan

Best in Midwest - The Negro Artist Directed By Nikolas Heftman

The Reel Impact -Pirinha Directed By Natasha Craveiro

Best Animation Short Dear Child II Directed By Devin Peters

Open Competition Showcase (fka Out of Competition Showcase)

The End was just The Beginning Directed By Antonio Aleixo

Runner-Ups View All

Audience Choice View All

About The Event

Experience the extraordinary at the Pulling Focus independent film festival award ceremony! Join us for a beautiful evening celebrating cinematic innovation, artistic expression, and thought-provoking storytelling. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of a community passionate about independent film. Don't miss the chance to network with filmmakers, gain insights into the creative process, and be inspired by the power of independent cinema. Get ready for an unforgettable celebration of film at our independent film festival award ceremony.

Sunday, June 8th Time: 2:45 am- 4:45 pm

Venue: Figge Art Museum

(John Deere Auditorium )

563-324-1933, 225 West 2nd St., Davenport, IA 52801

Our Esteem Judges

Jonathan Burnett
Independent Filmmaker/Educator
Head of Film Production
See Trouble Films. A fulltime Professor of Cinema at
Los Angeles Valley College.

Maximina Juson

Maximina Juson is an award-winning filmmaker and founder of HUMovies, a film and video production company based in Los Angeles. Her debut feature film, "One Person, One Vote?" is a National Endowment for the Humanities grant recipient that world premiered at The 2024 Pan African Film Festival, taking home the Programmer's Award for Best Documentary Feature.

Charles Burnett
An American filmmaker who gained critical acclaim for his realistic and intimate portrayals of African American families. Burnett’s films, most of which he wrote as well as directed, were revered by critics. Two of his movies were added to the Library of Congress’s National Film Registry: Killer of Sheep (1977) in 1990 and To Sleep with Anger (1990) in 2017.

Daniel De Boulay

After studying Screenwriting and Business Administration at Loyola Marymount, he joined Sony Pictures Entertainment's Worldwide Acquisitions, reviewing film submissions. His first executive acquisition was "DOWN WITH THE KING," starring Freddie Gibbs, reflecting his passion for hip-hop. Later, he acquired "BOXING DAY," a British-Caribbean comedy by Aml Ameen, a significant achievement for him as a Trinidadian.

Stephen James Taylor
An American composer best known for his film and TV scores. He has earned four Emmy nominations, two Annie nominations, and a DVD-X Award for "Best Original Score.

Patrica Hardaway
A strategic attorney and executive whose sharp analytical skills and deep understanding of structure, equity, and conflict uniquely position her to evaluate powerful storytelling in film. With a legal background in labor law, discrimination, and conflict resolution, she brings a keen eye to films that tackle social justice and human rights. Her expertise in governance and mission-driven leadership adds depth to her perspective as a Pulling Focus Film Festival judge.

About Our Panel of Judges

Our dynamic panel of judges—each bringing a distinct lens from across the film industry—took on the tough task of selecting this year’s standout films. With such a range of compelling voices and visions, the decision-making process was no easy feat. The judges thoughtfully evaluated each submission for its storytelling, technical execution, and thematic impact. After meaningful discussion and careful consideration, they selected films that not only moved them but also challenged convention. Their dedication and insight helped us honor the bold creativity and artistic excellence that define the spirit of this festival.

2024 Award Ceremony At The Last Picture House

Urban Exposure & Pulling Focus Promo Reel

Safiya Songhai

Safiya Songhai is an African-American film director, screenwriter, editor and producer. She trained with highly acclaimed 'Sankofa' director Haile Gerima, playwright Ntozake Shange author of 'For Colored Girls', Legendary film icon and Oscar-winner, Spike Lee and the late Oscar nominated director John Singleton.Her fiction films explore themes of unrequited love, conflicts of temptation and religious devotion, as well as spirituality and the supernatural. Her film 'Ladylike' is one of the first film credits of the late Chadwick Boseman 'Black Panther'.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our esteemed film festival judges for their dedication and invaluable contributions. Their expertise, discernment, and tireless efforts in reviewing submissions have made this festival a resounding success. Their feedback and cinematic vision have empowered emerging talents to enrich the film industry. Thank you for promoting creativity, innovation, and diverse storytelling. Their commitment has left an indelible mark, inspiring filmmakers and audiences alike. We sincerely appreciate their support and look forward to continued collaboration.