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SXSW 2009: The Winners
By Alison Willmore
on 03/18/2009
"Made in China," a comedy about a Texan boy who heads to Shanghai to capitalize on his novelty invention idea, and "45365," a documentary about everyday life in a small town in Ohio, took the top prizes at the 2009 SXSW Film Festival this year. Tennessee drama "That Evening Sun" and Katrina pet rescue doc "Mine" took the audiences awards. The full list of winners is below:
Feature Jury Awards
Documentary Feature: "45365," director: Bill Ross
An inquiring look at everyday life in Middle America, the film explores the congruities of daily life in an American town Sidney, Ohio.
Honorable Mention: "The Way We Get By," director: Aron Gaudet
On call 24/7 for the past 6 years, a group of senior citizens transform their lives by greeting nearly one million U.S. troops at a tiny airport in Maine.
Narrative Feature: "Made in China," director: Judi Krant
Lost in Shanghai, an inventor discovers that it takes more than a bright idea to succeed.
Special Jury Award for Best Ensemble Cast: "That Evening Sun," director: Scott Teems
A ruthless grudge match between two old foes. Lines are drawn, threats are made, and the simmering tension under the Tennessee sun erupts, inevitably, into savagery.
Audience Awards
Emerging Visions: "Motherland," director: Jennifer Steinman
Six grieving mothers journey to Africa in order to test the theory that "giving is healing."
Documentary Feature: "Mine," director: Geralyn Pezanoski
After Hurricane Katrina, thousands of pets were rescued and adopted by families around the country, leading to many custody battles. Through these stories, the film examines issues of race, class and animal welfare in the U.S.
Narrative Feature: "That Evening Sun," director: Scott Teems
Special Jury Awards
SXSW & AIGA Austin Movie Poster Award: "The Dungeon Masters," director: Keven Macalester
Designer: David Plunkert, Spur Design, LLC
SXSW / Chicken & Egg Emergent Woman Award: "Made in China," director: Judi Krant
SXSW Wholphin Short Film Award: "Sister Wife," director: Jill Orschel
In a time when the practices of Mormon fundamentalism offer sensational fodder for the evening news, Sister Wife offers a rare glimpse into the cloistered lifestyle.
Shorts Jury Awards
Reel Shorts: "Thompson," director: Jason Tippet
Since second grade Matt and Ryan have shared the bond of speech impediments, weapons, and things that go fast. But as their last days of high school speed by, the two friends find that their go-carts, dirt bikes, and RC cars can't outrun adulthood.
Special Jury Award: "Happy 95 Birthday Grandpa," director: Gary Huggins
A fleeting memory in five minutes.
Animated Shorts: "Shaman," director: Luc Perez
Waiting for the bus on a rainy day in Copenhagen, the old shaman Utaaq sees a rare bird from his past. This makes him reminisce his youth, and a beautiful tale about the forces of nature begins.
Special Jury Award: "Sweet Dreams," director: Kirsten Lepore
A Stalwart cupcake escapes from his native land to discover what lies beyond the sugar skyscrapers and candy-condos. His violent shipwreck on a foreign shore forces him to adapt to a new lifestyle.
Experimental Shorts: "Cattle Call," director: Matthew Rankin & Mike Maryniuk
A high-speed animated documentary about the art of livestock auctioneering.
Special Jury Award: "The Idiot Stinks," director: Helder Sun
Animation, Angst, Media, Martians and Miscommunication.
Music Video Winner: Thunderheist, "Jerk It"
Director: That Go-Noel Paul & Stefan Moore
Special Jury Award: Fleet Foxes, "White Winter Hymnal"
Director: Sean Pecknold
Jury Special Mention: New Pornographers, "Myriad Harbor"
Director: Fluorescent Hill
Texas High School Competition: "Performance Evaluation," director: Breannah Gibson
Special Jury Award: TIE, "Fresh Fruit," director: Edward Kelley & Brenden Cicoria; "A Hospital Bathroom," director: Miguel Johnson











