Congratulations!
PIFA's 2019 Winner for
Best Documentary:
From Liberty to Captivity – (Director-Producer: Debbie Wright; Screenwriters: Dr. Randall Miller, MaryEllen DeMarco, Jeanette Morrow; documentary; 2 hr., 12 min., 14 sec.; US; 2018; English) The reality of sex trafficking across the state of Pennsylvania is explored in this documentary through the stories of the unsung heroes (abolitionist citizens, front line workers, educators, law enforcement personnel, etc.) who are on the battlefield fighting for freedom.
Also included are the powerful stories of victim survivors and advocates who were brutalized beyond what one could imagine, and yet go on to live lives that are great examples of the triumph of the human spirit. Watch the trailer
Also included are the powerful stories of victim survivors and advocates who were brutalized beyond what one could imagine, and yet go on to live lives that are great examples of the triumph of the human spirit. Watch the trailer
The other 2019 nominees were:
The Weight of Success – (Director-Producer: M. Douglas Silverstein; Screenwriter: Rob Blumenstein; documentary; 40 min.; US; 2018; English) This “warts and all” documentary chronicles the life and work of Dr. Angela Lauria, one of the fastest rising stars in the self-help and life coaching industries. Five years ago, she was broke, so she started a business to teach aspiring life coaches and self-help authors how to write a book that “makes a difference.”
Now she is a multi-millionaire living in a castle and has helped over 500 authors complete their goal to finish writing their books. While her fans and supporters believe she may become the next Oprah Winfrey, her rapid success has cost her friendships, colleagues and strained family relationships. Watch the trailer
Now she is a multi-millionaire living in a castle and has helped over 500 authors complete their goal to finish writing their books. While her fans and supporters believe she may become the next Oprah Winfrey, her rapid success has cost her friendships, colleagues and strained family relationships. Watch the trailer
Day of the Western Sunrise – (Director: Keith Reimink; documentary, historical, drama, animation; 1 hr., 15 min.; US, filmed in Japan; 2018; Japanese) This animated Japanese-language documentary follows three survivors from the tuna trawler Daigo Fukuryu Maru (Lucky Dragon No. 5) which was accidentally exposed to radiation from an early hydrogen bomb test conducted by the US in the 1950s.
Now in their 80s, the survivors recount how the ignorance surrounding “hibakusha,” or “explosion-affected people” led to their communities ostracizing them when they finally returned home after more than a year of medical treatment and monitoring. Watch the trailer
Now in their 80s, the survivors recount how the ignorance surrounding “hibakusha,” or “explosion-affected people” led to their communities ostracizing them when they finally returned home after more than a year of medical treatment and monitoring. Watch the trailer
Where's Daddy? – (Director-Screenwriter: Rel Dowdell; Producer: George Lilly, Catherine Gac, Gregory Gac, Melody Forrester, Skye Dennis, Maurice Floyd, Justin Douglas; documentary; 1 hr. 58 min. 33 sec.; US; 2017; English) This documentary explores perspectives on the child support system and the impact for African-American families, with an emphasis on the experience of fathers involved with it.
It examines the legal challenges, social implications, cultural issues, and emotional impact of navigating the child support system, and features interviews with ordinary, everyday people as well as with prominent athletes, entertainers, hip-hop artists, community leaders, and politicians.
It examines the legal challenges, social implications, cultural issues, and emotional impact of navigating the child support system, and features interviews with ordinary, everyday people as well as with prominent athletes, entertainers, hip-hop artists, community leaders, and politicians.
Where There Is Darkness – (Directors: Sean Bloomfield and Cimela Kidonakis; Screenwriter: Sean Bloomfield; Producers: Sean Bloomfield, Cimela Kidonakis, Jessi Hannapel; documentary, crime; 1 hr. 43 min.; US; 2018; English) This documentary recounts the nationwide search for Fr. Rene, regarded by the tight-knit community of St. Augustine, FL as a “living saint” for helping ex-convicts get their lives together after prison.
In April 2016, when Fr. Rene failed to show up at a church service, Sheriff Shoar immediately put his best detectives on the case, and local residents joined in searching for the beloved priest. It quickly became apparent, however, that Fr. Rene was not just missing – someone had taken him against his will. Watch the trailer
In April 2016, when Fr. Rene failed to show up at a church service, Sheriff Shoar immediately put his best detectives on the case, and local residents joined in searching for the beloved priest. It quickly became apparent, however, that Fr. Rene was not just missing – someone had taken him against his will. Watch the trailer
The Killing of the 5th Element – (Director-Screenwriter: Moe N. Reed; documentary, feature, music, culture; 1 hr. 3 min. 35 sec.; US; 2018; English) Is music just entertainment or a movement? The Golden Age of hip-hop is regarded as the best era in hip-hop. “The Killing of the 5th Element” examines the lost element of “consciousness”/knowledge in music. It covers diverse opinions from artists who answer the question: Is music just entertainment or a movement that can spark change? Watch the trailer