The 40th edition of REELING: The Chicago LGBTQ+ International Film Festival has announced this year’s winners of feature film categories.
The winner of the AARP Silver Image Award was also announced, presented by sponsor AARP Illinois, an award that champions films with multi-dimensional LGBTQ+ characters aged 50+.
The festival showcased 51 programs, including 37 feature films, 1 web series, and 13 short film programs, with films coming from 26 different countries.
AUDIENCE AWARDS
Audience Award for Best Narrative Feature:
Two Eyes by Travis Fine
Audience Award for Best Documentary Feature:
Jimmy In Saigon by Peter McDowell
JURY AWARDS
AARP Silver Image Award Winner:
Prognosis: Notes On Living by Debra Chasnoff and Kate Stilley Steiner
The Silver Image Award jury, comprised of volunteers and members of AARP IL, stated that it “was moved by this exceptional film focused on the beauty and the pain of caregiving for those we love as we age. The journey of Debra Chasnoff and her wife Nancy, with their family (both formal and chosen), is a universal story of love and support.”
Best Narrative Feature:
Elephant by Kamil Krawczycki
“Even without the knowledge of the difficult film conditions (shot in Poland’s ‘gay free zone’), the tone, pacing, and location for this heartache of a young love story is delicious narrative content – such a complex and beautiful experience. Bonus points for bravery and sensitivity in storytelling. (And lead actor Jan Hrynkiewicz is nothing if not the Timothee Chalamet of Poland.)” – Reeling 40 Narrative Feature Jury
Best Documentary Feature:
Uýra: The Rising Forest by Juliana Curi
“The poetic, elliptical approach of the filmmakers matches the worldview and work of the performance artist/activists at the center of the movie. Amidst Jair Bolsonaro’s hellish assaults on both decency and the environment, this motley group of polygender activists and indigenous peoples demonstrate how resistance can be simultaneously delicate and unbreakable. The result is an unforgettable, lyrical documentary that excels on every level. This is a beautiful, inspiring film that fosters hope in the face of climate change.” – Reeling 40 Documentary Feature Jury
Short film awards will be announced soon.
