June 19, 2006

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Stacey Roberts

(617) 510-8269
Stacey@PtownFilmFest.org

PROVINCETOWN INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES HBO AUDIENCE CHOICE AWARD WINNERS
“Best Feature Film” QUINCEANERA, “Best Documentary Film” SAVING MARRIAGE and “Best Short Film” SPIN

Provincetown, Mass., June 19, 2006 – The Provincetown International Film Festival announced its “Audience Choice Award” winners, as part of its closing night celebration last night. The awards, sponsored by HBO, honored QUINCEAÑERA for “Best Feature Film,” SAVING *MARRIAGE for “Best Documentary Film,” and SPIN for “Best Short Film.” An award was also granted to GYPSIES, TRAMPS & THIEVES “Best Student Short Film,” sponsored by Avid Technology, Inc. The festival, which took place from June 14-18, entered its eighth year of showcasing independent American and international films, nurturing aspiring independent filmmakers, honoring industry luminaries, and preserving and sustaining cinema as an art form through educational forums.

“Given the record attendance at this year’s festival, this award serves as an even greater honor for these talented filmmakers” noted Gabrielle A. Hanna, Executive Director of the Provincetown International Film Festival. “We are very proud of the support by the our festival attendees, the Provincetown community and our sponsors, including HBO, that make the awards and the overall Festival possible.”

BEST FEATURE FILM
QUINCEAÑERA
Directed by Wash Westmoreland & Richard Glatzer
(2005, USA, 90 minutes)
As Magdelena’s 15th birthday approaches, fate delivers an unwelcome surprise-she’s pregnant. Immediately expelled from her family, she moves in with her brother, also expelled for being gay, and her great-granduncle. Together they form a makeshift family unit that must stand up against social stigmas and the encroaching urbanization that threatens their Los Angeles neighborhood.
Prize Award – $1500

BEST DOCUMENTARY FILM
SAVING MARRIAGE – World Premiere
Directed by Mike Roth and John Henning
(2006, USA, 97 minutes)
When Massachusetts became the first state to legalize gay marriage, it thrust the issue into the national spotlight with a ferocity few could expect. This stunning, dramatic and wonderfully balanced documentary captures every nuance of the process with insight, emotion and great heart.
Prize Award – $1500

BEST SHORT FILM
SPIN
Directed by Jamin Wynans
(2005, USA, 8 minutes)
A mysterious DJ, played by Hayz II is sent to a busy city block to mend a series of tragic events. Everyday people, places and events are influenced by the flow, speed and direction of the music.
Prize Award – $1000

BEST STUDENT SHORT FILM
GYPSIES, TRAMPS & THIEVES
Directed by Andrew Janakas, American Film Institute
(2005, USA, 22 minutes)
Two teenage friends, Marie and Chrissy, fend off boredom in a small New York town. After this night, neither will be the same again.
Prize Award – Complete software package from Avid Technologies, Inc.

The eighth annual Provincetown International Film Festival is made possible by the generous support of the Festival’s Presenting Sponsors including HBO, Bacardi GrandMelón, The Advocate, Art House, The Provincetown Banner, and The Boston Phoenix, and is also funded in part by the Provincetown Tourism Fund, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the Massachusetts Cultural Council. The Youth and Diversity Film Program receives support from the Gay and Lesbian Equity (GALE) Fund of The Cape Cod Foundation. Additional growing support comes from numerous national and community-based businesses. For more information on the Festival visit http://www.ptownfilmfest.org or call 508-487-FILM.

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Provincetown International Film Festival

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