Jury Award
Jury Award: A Look Through My Eyes
Directed by Shalaun D. Nelson
A film about my father and trying to understand where he fits in my life and the impact he's had on me with his actions and his absence.
Our jury, comprised of a diverse panel of parents, youth, filmmakers and celebrities familiar with the issues of adoption and "family" selected A Look Through My Eyes based upon the following criteria:
- Honest storytelling
- Execution of the video in a concise, visually appealing way
- Overall originality and creativity of video
The winner receives an iPad.
Comments from the jurors:
- "The best of the lot. I love that we never see the father and only hear about him or see what he has written. Very well done. She's capable of doing a feature film."
- "powerful message hard to look at. very honest."
- "very honest and revealing look at foster care, relations with birth family and adoption. this girl is strong and a fighter. well done!"
- "A compelling inside look at what makes a family "real". Left me wanting more."
- "Really interesting perspective on a family. This film definitely set itself apart from the other pieces, particularly by dealing with heavy issues, its anger, and its negative resolution. I found this film really honest, almost brave. I think the film was put together strongly."
- "Sad story. Touching. Like the filmmakers voice and introspection and exploration. Feels empowering..."
- "Great flow, music, editing..."
- "I liked this film a lot; the format was very engaging...to open with the child speaking about the issue with the close-up view was very effective..."
- "I love how this piece opens with a direct to-camera confession about everything 'not being ok' and then it just goes from there into a heart-felt exploration about the filmmaker's relationship to her father. The film is emotionally compelling and visually interesting. There's a strong sense of voice and I hope she continues to make more films."
Next: People's Choice Award »
Audience Award
People's Choice Award: Why Not?
Directed by Naomi Nelson
A personal story about one young woman's experience in foster care and how she beat the odds to end up at a four year university. Includes statistics about the number of foster kids graduating and going to college, and intimate conversations with the foster parent who believed in her.
The judges chose a slate of 5 finalist videos that POV website visitors voted on, from November 20 - November 30, 2010. Why Not? won with 1,006 votes! The winner receives an iPod Touch.
Comments from the jurors:
- "This is the real thing, not polished. She is a great character in the midst of transformation and you can't ask for anything more."
- "Visually very straight forward but I loved the honesty and the insight into what it is like for a child to raise themselves adapt and then have to fit into a new family. The message that love can help heal and that this girl was able to achieve so much should bring hope to a lot of people in foster care. I would love for this to be shown to teenage foster children. I give this a high mark for the message that is very powerful."
- "very insightful. meaningful and uplifting"
- "Strong statement about the idea that family is what you make it. Contrary to popular belief, choosing family can be a conscious voluntary choice. Family can't always choose you without you choosing it."
- "I really like the way this film was done. It tells a story, but focuses in on the most important aspect -- the singular event where her life changes. Very honest and real."
- "Very tight and to the point. The narrative from the child was well done and the back and forth from the parent to the child worked perfectly. I liked this film for its on point and simple message"
- "I like the back and forth between parent and child. Nice dramatic tension. Beautiful transformation story"
- "Nice inspiring piece about foster family. Very moving."
Next: Watch the other four finalist videos »
Finalist 1
Band of Brothers -- I'm Alive
This is Belles-Silcock Family built through adoption. Our children have come from all over the world with many different life experiences, as well as, a variety of ethnic and cultural backgrounds. For some of our children, prior to joining our family they may have lived in hospitals, nursing homes, orphanages or group homes and our family is their first family.
This is our first attempt at a music video produced by Mark van Heerden (markvanheerden.com). The guys have been writing songs with our friend Dave Nachmanoff (davenach.com) for the past 5 years and more recently with Mark. Due to the boys' learning and physical disabilities, Mark has been teaching a variety of instruments to each son individually. Although the boys have been playing for less than a year now, we are excited to see where their talent and perseverance will take them. Currently the family has three CDs out and one in progress. Check out our web site to learn more about the Family (AllOurBoys.com). Enjoy!
Finalist 2
Coming to NY
Finalist 3
4-Minute Memoir
Reflections on motherhood.
Finalist 4
Mother By Kimberly Scott
My mother has made me a stronger person because she has shown me how to act in life-treat people the way you want to be treated. My film is about how she went through so much in life, yet still remains positive. I hope people understand that life is not all about your own feelings- you have to make an attempt to understand other peoples feelings too.