The curtain closed on the 2nd Annual Pottsville Film Festival on Sunday afternoon as filmmakers, actors, festival organizers, and movie enthusiasts gathered at the Majestic Theater for the festival's awards ceremony.
The ceremony, emceed by Joe Whelski, brought an end to a three-day celebration of independent filmmaking that featured dozens of films from around the world, special events, workshops, and appearances by actor Richard Kline, best known for his role as Larry Dallas on the television sitcom Three's Company.
One of the festival's top honors, the Best of the Fest Award, which included a $500 cash prize, was presented to To Orbit Around a Dying Star by filmmaker Justin O'Neill. The film also earned recognition as one of the standout selections of the weekend.
Another $500 award was presented for Best Pennsylvania Film, which went to My Last Sin by Eric Olmeda.
The festival's Best Director Award, also accompanied by a $500 prize, was awarded to Andrea Ashton for her work on Margo for Real.
A special local honor, Best of the Skook, was presented to The Artist by Schuylkill County's Johnathan Paroby.
The festival's acting awards included a tie for Best Actress, with Amanda Greer and Denise Reed both being recognized for their performances in The Fix. The Best Actor Award went to Juan Teisaire for his role in Cortado.
The Fix continued its successful showing during the ceremony, earning the Best Cinematography for Michael Yadvish.
International filmmaking was recognized with Best International Film being awarded to Blood or Water by Kristina Mileska.
Other category winners included:
- Best Comedy: Margo for Real (Alicia Harding)
- Best Horror: Hide (Brenden Hubbard)
- Best Student Film: Sturm und Stille – Between Storm and Silence (Montana Confer)
- Best Documentary: Kielbasy Heaven (Carlos Alvarez) (A documentary on Shenandoah's Kowalonek's Kielbasi)
- Best Animation: Alice in Jerseyland (Jaewon Ryu)
- Best Narrative: "Resume of Regrets" by Lori Hammel
Throughout the weekend, festival attendees enjoyed screenings spanning international cinema, documentaries, animation, horror, comedy, narrative films, and student productions. Events were held at the Majestic Theater and The Chopping Block, while festival-goers also had opportunities to meet Richard Kline through a comedy workshop, fan Q&A session, and other special events.
With its second year now complete, the Pottsville Film Festival once again showcased both local and international talent while bringing filmmakers and film fans to downtown Pottsville for a weekend dedicated to independent cinema.
