"Circumstance" topped the awards list at Outfest 2011, L.A.’s 29th annual Gay and Lesbian Film Festival. Winners were announced at an awards brunch Sunday at the Director’s Guild.
The story of two teenage girls struggling for sexual freedom in Iran, "Circumstance" (pictured) took home the Audience Award for Outstanding First U.S. Dramatic Feature Film (which includes a $5,000 cash prize), as well as Nikohl Boosher’s Grand Jury Award for Outstanding Actress in a Feature Film.
The heart-wrenching HIV/AIDS documentary “We Were Here” won the Audience Award for Outstanding Documentary Feature Film, as well as a $1,500 cash prize.
The Grand Jury Award for Outstanding International Dramatic Feature Film went to Andrew Haigh’s “Weekend,” and the Grand Jury Award for Outstanding Documentary Feature Film went to Eric Brach’s personal story “Habana Muda.”
“The Wise Kids, directed by Stephen Cone took home the Grand Jury Award for Outstanding U.S. Dramatic Feature Film and the Grand Jury Award for Outstanding Screenwriting.
Also read: 'We Were Here' Captures the Voices of a Generation Lost to HIV/AIDS
“The Ballad of Genesis and Lady Jaye” took home the Special Programming Award for Artistic Achievement, and Tom Tyker’s “3” received the Audience Award for Dramatic Feature Film.
Over 11 days, 163 films from 25 countries screened at this year’s festival.