2015 PBIFF Winning Films

X+Y

Best Feature Film: "X+Y," directed by Morgan Matthews, starring Asa Butterfield and Sally Hawkins. A warm and inspirational drama featuring Butterfield as a socially awkward teenage math prodigy who finds new confidence and new friendships when he lands a spot on the British squad at the International Mathematics Olympiad.

Walking Man
Omo Child

Best Documentary Feature (tie): "Walking Man," directed by Joshua Salzberg, about a father and son's reaction to a rash of teenage suicides, and "Omo Child: The River and the Bush," directed by John Rowe, about a deadly practice in Ethiopia.

I Thought I Told You To Shut Up

Best Short Film: "I Thought I Told You to Shut Up!!," directed by Charlie Tyrell, narrated by Oscar winner Jonathan Demme. In the late '70s David Boswell created Reid Fleming, the World's Toughest Milkman, a comic book anti-hero and counter culture icon. He sold the rights to Warner Brothers for a feature film. Now, over 30 years later, the character is still mired in contractual limbo.

The Challenger

Audience Choice Award for Best Feature Film: "The Challenger," directed by Kent Moran. Struggling Bronx auto mechanic Jaden Miller (Moran) and his mother, lovingly portrayed by S. Epatha Merkerson (Law & Order), are evicted from their home. With the help of legendary trainer Duane Taylor (Oscar nominee Michael Clarke Duncan), Miller soon finds that boxing may be their ticket to a better life. Earning the title 'Bronx Boy,' Miller becomes a local hero. An inspiring tale highlighted by Michael Clarke Duncan's final role.

Swank Farm

Audience Choice Award for Best Documentary Feature: "Swank Farm," directed by Judith Olney. After losing jobs in the post-9/11 recession, Jodi and Darrin Swank started new lives as passionate, pioneering, hydroponic farmers in Palm Beach County. Through hurricanes, near-bankruptcy, the challenges of Florida farming, and life in a trailer home with three growing children they have emerged as major suppliers of fresh produce to area restaurants and hosts of legendary fundraising affairs - the iconic "Swank Table" events. A lesson in the rewards of giving back to the community.

A Song For Manzanar

Audience Choice Award for Best Short Film: "A Song for Manzanar," directed by Kazuko Golden. Based on a true story. In 1944, a young Japanese-American mother in a U.S. internment camp is driven to inspire hope in her infant son while trying to communicate with her sister in Hiroshima. She is one of over 100,000 Japanese-Americans who were forced to relocate during WWII to internment camps.

Mama Needs A Ride

Best Local Film: "Mama Needs A Ride," directed by Matt Florio. Franky and Elmo are the Don's go-to guys. So it is only fitting that he would trust them with a very important job: pick up his mother and take her out to run errands. Unfortunately for them, she is not nearly as nice as the Don says she is.