'Fine Cut' 2022 Winners Showcase a Diversity of Perspectives

September 20, 2022

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Congratulations to our young filmmakers who won top prizes in this year's "Fine Cut Festival of Films."

Full list of "Fine Cut Festival of Films" winners in 2022:

Jack Larson Southern California Filmmaker Award

"Beauty Queen"
Myra Aquino
University of California, Los Angeles

A movie poster for a film called "Beauty Queen." — Directed by Myra Aquino, "Beauty Queen" is a film set in the Philippines during World War II where a young woman struggles to find purpose after losing her father. | Courtesy of the filmmaker

Narrative Award

"Mother in the Mist"
Kay Niuyue Zhang
University of Southern California

A movie poster showing two women riding a tricycle. — Following Wuhan’s Coronavirus lockdown, a rural single mother embarks on a dangerous journey in search of her preemie newborn baby stranded in Wuhan City Hospital in "Mother in the Mist."  Joining her path is a mysterious eight-year-old girl who shares the same determination to reunite with her mother in the city.  Directed by Kay Niuyue Zhang from University of Southern California. | Courtesy of the filmmaker

“Fine Cut” showcases short films made by a new generation of California storytellers. Watch this trailer.

Documentary Award

"Neurodivergent"
Afton Quast Saler
University of Southern California

A movie poster for a movie called "Neurodivergent." — "Neurodivergent" directed by Afton Quast Saler from the University of Southern California is a personal and insightful mixed-media experience inside the ADHD mind. A 35-year-old film student is diagnosed with ADHD leading to questions about her past and future, while trying to make sense of this misunderstood disorder.  | Courtesy of the filmmaker

Animation Award

Horned Cook, Gola
Adam Musa Othman
California Institute of the Arts

A movie poster called "Horned Cook, Gola." — "Horned Cook, Gola" directed by Adam Musa Othman from California Institute of the Arts is a story of a dragon, who enters his living room struggling to remember something important. | Courtesy of the filmmaker

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