The jury for 2020 was: Andrew Gray of South East Arts, Kate Howarth of Eastern Riverina Arts, actor Patrick Dickson, filmmaker Lucca Pajimans and Lis Shelley of Far South Film.

Winner of the Best Film Award: The Cupboard Under the Stars, writer/director/producer Luke Jacobson of Torquay, Victoria.

The jury described the entry as, "An excellent short film that takes the audience back to childhood memories when the real and unreal were harder to separate. This film made us jump out of our skins."

Best Performance Award went to six-year-old Charlise Gower from Victoria for her role as Bethany in the film.

The jury was, "impressed with the way that - in a film with so little dialogue - Charlise's face and actions said it all, and when she did finally speak, she nailed the emotion perfectly. An outstanding performance."

Best Director Award: Kin, director Timothy Walker, Portland, Victoria.

"A graduate of Swinburne Uni and NIDA, Director Timothy Walker has made subtle choices of location, costuming. makeup, and dialogue to provide great emotional beats leading to a moving, surprising and satisfying ending," the jury said.

Best Documentary Award and Diversity Award: The Oudmaker of Narooma, director Lee Grant, Congo, NSW, producer Hiromi Matsuoka, Murrah NSW.

"The contrast between past life and present, the art, the music, the home and Men's Shed settings create fascinating visual storytelling supporting the narrative as told by the subjects themselves," the jury said.

Best Youth Film Award and Best Screenplay/Story Award: The Quiet, writer/director/animator Radheya Jegatheva, Jindaloop WA, producer Jay Jay Jegathesan.

"This stunningly animated film with its excellent voice-over and soundtrack relates a gripping story that thoroughly engages the viewer until the surprising end.

"Another of his short films iRONY, was nominated for an AACTA Award and has been selected for more than 150 film festivals worldwide."

Best Environment Film: The Ambassador, director/producer David Gallan, Tathra NSW.

The jury said the film was, "beautifully shot in the forests of South East NSW, the cinematography and the gently told but urgent story makes its impact in black and white - the night shots in particular demonstrate the patience and skills of the wildlife cinematographer."

Best Technical Achievement Award: Anactoria - Good Mind, director Andrew Robinson, Candelo NSW, producer Tamlyn Magee, Toothdale NSW.

The jury said this was a great example of simple, beautiful visual storytelling, "Good Mind's art design, setting, cinematography, grading and sound blend together to produce a winning music video."

Best Use of Regional Location Award: Happy Place, director/producer Gethin Coles, Urunga NSW.

"The film combines stunning footage of the local landscapes with animation and interviews with Bellingen Shire folk about their "Happy Place" in the shire, and what it means to them."

Environmental Youth Encouragement Award for raising awareness of Waste & Environmental Issues: E-Waste,13 year old filmmaker Sam Hsiao, Merimbula, NSW and Going Going Gone, 10 year old Henry Baker, Albany, WA.

"E-Waste and Going Going Gone both make a direct appeal to all of us to realise the impact we are have on our planet by the things we do each and every day. We look forward to seeing more films from these young filmmakers," the jury said.

The winner of the People's Choice Award will be announced Tuesday, August 25 at 8pm on Far South Film's website and Facebook page.

As many people are on lower incomes due to COVID-19 this year the festival offered patrons a "pay what you can" model which was very well received.

A recording of the awards live stream with Frankie J Holden and Michelle Pettigrove is available online for the next 14 days at no cost.

FSFF is grateful for generous sponsorship provided by Bega Valley Shire Council, South East Arts, Nullarbor Consulting, JD Shaw, Screenworks, ArtsHub, StageFlight and Merimbula School of Music.

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