'We Were Here' Triumphs at the Ouray International Film Festival

      Pranav Bhasin’s film “We Were Here,” which tells the story of Indian men who take over jobs from robots to advocate for humanity, received the Grand Jury Prize at the seventh annual Ouray International Film Festival. This heartfelt event, held in the Colorado Rockies, focuses on craftsmanship, collaboration, and empowering filmmakers to express their authentic voices.

      Carter Amelia Davis won the Best Director award for her brilliantly humorous animated short “Homemade Gatorade,” which premiered at Sundance and has become a sensation on YouTube, available to watch here.

      The Audience Award went to “Yo: Love is a Rebellious Bird,” directed by Anna Fitch and Banker White. The film captures Fitch’s efforts to preserve the memories of her dear friend, an artist and rebel named Yo.

      Ayla Xuân Chi won Best Performance for their exceptional role in Jack Dorfman’s “Triptrap,” where they portray Jade, a solitary, anxious individual who agrees to embark on a drug-fueled spiritual journey with acquaintances in an apartment previously inhabited by a deceased tenant.

      The Student Award went to “Downbeat,” a semi-autobiographical narrative by writer-director Danny Madden about a homeless musician who resorts to street drumming to survive in Boston. Student jurors praised the film for its authenticity, grit, and passion, emphasizing their desire to highlight reality.

      Other notable awards included Best Short Documentary for “The Boys and the Bees,” directed by Arielle C. Knight, which depicts a mother and father in rural Georgia teaching their young sons self-reliance and stewardship.

      Best Short Narrative was awarded to “Long’s Long Lost & Mini Mart,” a story by Julian Doan about a convenience store in Little Saigon where customers can purchase fleeting moments with deceased loved ones. “Long’s Long Lost & Mini Mart” is making its debut today on Short of the Week, which we recommend checking out.

      Best Editing was awarded to “Born Secret,” directed by Riley Fitchpatrick, who revisits his hometown of Oak Ridge, Tennessee, to explore its significance in the development of the atomic bomb. The film’s producers include Fitchpatrick and brothers Grant and Adam Conversano, with Adam editing the film using modern interviews and historical materials, including comments from President Harry S. Truman.

      Best Cinematography went to “I Saw You in the Flood,” directed by Kevin Xian Ming Yu, which follows Kai, a nonbinary Chinese American, and their mother Li, who are visited by a familiar spirit on a stormy night. The cinematographer for this film is Dan Chang.

      Jurors also established a special award, Filmmaker to Watch, to recognize Nathan Xia, the writer, director, and star of the remarkable “Flavor of the Month,” which critiques Hollywood’s tendency to typecast individuals.

      Furthermore, the fast-paced and comedic film “We Buy Gold,” about two young men trying to quickly make money in New York City while encountering some of its most unusual characters, won the Short of the Week award, meaning it will soon be accessible on the platform.

      More About the Ouray International Film Festival

      “We Buy Gold” directors David Huang and Albie Smith-Change with Short of the Week senior programmer Rob Munday.

      Established by the insightful and tireless Jared LaCroix and Jake Abell, two friends who bonded over a viewing of “The Godfather,” the Ouray International Film Festival (OIFF) is rooted in the belief that “movies and mountains can change your life.” It is recognized as one of the 50 Film Festivals Worth the Entry Fee.

      The festival prioritizes fostering enduring friendships and mutual support over traditional networking and distribution efforts. Guests are encouraged to recharge by exploring scenic hikes to local waterfalls, visiting the dark vapor caves, and relaxing in hot springs. With contributions from filmmakers and board members like Benjamin Wiessner and Anna Baumgarten, the festival ensures ample time for relaxation and enjoyment alongside remarkable cinematic experiences, complete with delicious homemade meals served late into the night.

      Award selections were made by a jury that included Kirsten “Kiwi” Smith, co-writer of numerous hit films; filmmaker Kayla Abuda Galang, whose film “When You Left Me on the Boulevard” won the Short Film Grand Jury Prize at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival; Francis Román, senior film and TV programming manager for SXSW and co-founder of The Direct Line production company; Rob Munday, senior programmer and managing editor of Short of the Week; and your humble correspondent.

      Festival highlights featured Smith discussing her diverse and impactful career with humor and honesty, advising attendees to maintain control over their intellectual property and view studio feedback as assistance rather than criticism. She was also honored with the festival’s Excellence in Screenwriting Award.

      Participants were treated to a segment focused on the Cinema of the Andes, presented by Quechua-Aymara filmmaker Sisa Quispe, director of “Kusi Smiles,” who introduced the new film “The Inka of Malvas,”