The first online film festival on American short films, “Petit Plan: Americana” by the Hellenic American Union in collaboration with Petit Plan, was successfully concluded on Friday 2nd April 2021.
More than 4.000 peope saw the 32 shorts films of the programme which focused on the American lifestyle and at the same time focusing on important social issues such as racism, bullying, police violence, etc.
The programme divided into three competition sections: -Best US Film -Best Children’s Film -Best Diversity Film
Moreover, the audience had the opportunity to vote online for their favourite film and award the Audience Award.
The 3-member jury comprised of: Soultana-Tatiana Koumoutsi (president of Psarokokalo Athens International Short Film Festival), Lila Manioti ( director of cultural affairs at the Hellenic American Union) and Zoe Manta (cinematographer) awarded the following films:
“The award for Best US Film goes to Keep It Quiet by Yaya (2019, 14’). A film in which mental illness and loss is depicted with sensitivity and humour withour cliches. A minimalistic and realistic film with an excellent performance by its leading lady. The cinematography and accompanying music augments the sense of feeling to the spectator”.
The director said, “Thank you for including my film and the award! This is my first film and a labor of love so it means a lot. I hope the audience at your festival found something personal and touching in the story we told. Love and gratitude, Yaya”.
“The award for Best Children’s Film goes to Stumped by Christina Farman (2018, 6’). An entertaining film with a pace that makes you want to dance. A tender look combined with humour will help children understand that they should never give up”.
“ The award for Best Diversity Film goes to Sub Brothers by Sandeep Ravindranath (2019, 23’). A touching and direct film about immigration. In an unexpected manner it focuses on the human condition and the love and nostalgia for the homeland”.
The director said, “Thank you Petit Plan: Americana for this wonderful recognition. I applaud the festival staff and jury members for their hard work that has made this festival a grand success! My congratulations to the other winners as well.”
The Audience Award, with over 500 votes, goes to Kindling by Xinyi Zhu (2020, 14’).
The director said, “I am truly grateful for your appreciation. Kindling expresses feelings and experiences that I value a lot, and I’m so happy that those things along with the film can be shared. Thank you so much to my team and everyone who supported the making of this film.”
See you at the next Petit Plan: Americana!