2024 HUMANITARIAN AWARD WINNERS
The Humanitarian Award  honors filmmakers who are bringing awareness to issues of Ecological, Political, Social Justice and Equality, Health and Wellness, Animals, Wildlife, Conservation and Spiritual importance while at the same time demonstrating excellence in storytelling and filmmaking craft. Congratulations to this year’s illustrious winners who are committed to making a difference in the world through memorable filmmaking. To read more about the award click here:

Our Blue World: A Water Odyssey – Ruán Magan

Ruán Magan (Ireland), Our Blue World: A Water Odyssey, Documentary Feature – Narrated by Oscar-nominee Liam Neeson, this visually stunning documentary explores humanity’s timeless connection to water—a force that shapes our culture, spirit, and survival. As climate crises escalate across the globe, the film journeys through breathtaking landscapes and urgent frontlines, spotlighting extraordinary changemakers like Li An Phoa, Kongjian Yu, and Vered Engelhard, who are restoring water systems with ancient wisdom and bold innovation. With meticulous research, deft direction, and charismatic interviewees, the film weaves a compelling narrative filmed across the USA, Peru, China, Ireland, and beyond. It’s a powerful call to rekindle our relationship with water and spark a global movement to heal our planet—for this generation and the next.

Jennifer Pepperman (USA), AFTER FOREVER Season 3 – The Final Season, Web Series – The 6x Emmy-winning digital drama series delivers a powerful and emotionally charged conclusion. Emmy-winner Kevin Spirtas leads an exceptional cast with a raw, nuanced performance as Brian, a man grappling with grief after the loss of his husband shatters his seemingly perfect life. Guided by therapy and haunted by memory, he begins a profound journey of healing and self-discovery. With Emmy-winning writing by Spirtas and Michael Slade, Emmy-winning director Jennifer Pepperman, and a stellar cast and crew, this poignant series explores grief and transformation with honesty, heart, and unexpected humor. Stars: Emmy-nominee Mitchell Anderson, Emmy-winner Erin Cherry, Emmy-nominee Anita Gillette, Tony-winner & Emmy-nominee Cady Huffman, Linda Purl (General Hospital), Produced by Emmy-winner Allison Vanore.

Neil Boyle, Kirk Hendy and Stuart Hancock (United Kingdom), Kensuke’s Kingdom, Animation – A breathtaking hand-drawn adaptation of Michael Morpurgo’s (War Horse) novel—carried by a luscious score from award-winning composer Stuart Hancock — this brilliant animation follows young Michael, swept overboard and stranded on a remote island with his dog, Stella. There, he meets Kensuke, a reclusive Japanese man who has lived alone since WWII. As their bond grows, they must protect their hidden world from violent intruders. With pitch-perfect direction this visually stunning film blends dreamlike animation with emotional depth, delivering a powerful message about resilience, healing, and the urgent need to protect our planet’s most fragile ecosystems. The characters are brought to life through stunning voice performances by Oscar Winner Cillian Murphy, 2x Oscar-Nominee Sally Hawkins, Oscar-Nominee Ken Watanabe, Raffey Cassidy and Aaron MacGregor.

Mike Hill (Australia), Conquering Skin Cancer, Documentary Feature – Oscar-nominee Hugh Jackman lends his personal story to this powerful documentary, guided by Emmy winner Hill’s deft direction, as it confronts Australia’s devastating skin cancer crisis. Featuring compelling interviews with media icon Deborah Hutton, Olympian Cate Campbell, World Champion Surfer ‘Rabbit’ Bartholomew, and other inspiring voices, the film weaves together deeply personal survivor stories and expert insights. It reveals the physical and emotional toll of skin cancer while highlighting the urgent mission to prevent it. This eye-opening documentary exposes one of the world’s highest rates of skin cancer, spotlighting innovative solutions and life-saving awareness campaigns. With masterful storytelling, it serves as both a rallying cry and a beacon of hope—empowering audiences to take action against this preventable disease.

Abby Ginzberg (USA), Judging Juries, Documentary Short – Peabody-winner Ginzberg consistently delivers a master-class in documentary production – having produced award-winning documentaries about race and social justice for over 30 years. “Judging Juries” tackles the alarming jury diversity crisis and exposes how the absence of African American jurors skews verdicts and sentencing, leaving many defendants without a fair trial. In Oakland, CA there are often no Black jurors, and the meager $15 daily juror pay in California makes service unattainable for many. Following Alameda County Public Defender Brendon Woods, Ginzberg highlights the dire need for change, showcasing a new pilot program in San Francisco that pays $100 daily for low-income jurors, offering a glimpse of hope for more inclusive juries.

Raymond Zhang (Canada), State Organs, Documentary Feature – Peabody winner Zhang’s powerful documentary bravely exposes the horrific reality of China’s forced organ harvesting, unflinchingly revealing the heartbreaking journeys of families desperately searching for their lost loved ones. Over two decades, their relentless quest uncovers a chilling state crime hidden from the world—laying bare the unimaginable suffering endured by innocent victims torn from their lives. Through intimate interviews, rare footage, and evocative storytelling, the film gives voice to those silenced and forgotten, capturing the raw pain, resilience, and courage of families fighting for justice. Enhanced by an emotional, haunting score from Emmy-winner Daryl Bennett, this doc is a searing testament to human dignity and the urgent need to confront this grave atrocity.

Helene Klodawsky (Canada), Stolen Time, Documentary Feature – Shocking and thought-provoking, this documentary follows charismatic lawyer Melissa Miller as she takes on the billion-dollar for-profit nursing home industry. Battling corporate giants accused of neglect and abuse, Miller exposes heartbreaking stories from caregivers and families, revealing a broken system that puts vulnerable elders at risk. Her relentless fight sparks a powerful elder justice movement, demanding transparency, accountability, and urgent reform. With excellent direction and an engaging style, it uncovers corporate greed, massive cover-ups and systemic failures. This film challenges viewers to confront the harsh realities of elder care and calls for compassion, justice, and lasting change.

Antonio Hrynchuk (Canada), Paramedics: Emergency Response, Season 7, Television – Program / Series – This captivating series plunges viewers into the intense, fast-paced world of Saskatoon’s paramedics, offering an unfiltered look at the heart-pounding reality behind every 911 call. Through raw footage and gripping firsthand accounts, it captures the split-second decisions, emotional toll, and unpredictable drama faced by these frontline heroes as they race to save lives. Beyond the urgency and adrenaline, the series reveals deeply personal stories of patients and paramedics alike—moments of courage, compassion, and resilience that highlight the profound human impact of emergency medical services. It celebrates the dedication and bravery of paramedics while shining a light on their vital role in the community. Aired on CBC.

Dragos Teglas (United Kingdom), Meet The Local Hero – Glenn Johnstone, Documentary Short – A poignant short film that intimately follows Glenn’s extraordinary journey—from the shock of a bone tumor diagnosis and the life-altering amputation to his remarkable comeback fueled by determination and hope. The direction masterfully captures Glenn’s resilience as he adapts to life with a custom prosthetic leg, drawing strength from the unwavering support of his colorful father and cutting-edge technological innovations. Through his rediscovery of biking, the film celebrates not only personal triumph but also the power of family, innovation, and the unbreakable human spirit. Tightly crafted and deeply inspiring, this story is a testament to courage and the drive to reclaim joy against all odds.

Alexander Franskevich-Leie (Israel), Stork of Hope, Jewish Theme

Bradley J. Corrigan (USA), Ileana’s Smile, Documentary Feature

Elisabeth Harris (USA), Stand UP, Speak OUT – Reproductive Rights: Know Your Rights, Liberation / Social Justice / Protest

Greg DeHart, Sunn Stream (USA), Symphony of the Holocaust, Documentary Feature

Jack Winch and Janice Overbeck (USA), The Last Bumblebee, Documentary Feature, Nature / Environment / Wildlife

Jose Miguel Soriano and Ricardo Macian (Spain), ÑUÑUYACHIY: BREASTFEEDING WITH AFFECTION AND CARE, Documentary Short

Joseph Braude (USA), The Combatant, Film Short

Keenan Ferguson and Martha McGuinness (USA), R.E.S.C.U.E., Documentary Short

Kelly Moneymaker (USA), Drum Song: The Rhythm of Life, Direction, Documentary Short

Kip Andersen and Chris O’Connell (USA), Join the Club, LGBTQ+

Mayo Clinic (USA), An Adventure in Medicine: The Story of the Mayo Brothers, Health / Medicine / Science

Mike Hill (Australia), New School 2, Documentary Short

Nicolette Aubourg (USA), I Am Not Hamas (Song for Gaza), Music Video, Liberation / Social Justice / Protest

Pamela Tomlinson (Canada), By Hook or By Cook (III), Disability Issues

Samaritan’s Purse (USA), One Morning at Dawn, Documentary Feature

Carolyn M. Scott (USA), SMALL IS BEAUTIFUL, Documentary Short

Emmanuel Gavart (France), The Two of Us, Contemporary Issues / Awareness Raising,

Iman Hassanzadeh (Iran), WAR and PEACE, Film Short

Inés Moldavsky (Argentina), Naked Israel, Documentary Feature

Jaap Perenboom (Netherlands), Journey of Transformation, Nature / Environment / Wildlife

Jeff Sewald (USA), Go To The People, Documentary Feature

Joseph Braude (USA), The Sex Slave, Animation, Contemporary Issues / Awareness Raising, Liberation / Social Justice

Julia Comita and Stephanie Francis (USA), Marks of Majesty, Contemporary Issues / Awareness Raising

Karoly Palfai (Hungary), AIR HUNGER – Distressing Past, Film Feature

Mohsen Khodabandeh (Iran), Sue, Film Short

Ravinol Chambers (United Kingdom), A Girl Can Touch The Sky, Documentary Feature

Tung Kun Liao (Taiwan), Flight – Exploring the Life of Birds, Documentary Feature, Nature / Environment / Wildlife

Wang Wang (China), Never, Film Short