THE ABBOT AWARDS
are given to filmmakers who exemplify maverick film making, by creating stunning and poignant cinema. These films, often hilarious or tragically absurd, are made without the benefits of large budgets and technological wizardry. These filmmakers share the spirit and artistic energy of Venice founding father Abbot Kinney. In honoring these filmmakers who adhere to their singular vision, we honor our Venetian benefactor, Abbot Kinney.
All films that screen at the festival, with the exception of Spotlight Screenings, are in competition for an Abbot. Short films as well as features qualify for Audience Choice and Most Excellent Abbot Awards. The Local Maverick Spotlight Abbot Award is given to a local established filmmaker who creates unforgettable celluloid and kick ass flicks.
Come dig the new breed and celebrate with us this year Abbot Winners at our Festival closing night ceremony. The Abbot Awards are free to the public with live music and raw emotion. Submit your film today and perhaps you can take home a stunning acrylic Abbot Award.Also, for the first time, in 2005 Abbot Awards were presented to members of the greater Venice community for Excellence in Arts & Community Service.
Congratulation to the Abbot Award Winners 2015
Best Feature Film Documentary A Man Called God Director Christopher St John
Best Youth Film "OperHator" Director Tara Nicole Azarian
Best Music Video "Something About You Ain't Right"Director Alisa Daglio
Most Excellence Film Short "A Time To Kill" Director Justin Rettke
Most Excellence Feature Film "Nothing In Los Angeles"Director Alexander Tovar
Best Experimental Film "Brit.I.Am"Director Andi Osho
Congratulations to Abbot Award Winners!
2016
Best Short Film Diamond Director Ty Granderson Jones
Best Experimental Short Film The Grief Party Director Amelia Mulkey Anderson
Best International Short Film Launda Naach Director Shafaq Khan Payal Bharadwaj Rai
Most Excellent Feature Film When The Starlight Ends Director Adam Sigal
Best Feature Film When The Starlight Ends Actress Arabella Oz
Best Feature Film The Head Thieves Movie Actor Mickey Gooch
Best Music Video Dolce Ardor - Music Video Director Andrea Saenz
Congratulations Abbot Award Winners! 2017
Experimental Short Film (Fish ) Director:Gracie Bellissimo
People Choice Award (Limerence )Director:Tammy Minoff
International Short Film (Bus Trip) Sweden Director:Sarah Gampel
Best Short Film (The Caregiver)Director:Ally Downs
Best Music Video (It's A Wondrous Life) Director:Joseph Aniska & Larry Traiger
Documentary Feature Film (Surviving Peace)Director:Josef Avesar
Most Excellent Feature Film (I AM STILL HERE)
Director:Mischa Marcus
Congratulation to the Abbot Award Winners 2018
Best Youth Film Phantom Of The Road Director: Charles Wall
Best Short Film Sweet Lies Director:Pascal Lebegue
Best Experimental Short Film Fighter Director:Dhriti Borah
Best International Short Film SuperHillCool Director: Sergio Barbasso
Most Excellent Feature Film American Relapse Director: Pat McGee , Adam Linkenhelt
Best Feature Film Actor Tim Robinson The Guest House
Best Mobile Device Chip McDougal Neighborhood Watch Film Director: Vince Arrigo
Congratulation to the Abbot Award Winners 2019
Most Excellence Feature Film
The Girl From Provence Director: Geoffrey de Valois
Most Excellence Short Film
The Games Children Play Director: Richard Dee Roberts
Best Experimental Film Keep It 100 Director:Bryan Bostic
Best Short Documentary Venice Neverland Street Kids Of Venice Director :
VIctoria Peralto Cruz
Congratulation to the Abbot Award Winners 2021
Best Short Documentary My Name Is Nobody Director : Christine Kenton
Best Feature Documentary. Born Just Now Director: Robert Adanto
Best Experimental Short Film Jim's Gibberish Director: Brent Duffy
Best Music Video Cali Dreams Vintage Culture & fancy Inc Feat. The Beach Director: Rafael Kent
Most Excellent Short Film The Weight of Perfection Directors : Anabelle Munro, Leanne Melissa Bishop
Most Excellent Feature Film The Incoherents Director : Jared Barel