The Reel Dakota Film Festival concluded on Sunday, October 23rd with nearly 1,500 people purchasing passes and tickets and attending screenings during the three and a half day event. During that time nearly 30 films were shown in three theaters within the Washington Pavilion venue. The festival included a special tribute to South Dakota’s only Oscar® winner, Barbara Schock, as well as other special events and shorts programs. Nine directors attended the festival.
Throughout the festival, ballots were given to audience members for films that were in competition for Reel Dakota’s two Audience Awards – Best Feature and Best Documentary. The tally results are in, and the following films won awards:
AUDIENCE AWARD – BEST FEATURE
The Reel Dakota Audience Award for Best Feature was awarded to TAKE ME HOME, written, produced and directed by Sam Jaeger. Sam is known for his role as Joel Graham on NBC’s “Parenthood” television series. Audiences were taken by the smart, humorous romantic comedy and found it a crowd pleaser.
By email, Sam Jaeger wrote, “We’re thrilled with the news of winning The Reel Dakota Film Festival’s Audience Award for Best Feature. We set out to make Take Me Home not with festivals or critics in mind, but for the audience. So to me, there is no higher compliment to be paid our cast and crew than to win this award. Many, many thanks!”
The film was selected as the opening night film and audiences had a second chance to view the film during the festival weekend.
Festival attendee and film fan Shelly Nelson of Minneapolis, MN stated, “So often it is difficult to find a romantic comedy that is not insulting. This was a film that was smart, full of heart and a relationship that felt real. Sam Jaeger was great in the starring role.”
TAKE ME HOME continues on the festival circuit, but is also currently in talks for a film distribution deal, according to Jaeger.
AUDIENCE AWARD – BEST DOCUMENTARY
Audiences were moved by the Jay Duplass documentary featuring the life and music of Kevin Gant. Simply and humbly titled, the film KEVIN is the journey of a world guitar poet who loses his desire and inspiration through a series of difficult life events and then regains his musical voice. The film was followed by a surprise live performance by Kevin himself who performed two musical numbers and hosted his own Q&A.
In addition, the documentary’s subject continued his playing after the film performance at an open mic at Parker’s Bistro during one of the festival’s many after parties.
Jay Duplass, director, is part of the Hollywood duo known as the Duplass brothers. He and his brother Mark have made many films such as CYRUS and JEFF, WHO LIVES AT HOME, which is currently garnering award’s buzz.
By email, Duplass wrote, “What an honor to receive the documentary audience award! Almost twenty years ago, I fell in love with Kevin’s music, his world view, his love of life and people, and it warms my heart to know that he’s still charming and inspiring everyone in his path…cosmic lyrics, flamenco guitar, weightlifting apparel and all! We extend our deepest gratitude to the audience and programmer of Reel Dakota.”
Reel Dakota Film Society will be continuing with an upcoming screening on November 19th with details to be announced.
For more information, please contact festival programmer Julie Anderson Friesen at 605.333.9888.
