For the first time, this year’s 14th edition of The Method Fest Independent Film Festival showcased a total of 27 feature films and 29 short films as a Drive-In movie experience. The festival which wrapped on August 30, announced the Grand Jury selections of award winning films and actors.

Breaking Them Up directed by Scott Dow won the Audience Award for Feature Film along with the Maverick Award for Quality in a Low-Budget Feature Film. In the film, a resourceful 15 year-old Damien decides that his parents are all wrong for each other, and enlists best friend Erin to help him set them up with other people

Jury Award, Best Feature Film went to Our Lady of the Nile directed by Atiq Rahimi. The film is a coming-of-age story about of a group of Rwandan schoolgirls at a Belgian-run Catholic boarding school.

“This year the festival was postponed three times because of the coronavirus pandemic before we find a safe way, drive-in style, for people to attend the festival,” stated Festival Director Don Franken.

“This year’s films were highlighted by several films about women overcoming incredibly difficult life circumstances. These women escaped from abusive domestic relationships, sex trafficking, from confining traditional family structure, fleeing abuse, setting off on life saving road trips often with no set destination, against all odds, to find freedom and self identity. The female performances were the finest the festival has ever had,” stated Festival Director Don Franken.

The Method Fest Independent Film Festival winners 2020

Daily News Best Screenplay:John Meyers, Being Dead

Breakout Acting Award Feature Film: Sarah Rich, #Like

Variety Best Ensemble Cast: Party With Me

Stella Artois Maverick Award for Quality in a Low-Budget Feature Film: Breaking Them Up

Rise Brewing Co. Best Supporting Actor: John Ashton, Once Upon A River,Louie Ozawa, Beautiful Dreamer

Best Supporting Actress, Feature Film: Wendie Malick, Beautiful Dreamer

Best Foreign Language Film: Stitches, Scent of My Daughter

Festival Director Award for Outstanding Performance: Marina Vasileva, Beware of Dog

Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Best Director Award: Amy Glazer, Beautiful Dreamer

Defiance Fuel Geraldine Page Award for Best Actress,Feature Film: Patrycja Planik, Lillian

John Garfield Award for Best Actor, Feature Film: Jackson Rathbone, The Wall of Mexico

Variety Audience Award – Feature Film: Breaking Them Up

Daily News Audience Award – Short Film: A Perfect Circle

Rising Star, Filmmaker Award: Ben Senior, The Fall

Variety Jury Award, Best Feature Film: Our Lady of the Nile

Jury Award, Best Short Film: All End up in Jail

Best Actresses, Short Film: Lou-Ann Zozime, Chaya Kama, Koko Kids of Paris, Sarah Noble Peck, Beth Triffon, Patricia

Best Actor, Short Film: Joshua Nazaroff, Waiting for a Ride

Best Director, Short Film: Kate Hackett, Oleander

Festival Directors Award: Best Film: Party With Me