RiverRun International Film Festival announced the Jury Awards for the 2021 Festival with Best Film going to Fires in the Dark directed by Dominique Lienhard and Best Documentary Feature going to Sapelo directed by Nick Brandestini. In addition to Best Film, Fires in the Dark also won Best Director along with Best Screenplay for Dominique Lienhard and Best Cinematography for Philippe Kress.
BendFilm Festival announced the 27 films and filmmakers awarded jury prizes and more than $12,000 at the 17th Annual Festival with the top prize – Best of Show going to Warrior Women directed by Christina D. King and Elizabeth A. Castle. Other winners include Best Narrative Feature going to Freeland directed by Mario Furlon, Kate McLean; and Best Documentary Feature went to Sapelo directed by Nick Brandestini. Sapela also won the awards for Best Directing along with Special Jury Award for Documentary Cinematography for Nick Brandestini.