SpIFF 2014 ends with a golden glow

After 10 days, 50-odd feature films, documentaries and shorts, the 2014 Spokane International Film Festival is over. And while I didn't get to every single screening — I gave up my seat a couple of times to paying festgoers — I did manage to see every single one of the entries. And so I agree with the juried award, which were handed out Saturday night at the closing party that followed the screening of "Matterhorn" at the Bing Crosby Theater.

(I should agree. I was one of the jury members, along with festival director Pete Porter and several other members of the board.)

Anyway, the Jury Awards for SpIFF 2014, which we call SpIFFies, are as follows:

Best of the Northwest Feature: Golden SpIFFy, "K2: Siren of the Himalayas"; Silver SpIFFy, "Evergreen: The Road to Legalization."

Best of the Northwest Short: Golden SpIFFy, "The Hero Pose"; Silver SpIFFy, (tie) "The Petersons," "The Breakdown."

Best Documentary: Golden SpIFFy, "Minor Differences"; Silver SpIFFy, "Bible Qiiz."

Best Short: Golden SpIFFy, "For the Birds; Silver SpIFFy, "Insomniacs"

Best Animation: Golden SpIFFy, "Mr. Hublot"; Silver SpIFFy, (tie)"Subconscious Password," "Boog"

Most Promising Filmmaker: Nicole Teeny ("Bible Quiz")

The audience awards will be announced just as soon as the ballots are tallied. Thanks to everyone who attended and to all the volunteers who work so hard to make SpIFF work. Until next year, which will be our 17th.