Feature films I May Regret and NO-ONE triumphed at the 2018 Vienna Independent Film Festival. American film, I May Regret by Graham Streeter was a world premiere, closing film of the festival and a sold-out screening. Director Graham Streeter and producer Alex Lebosq came from Los Angeles to personally present the film at the Actors Studio cinema. The psychological thriller received ovations and the audience cheered when Graham Streeter got the Grand Prix of the festival for his film. I May Regret investigates a complicated relationship between people, greed, cruelty, remorse and has a surprising twist at the end of the story. The film left not a single person indifferent, and was watched on one breath. It features extraordinary acting by Lisa Goodman and Denise Dorado. Graham Streeter also showed himself as an impressive screenwriter and cinematographer.

Another highlight of the festival was NO-ONE, created by directors Lev and Vladimir Prudkin. The Russian-language film received the prizes as Best Feature Film and for Best Cinematography. It is a family drama set against the background of historical events of 1991. NO-ONE has extraordinary cinematography and is a picture full of symbolism. It is a story of dissolution of a family, which also is a metaphor for the dissolution of the country, a narrative full of deceit and lies, and a story of the country itself. Extraordinary talent of the cinematographers (Lev Prudkin (visual concept), Ziv Berkovich, David Stragmeister, Boris Litovchenko) transform this film into a genuine masterpiece.

There were more than 70 short films screened at the Vienna Independent Film Festival, poetic piece by Tommy Creagh, Father of the Man, received the Best Short Film award. The picture examines the problems of adolescence and aestheticism, and contained beautiful camera work.

Experimental film Ghosts on the Road to Camalt, received the award for Best Experimental Film. It is a beautiful, poetic piece, which organically blends visual art and film. Peter Gallagher is a painter and probably is the reason why he and director Jason Tovey, were able to create this highly artistic work.

War film Krieg by American director Jeff Fry received the Special Jury Award as the Best Inspirational Narrative Film.

The film by Herbert Golder, Ballad of a Righteous Merchant, gives insight into the world of legendary filmmaker Werner Herzog, specifically the filming of My Son, My Son, What Have Ye Done? The insightful documentary picture by Herzog’s close friend of more than 20 years, Golder, was interesting for filmmakers and for the general audience.

Vienna Independent Film Festival is the festival which focuses on art-house films and sceens films from all over the world. Participants were pleased by a friendly atmosphere and many opportunities to discuss films and future projects.