Greenwich International Film Festival (GIFF) announced the winner of the 2022 Best Social Impact Film Award: “The First Wave,” directed by Matthew Heineman. The Award includes a $10,000 cash prize, generously underwritten by Nick & Ann Young for the eighth year. Heineman is originally from New Canaan, CT, and is a graduate of Brunswick School. This is his third time winning a GIFF film award (2021 and 2016).
“We are proud to present Matt Heineman with this prestigious award. He exemplifies the type of filmmaker we like to honor – one who has committed his time and energy to creating films that inspire and impact positive social change. The First Wave sheds light on the personal and scientific conflicts of the families and healthcare workers hit hardest during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic,” Ginger Stickel, Executive Director.
Narrative Honorable Mention was awarded to “Casablanca Beats,” directed by Nabil Ayouch. The Documentary Honorable Mention was awarded to “Young Plato,” directed by Declan McGrath and Neasa Ní Chianáin.
The film nominees included The Disruptors, Mass, Casablanca Beats, Fiddler’s Journey to the Big Screen, Young Plato, To Olivia, 3 Minutes: A Lengthening, and The First Wave. All eight nominees were feature-length films, with the genres ranging from observational documentary to narrative.
The 2022 Awards Jury included Deborra-lee Furness (Head of the Jury), actress & humanitarian, Chris Erric Maddox, writer & actor, S. Casper Wong, documentarian, and Ann Young, philanthropist. The jurors were responsible for screening and reviewing nominated films, and selecting the winners.
GIFF’s 2022 Film Award Ceremony was held virtually on the evening of Wednesday, April 27 and included a Q&A with the nominated filmmakers. The recorded ceremony is available at www.greenwichfilm.org
