Seattle's True Independent Film Festival 2009

In the current world of urban pop culture, infected by a woozy delirium of opportunity, drugs and technology, everyone is a perpetrator and everyone is a victim. In the struggle to live with the consequences of absolute freedom, sex becomes the weapon of choice. Awarded the STIFFY for Worst Sexting Genre: Alternative, Drama, Erotic, Avant-garde, Cult, Dance, Independent, Post Modern, Reality, Culture, Art

The pressure to drill for oil in the Arctic has intensified with the increasing prices of crude oil. But the potential for lower oil prices is at what cost? In this feature-length documentary the Alaskan Inupiat show how oil drilling in their nearby seas will forever alter their subsistence-living lifestyle and multiply the struggles of preserving their rich cultural history. Members of the oil industry and expert scientists also highlight the predicted effects of oil drilling on the delicate Arctic ecosystem, and in turn, the effects on a society dependent on that ecosystem. Through this film viewers discover the irony of drilling for oil in order to become a more self-sustaining nation, and in doing so, likely destroying one of the last remaining self-sustaining cultures. Awarded the STIFFY for The Al Gore Award Genre: Native/Aboriginal Peoples, Native American, Nature, Human Rights, Independent, Wildlife, Environmental, Science, Culture, Health/Medical

The future of healthcare. Awarded the STIFFY for Fred Hutch Award Genre: Comedy, Horror, Sci-Fi, Independent, Satire, Health/Medical

This film is an in depth look at the accomplishments and self destruction of Hollywood party crasher Michael Minutoli. From the Academy Awards to the Grammy's to hundreds of movie premieres, Michael has crashed hundreds of events in order to experience the dream of rubbing shoulders with all of our favorite celebrities. Crash Artist: Beyond the Red Carpet tells Michael's story and presents a sobering look at today's society which covets and idealizes the celebrity lifestyle. But this real life fantasy has taken a toll on Michael's personal life. Awarded the STIFFY for Most Outgoing Genre: Alternative, Cult, Independent, Dramedy, Reality, Culture, Personal Narrative, Social Issue

A comic thriller about the blindness of strangers. Awarded the STIFFY for Most Loveable Stalker Genre: Comedy, Thriller, Independent

This is the story of Sharon. Sharon is told she is good. Sharon wants to be the person others think she is. Narrated by Linda Hunt. Awarded the STIFFY for Best Narration Genre: Drama, Women, Deconstruction, Independent, Magical Realism, Surreal

"Many earnest films have been made recently about the struggles of Latin American migrants trying to cross into the U.S. for a better tomorrow; Cruzando isn't one of them. This madcap adventure follows the journey of two Mexican no-hopers. Cruzando chronicles the real-life hazards of such a trip but is as much a comedy as it is a drama. About a week before the birth of his first child, Manuel learns that his long-lost father is about to be executed in Texas. Against his wife's wishes he heads north, abandoning his job cleaning peep-show booths at a strip club while being tracked by the club's brutal bouncer. Manuel's videocam-toting pal Diego tags along, planning a documentary of the trek. Mistaken identities, family traumas, and dehydration complicate Manuel's quest, but he finally learns a familiar lesson: There's no place like home - even if home is not all that great. Awarded the STIFFY for Best Foreign Film Genre: Comedy, Drama, Hispanic, Latino, Coming of Age , Independent, Dramedy"

Daniel Finds His Walking Stick is a collage of memories from a man suffering from Alzheimer's. It's a funny and sad portrait of the plight of an aging lonely man in a changing world. Awarded the STIFFY for Most Tragic Animation Genre: Comedy, Drama, Senior/Aging, Dramedy

Paul (Mackenzie Crook) is fed up with driving trains and longs to write novels. He suffers two people falling under his train and hears that three accidents qualifies him for early retirement with a 10 years salary lump sum! All he has to do is find a willing victim. He meets Tommy (Colm Meaney) furious at being saved by Paul from jumping off a bridge. Paul offers him $1500 cash to wait till Monday. Having abandoned his family, Tommy decides to salve his conscience by paying his wife Rosemary (Imelda Staunton) and his daughter Frankie (Gemma Arterton) a last visit. Relationships are changed forever but Paul and Tommy are confronted with the reality of the deal they struck. After A Deal is a Deal. Awarded the STIFFY for STIFFest Sellout Genre: Comedy, Drama