Spirit Awards 2022: My Personal Ballot

by Cláudio Alves

The Film Independent Spirit Awards are upon us! After a few years of hewing concerningly close to the Oscars, this year's slot of nominees feels more connected to the organization's purpose of celebrating independent cinema, even the obscure stuff. Indeed, exploring the many nominated pictures was one of the highlights of this awards season. I discovered some beautiful gems and have new artists to look for in the incoming years. Isn't that the most beautiful part of movie awards – the uncovering of heretofore unknown talents and voices? It seems right, seeing as the Spirit Awards are voted on by cinephiles, all those who become Film Independent members out of their love for the seventh art.

With that in mind, I thought it could be fun to share my (not so anonymous) ballot for the Spirit Awards, perchance some predictions too…

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Review: "Holler"

By Ben Miller

2010's Winter's Bone was a surprise Sundance success that depicted the poverty-stricken community of middle America. Debra Granik's debut made Jennifer Lawrence a star and earned four Oscar nominations.  Directors have tried to replicate that film to varying degrees of success, and writer/director Nicole Riegel tries her hand with Holler.

Jessica Barden stars as Ruth, a teenager on the verge of high school graduation. When she receives her acceptance into college, she and her brother Blaze (Gus Harper) join an illegal scrap metal crew in order to get the money she needs to further herself...

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