FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Press contact: Magnus Toren – magnus@henrymiller.org

The Big Sur International Short Film Screening Series Announces the Winners of its 2015 Summer Series In its 10th annual series, Jury selects AYA by Mihal Brezis & Oded Binnum, as First Place Winner; 2015 Audience Award goes to The Phone Call by Mat Kirkby.

AUGUST 31, 2015 (BIG SUR, CALIFORNIA) – The Big Sur International Short Film Screening Series announces the winners of its 2015 summer series, as selected by its 8-person jury. Aya, by Mihal Brezis & Oded Binnum, Israel, came in first place, followed by The Phone Call by Mat Kirkby, U.K, in second place. Third place went to Plein Soleil (Blazing Sun) by Fred Castadot, Belgium.

The 2015 Audience Award went to The Phone Call. Recognized as one of the most exciting and innovative short film series in the world, the Big Sur International Short Film Screening Series celebrated its 10th year in 2015. 2015 was the series’ most successful to date, having receiving over 1,400 submissions from over 35 countries.

The Screening Series has no submission fees or restrictions on content or genre.

The Big Sur International Short Film Screen Series Jury consists of composer Philip Glass, experimental performance artist Laurie Anderson, actress Kirsten Dunst, Oscar-winning cinematographer Vilmos Zsigmond, film director Michael Polish, film editor Susan Littenberg, and film producer Lawrence Inglee.

The Series’ screening committee whittled down the 1,400-plus submissions to 53 films which were screened across the summer.

Every Thursday night in June, July, and August, hundreds of visitors came to the Henry Miller Memorial Library — a 501 (c) non profit art center and the Series’ “parent” organization — to watch four of five of these films. A selection of 11 of these 53 films were subsequently sent to the Series Jury who then selected the “best of the best.”

“It’s been an incredible journey across the past 10 years, and I can without a doubt say that this year’s crop of films was the most impressive yet; not just in quantity, but in the scope of content; quality of writing, cinematography, acting…and in terms of dealing with some pressing social issues in a thoughtful and provocative way,” said Series Director Magnus Toren.

“And the breadth of diversity was as strong as ever as well. Selections ran the gamut — comedies, dramas, documentaries, animation, you name it. The series has become known for an element of unpredictability and I think our audience members appreciate that.” The Series is now accepting submissions for its 2016 installment. To submit and for more information regarding the series, as well as previous selections and winners, visit bigsurfilm.org.