Hamptons Doc Fest has announced the winners of its inaugural “Hometown Heroes” documentary short film competition. Middle and high school students on the East End were invited to create a documentary short film honoring the local everyday heroes who have made a significant impact in the local community. The films were judged by a panel of jurors who assessed the films on their subject matter, effort and effective storytelling.
An awards ceremony honoring the young documentarians will occur at Bay Street Theater on Sunday, December 8, at 10 a.m. The first place winning documentary short film, “The Crow’s Nest: A Sag Harbor Story,” will be screened during the “Shorts & Breakfast Bites” program that morning.
First place, $500 scholarship – “The Crow’s Nest: A Sag Harbor Story”
Zachary Browngardt, a freshman at Pierson High School, chose Sag Harbor native and U.S. Navy Veteran Robert Browngardt as his Hometown Hero.
“The talented young filmmaker beautifully tributes his hero’s life story, worldly adventures, and local history,” wrote the judges.
Second place, $300 scholarship — “Peggy DiSunno: Long Island Sound Chorus”
Susanna DiSunno, a senior at East Hampton High School, chose to highlight local Hometown Hero Peggy DiSunno and her 20-year career as choral director of the Long Island Sound Chorus, Sweet Adelines Intl. “Susie’s doc short wonderfully captures her hero’s musical talents, dedication to her choir and its members, and the joy they bring to audiences all over Long Island,” wrote the judges.
Third place, $150 scholarship — “Carl Safina: A Voice for the Voiceless”
Ollie Dianora-Brøndal, a homeschooled sixth-grader from Sag Harbor, selected MacArthur Genius Fellow, celebrated author and ecologist Carl Safina as his Hometown Hero.
“In a moving interview, Ollie engages his Hometown Hero in an enthusiastic conversation about his novel ‘Beyond Words’ and provides his audience with the ability to witness wisdom, as well as animal artifacts from Safina’s adventures, first hand,” wrote the judges.
Honorable Mention — “Bill Persky - My Hometown Hero”
Finny Dianora-Brøndal, homeschooled sophomore from Sag Harbor and older brother of Ollie, celebrates Emmy winning television director, screenwriter and producer Bill Persky as his Hometown Hero.
“This heartwarming interview highlights the importance of intergenerational friendship, mentorship and the power of filmmaking,” wrote the judges.
Honorable Mention — “Rockwater”
Leo Dekleva Hawker, seventh-grader at Pierson Middle School, highlights Richard Cohen as his Hometown Hero.
“Hawker provides his audience with an inside view into Cohen’s design and build company, which specializes in stone and water features prominently seen throughout the Hamptons and across multiple states,” wrote the judges.
Staff Writer on Dec 2, 2024