CATEGORIES | Horizon Film Fest

Best picture

Best Picture represents the film which best exemplifies expertise in all aspects of the filmmaking process, including exceptional talent in directing, acting, narrative, cinematography, and editing. Best Picture is considered first place overall and is awarded a $250 scholarship from the Burton Educational Partnership Foundation and Horizon Film Festival Sponsors.

Best Cinematography

Recognition for Best Cinematography represents special attention to camera usage in the filmmaking process. A film awarded with Best Cinematography exemplifies knowledge of camera angles, lighting and color, focus, and framing.

Best Editing

The film which shows the highest standard in the post-production phase of filmmaking will be awarded Best Editing. The film which wins Best Editing portrays the best knowledge of transitions, graphics, visual effects, and audio production.

Best Narrative

Best Narrative is awarded to the film which shows exceptional skill in storytelling. For a film to win Best Narrative, the creators must show attention to detail in areas such as scriptwriting, continuity, and creativity.

Best acting

Best Acting will be awarded to the film which includes the best performance(s) by an actor(s). A film that wins Best Acting must have clear dialogue and compelling performances from one or more actors.

Best animation

Best documentary

Animated films submitted to the Horizon Film Festival are eligible to win Best Animation. A film that wins Best Animation will show skill in creative aspects such as animation style, creativity, and character design, as well as skill in technical aspects such as use of frame rate and narrative structure.

Documentary films submitted to the Horizon Film Festival are eligible to win Best Documentary. The winner of Best Documentary will be chosen based on film topic, creative style, and overall film quality. Films in the fiction-based "mockumentary" genre are not eligible for Best Documentary.