Blacktino: Winner for Best Director at 2011 NYILFF

BEST DIRECTOR: AARON BURNS for BLACKTINO

NEW YORK PREMIERE/ 90 MIN
Director/Writer: Aaron Burns
Producers: Elizabeth Avellán, Aaron Burns, Sandra Condito, Andy Kleinman, Carlos Rincones Cast: Dona Dye, Jeff Fahey, Austin Marshall, Devyn Raye, Michelle Rodriguez, Tiger Sheu, Danny Trejo

A coming of age story reflective of our cynical times, Blacktino gives an honest, and hilarious, depiction of high school life as seen through the imaginative eyes of a bi-racial computer nerd. Sad. Fat. Black. Latino. Nerd. It doesn't get any worse than that! Presented by HBO. Winner receives $1,000 and an Avid Media Composer 5.5 worth $2,295.

Judges Statement:

This year's festival was especially strong. All the films were directed beautifully. The jury has chosen this year's best director because of his unique voice and execution of a quirky yet evocative story. Films that make us laugh rarely get recognized during award ceremonies. We want to make sure that we encourage filmmakers to explore their unique voice no matter how serious, funny, scary, or quirky it is. We present this year's award for best director to Aaron Burns for Blacktino.