“One thing is clear, the festival circuit has to be taken back for those it was originally meant to serve: filmmakers and audiences. MMA is a group whose mission is so in line with what needs to be done in this ever-changing landscape.”

Sandy Cioffi, Director of “Sweet Crude”

MAVERICK MOVIE AWARDS SUMMARY

The Maverick Movie Awards exists to honor all facets of moviemaking form, function, style, and craft. A level playing-field where a movie’s budget is immaterial, its absence or abundance of star power is inconsequential, and its humble or lofty origins are irrelevant, any and all independent, underground, student and studio films are eligible to receive a Maverick Award. 

Celebrating narratives, documentaries, experimental films, and the vast diversity of motion picture expression, the MMA has recognized everything from big-budget pictures to low-budget indies, global issue documentaries, screwball comedies, computer-animated movies, action-horror flicks, video art, microcinema, music videos, webisodes, and everything in-between.

Each movie’s successful execution of intent as a whole, on its own terms, is considered first and then the quality of its parts. So except for advertising and industrial work, all moviemakers are encouraged to submit to our intensive review process. As a cooperative of moviemakers honoring moviemakers with no screening events to organize and therefore distract us from our mission - nor jeopardize premiere status for any other competition or festival submission - we're ready to recognize and laud your work as a true maverick.

“I love how you guys keep your identities secret. You’re the film world’s Clark Kents, ready to rip out Superman and fight the good fight.”

James Robertson, Director of “Abraham”

MORE ABOUT US

The Maverick Movie Awards’ founders were all entertainment industry insiders and outsiders (not mere academics, critics, fans or dabblers) with backgrounds as varied as any work then as it is now.

Currently, everyone involved in the MMA’s judging process is a collaborator on a theatrically released movie, television  and/or web series or video release, and/or are veteran film festival & event organizers. Advanced degrees in cinema studies and anonymity underscore our methods for the community benefit.

MMA exists as a gut check on the entire festival circuit. We side step the nepotism and skewed politics which define far too many festivals and competitions today by remaining anonymous. No names, no games, nothing for us to gain off the back of your work. 

We are NOT doing this for our greater glory. We do what we do at the Maverick Movie Awards for our fellow moviemakers; these talented folks are the ones with the names to know.

Check out the archives and enjoy cinema's tomorrow today.

Published January 16, 2013.

Article by James Kaelan.