LOS ANGELES, Feb. 9, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Documentary aficionados yearning for a truly global look at the year's best films should search no further than the Social Impact Media Awards (SIMA), who announced their 2016 winners this morning.

The winning films take viewers on a journey around the world, from the magical Omo Valley of Ethiopia (Omo Child: The River and the Bush) to the war-torn desert of Afghanistan (Tell Spring Not To Come This Year). The power of the individual took center stage, with an unsettling portrait of child rights renegade Gennadiy Mokhnenko winning Best Feature Documentary (Crocodile Gennadiy, from Steve Hoover and Danny Yourd). Kim Longinotto brought home Best Director for her intimate portrayal of Brenda Myers-Powell, a former prostitute on a quest to make a change in the gritty back streets of Chicago (Dreamcatcher).

"We're proud to champion an extraordinary range of global stories and filmmakers every year, especially in the midst of a national debate on diversity in the film industry," said SIMA Executive Director Daniela Kon. "These films are exemplary in their ability to intimately and creatively capture the depth and potential of human nature."

SIMA 2016 Winners were selected from 35 finalists by SIMA's esteemed Jury, comprised of top industry professionals working in media, education, film and international development. "SIMA's films don't just speak to the human condition, they sing and shout it," said Juror David Craig, Assistant Professor at USC's Annenberg School for Communications and Journalism. "[SIMA films are] visual storytelling that can affect your mind, body, and soul."

Select Winners will be showcased in Los Angeles at the Skirball Cultural Center from April through August 2016.

List of SIMA 2016 Winners: http://bit.ly/SIMA2016winners
More information: www.simaawards.org 
To download the SIMA 2016 press kit, click here.

ABOUT SIMA
SIMA is a nonprofit Impact Media Agency supporting and exhibiting creative works of visual storytelling that inspire activism, compassion and social transformation. Through the annual SIMA AWARDS and year-round FILM PROGRAMS, SIMA provides a catalyst for these important works, and serves as a film reserve for educators, journalists and screening partners worldwide.

The SIMA Awards are sponsored by DEEDA Productions, The Angel Station, G-Technology, and VENA CAVA.

Press Contact: Natalie Forde, natalie@simaawards.org, 425-686-2373

SOURCE Social Impact Media Awards (SIMA)

Related Links

http://www.simaawards.org