Woodstock Film Festival Announces 2026 Maverick Award Winners and New Executive Director
News related to:Woodstock Film Festival · 2 min read
The 27th Woodstock Film Festival has announced its 2026 Maverick Award winners and the appointment of a new executive director, marking a significant milestone for the festival. This year, the festival honored Meira Blaustein, its co-founder, with a special Honorary Maverick Award, recognizing her visionary leadership and more than 26 years of dedication to independent cinema.
The festival's Maverick Awards ceremony took on a new format this year, moving from a traditional Saturday night event to a Sunday brunch. Held at Oz Farm in Saugerties, the celebration brought together filmmakers, honorees, and guests in a relaxed, intimate setting that celebrated the festival's enduring legacy. The food and beverage sponsors included Griffin House, Empire Merchants North, Sawyer Motors, and Blue Duck Brewing Company, with contributions from Bread Alone and The Station.
Jessica Edwards, a filmmaker, distribution consultant, and former publicist, has been appointed as the new Executive Director of the Woodstock Film Festival. Edwards will take over from Meira Blaustein, who expressed her enthusiasm for Edwards' appointment.
Claude Dal Farra, President of the Board, also welcomed Edwards' appointment, highlighting her deep understanding of the festival's mission and her readiness to lead its next chapter.
The festival also announced the winners of its various awards, including the GIGANTIC PICTURES AWARD FOR BEST FEATURE NARRATIVE, which went to "Mouse" by Kelly O’Sullivan and Alex Thompson. The winner of the THE LEON GAST AWARD FOR BEST FEATURE DOCUMENTARY was "Rehearsals for a Revolution" by Pegah Ahangarani. The LAURENT REJTO MADE IN THE HUDSON VALLEY AWARD, sponsored by Kyotocolor Inc., was awarded to "Rain Reign" by Erika Burke Rossa. The GRAY SCHWARTZ ULTRA INDIE AWARD went to "Washed Up" by Isabel Moncloa Daly. "They’re Here," by Laura Poitras & Rachel Lauren Mueller, won the BEST SHORT DOCUMENTARY award, while "Dongmei" by Rubing Zhang took the BEST SHORT NARRATIVE award. "Saba" by Liron Topaz was honored with the BEST ANIMATION award. "Seized" by Sharon Liese was the recipient of the WORLD OF HA CHANGEMAKER AWARD. "Nuisance Bear" by Jack Weisman & Gabriela Osio Vanden won the HASKELL WEXLER AWARD FOR BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY. "Rain Reign" by Erika Burke Rossa was the winner of the NYWIFT AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN DIRECTING A NARRATIVE FILM, and "Our Dark Horse" by Grace Barry was the recipient of the NYWIFT AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN DIRECTING A DOCUMENTARY FILM.
The festival also recognized excellence in editing, with "Wicker" by Sofi Marshall, ACE, winning the BEST EDITING, NARRATIVE AWARD, and "To Hold a Mountain" by George Cragg taking the BEST EDITING, DOCUMENTARY AWARD.
In addition to these awards, the festival honored Meira Blaustein with a special Honorary Maverick Award, recognizing her significant contributions to the festival over the past 26 years.