The Flyway Film Festival, held in picturesque Pepin Wisconsin, has announced the winners of its 2009 film competition. Although the festival has only been around for a few years it is quickly becoming the premere film showcase in the Midwest. More than 40 films were submitted to the festival this year and the submissions displayed an amazing range of talent and subject matter. The winners each received the Flyway’s trademark axe head trophy, this year carved from granite pavers that had formerly been part of a local road dating back perhaps to the time of the area’s most famous resident, Laura Ingalls Wilder.

Winner for Best Narrative Feature was “Storm” (Hans-Christian Schmid 2009).

“Hannah Maynard, a prosecutor at The Tribunal in The Hague manages to convince a young Bosnian woman to testify against an alleged war criminal. Amidst the inconsistency of political interests and threats coming from Bosnian Serb nationalists, she realizes that her opponents not only sit on the dock across from her, but are also found in her own ranks. Hannah faces the trial of her life, all of a sudden torn between her strong beliefs in the system and her loyalty towards the witness.”

Winner for Best Narrative Short was “Surprise!” (Fabrice Maruca 2007).

“As an attentive husband, Pierre has prepared a surprise for his wife Brigitte's birthday, but a series of harmless incidents (like a draft, a sun beam reflected off a window) brings the young next door neighbor into his bed just as Brigitte walks through the door.”

Winner for Best Documentary was, “Typeface” (Justine Nagan 2009).

“In a time when people can watch tv while walking down the street, Typeface explores the twilight of an analog craft that is inspiring artists in the digital age. This film focuses on a rural museum and print shop where international artists meet retired craftsmen and together navigate the convergence of modern design and traditional technique.”

Winner of the WI/MN Showcase Award was, “Cheese Wars” (Taylor Pipes 2009).

“The story of the battle for supremacy in cheese production between Wisconsin and California.”

The Audience Choice Award went to “Fight or Flight” (Peter McCarthy and Shane Sutton 2007).

“Filmmaker Peter McCarthy was randomly attacked on a night out in Galway City (Ireland), leaving him badly scarred and threatening the vision in his left eye. On his recovery Peter came across an article on Muay Thai boxing in a newspaper and decided to leave Ireland for Thailand and learn how to defend himself. Fight or Flight documents Peter’s journey over several years in Thailand as he goes from novice in Muay Thai to fighting in semi-professional bouts in arenas full to capacity around Thailand. Through the course of his experiences in Muay Thai, Peter learns that behind his compulsion to fight lies fear and ultimately a deep-seated anger that has driven him to risk his body in the ring. Fight or Flight is a compelling first person account of Peter’s journey as he tries to come to terms with the anger within him.”

*The following films all received Special Jury Awards*

“Ink” (Jamin Winans 2009)

"It's a Wonderful Life" meets "Sin City" in this high-concept visual thriller. John and Emma, father and daughter are thrust into a fantastical dream world battle in this allegorical tale of love, loss and the search for redemption.”

“Les Artistes” (Louie Fisher 2009)

“A musical dreamscape set among the rolling hills of rural Wisconsin.”

Stephen McHattie, Best Actor, “Pontypool” (Bruce McDonald 2008)

Bruce McDonald, critically acclaimed director of The Tracey Fragments, teams with author Tony Burgess to adapt Burgess' own novel about a small town in the grip of a mysterious frenzy. It may be Valentine's Day, but for caustic radio personality Grant Mazzy (Stephen McHattie) that's just another reason to be miserable. Mazzy used to be a certified radio superstar, but working in Pontypool is a far shot from working in the big city. Today, however, as Mazzy prepares for his regular routine of reading the weather, updating school closings, and pleading his case for a little on-air controversy to producer Sydney Bryer (Lisa Houle), the appearance of an unexpected figure signals the beginning of a disturbing phenomenon in the small town of Pontypool. Heading to work, Mazzy is nearly run over by a distraught woman who seems to have lost her grip on reality. Later, reports of a shoot-out between provincial police and a group of local ice fishers are made even more bizarre by the revelation that they were all screaming gibberish, running around nude, and missing body parts. By the time a riot breaks out in Dr. Mendez's (Hrant Alianak) office, it's obvious to Mazzy that the residents of Pontypool are suffering from a strange form of contagious dementia, but what has caused this bizarre outbreak and, more importantly, how can it be stopped?

“Please Say Something” (David O'Reilly 2009)

“A troubled relationship between a cat and mouse set in the distant future. Awarded the Golden Bear for Best Short Film- Berlinale 2009”