BOF Nominees represent 9 countries

Fourteen productions selected as nominees for Best of Festival in the 2017 U.S. International Film & Video Festival come from nine countries. They also represent multiple nominations for LBL Production (FreeMotion Group) in Russia and NHK (Japan Broadcasting Corporation), Tokyo.

The shortlist represents works as broad as a look at the Chopin piano competition and insight into the aftermath of a nuclear plant meltdown or life for two elderly Japanese who shun modern conveniences.

Corporate nominees:

• LBL Production (FreeMotion Group), Novosibirsk, Russia, for "The 31st  Kilometer," produced for Salym Petroleum Development, Moscow, to demonstrate efforts to prevent environmental problems;
• "Breadwinner," a first-person for Minsk Traktor Works, Minsk, Russia, done by LBL Production to expand knowledge of the product, which is sold in 130 countries;
• Omnicron Productions, Auckland, NZ, for "Vodafone," a safety film for Vodafone New Zealand featuring real staff;
• Wizard Films, New Taipei City, Taiwan, for "The Master," which shows an artist who draws inspiration from pottery, calligraphy and tea ceremony rituals;

Documentary:

• NHK (Japan Broadcasting Corporation), Tokyo, for "Tuning the Battle: Behind the Chopin Piano Competition," the world’s most prestigious and demanding contest for young pianists;
• NHK for "88 Hours: The Fukushima Nuclear Meltdown," views the background of the March 2011 accident at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant through interviews with more than 500 people involved in the crisis;
• China Global Television Network, Beijing, for "Operation: Drug War," which documents Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte’s bloody war against drug dealers and users;
• RT, Moscow, for "H2Woe," a look at the water crisis in several Indian states as a way to increase awareness of ecological challenges;
• GMA Network Inc., Quezon City, Philippines, for "I-'Witness: Busal (Muzzled)" tells the horrific effects of President Duterte’s “War on Drugs” through the experiences of the group most affected, the marginalized sector of society.

Education:

• NHK (Japan Broadcasting Corporation), Tokyo, for "Design Ah! #109," a film aimed at ages 5-10 that demonstrates design through everyday objects;
• Centre For Electronic Media, Bern, Switzerland, for "Focus – Federal Intelligence Service" showing Switzerland as a business and research place sensitive to the threat of espionage and proliferation.

Entertainment:

• Australian Children's Television Foundation, Melbourne, for "Little Lunch – The Nightmare Before Graduation," done for Australian Children's Television tells about funny and touching adventures during snack time in the school playground, based on books written by Danny Katz and illustrated by Mitch Vane;
• Pacific Television, London, for "Life's A Party with David Burtka," done for Food Network USA, New York, and featuring actor Burtka preparing a birthday party for husband Neil Patrick Harris with help of their twins, Harper and Gideon;
• "An Eden for Two" by Yamaguchi Broadcasting Co. Ltd., Shunan, Japan, features a couple who after World War II chose to live deep in the mountains without electricity, a telephone, or plumbing.

Videos and/or photos of the nominees along with Gold Camera, Silver Screen and Certificate winners can be viewed at www.filmfestawards.com.

Best of Festival winners and the recipient of the One World Award presented by the International Quorum of Motion Picture Producers will be announced June 21.