The 10th annual SILVERDOCS Documentary Film Festival concluded this past Sunday in Silver Spring, Maryland. The awards are in, and among the excellent crop of films honored by the jury were four that played T/F 2012.

Only the Young directed by Jason Tippet and Elizabeth Mims received the Sterling Award for Best U.S. Feature.

The jury noted: “We loved this film for its striking and beautiful cinematography and its innovative editing. But above all, we loved it for its sensitive and startlingly honest portrayal of adolescence. Neither saccharine nor snarky, the film captures the depth and absurdity of being a teenager without cliché or caricature.”

The Waiting Room directed by Peter Nicks received a Special U.S. Feature Jury Mention.

The jury noted: “The best documentaries immerse us in new worlds and connect us with people we’ve never met. This vérité film gives us a personal experience with patients and caregivers trying to navigate a complicated and flawed healthcare system. For a film that uses powerful and intimate moments to persuade, we are honored to give a Special Jury Mention to The Waiting Room.”

A Sterling Short Honorable Mention went to Paradise (which played T/F as Paraíso) directed by Nadav Kurtz.

The jury noted: “For taking the audience to new heights in experiencing a unique perspective on immigrant labor through beautifully-lensed and adventurous cinematography, the jury recognizes Paradise by Nadav Kurtz with an Honorable Mention.”

Finally, the Cinematic Vision Award went to ¡Vivan las Antipodas! directed by Victor Kossakovsky.

These are just a few of the many excellent films recognized this past weekend in Silver Spring. Be sure to check out the complete list here.