Unwind Music Video Selected for Inaugural Puerto Aventuras International Film Festival

Well, I definitely did not see that coming! While vacationing down in Puerto Aventuras, Mexico (along the Mayan Riviera between Tulum and Playa Del Carmen), I discovered that this Caribbean paradise will host its first-ever international film festival in April. My wife and I spend several weeks in Puerto Aventuras each winter, so we’re always interested in the happenings and developments in this unique community. As such, I was happy to hear of this interesting new event.

But it was my friend, Donnie Young, a local musician and owner of the Nauti Burro (the premiere live music venue in Puerto Aventuras), who pointed out that my latest music video for Unwind would be eligible for the Best Music Video category. Honestly, I didn’t even know that was a thing! I had thought that film festivals were only for feature films, shorts, and documentaries. He encouraged me to submit the video, and I did.

And much to my surprise, the Uwind music video was picked as an Official Selection!

The Puerto Aventuras International Film Festival runs April 4-7, 2014 and will screen entries across a number of venues over the weekend. Winners will be announced at a ceremony on April 7th.

In addition to the Best Music Video category, PAIFF includes awards for several different formats across a number of categories, including:

• BEST FEATURE FILM •
Awarded to the best full-length film.

• BEST SHORT FILM •
For outstanding films under one hour.

• BEST FEATURE DOCUMENTARY •
Recognizes excellence in documentary filmmaking.

• BEST DOCUMENTARY SHORT •
Recognizes excellence in documentary filmmaking.

• BEST MUSIC VIDEO •
For excellence in music video production.

• BEST DIRECTOR FEATURE •
Awarded for outstanding vision and direction.

• BEST ACTRESS •
Awarded for outstanding acting
performance by a female actor.

• BEST SCREENPLAY •
Recognizes exceptional writing.

• BEST EDITING •
Recognizes skillful film editing.

• BEST EXPERIMENTAL FILM •
Recognizes innovative and experimental filmmaking.

• BEST ORIGINAL SCORE •
Awarded for the best musical score.

• BEST DIRECTOR SHORT •
Awarded for outstanding vision and direction.

• BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY •
For exceptional camera work and visual storytelling.

• BEST ACTOR •
Awarded for outstanding acting
performance by a male actor.

• AUDIENCE CHOICE AWARD •
Voted as the favorite by festival attendees.

• BEST FIRST FILM •
Awarded to an outstanding debut feature
short film, or music video.

• BEST FILM TRAILER •
Recognizes excellence in creative editing.

• BEST SOUND DESIGN •
Recognizes excellence in audio editing and mixing.

• SPECIAL JURY PRIZE •
A discretionary award given by the jury for various achievements