"Behind Closed Doors" wins Best Picture at Winter Film Awards Independent Film Festival

FRANKLIN SQUARE, N.Y. - March 8, 2014 - PRLog -- The Third Annual Winter Film Awards Independent Film Festival kicked off Wednesday, February 26 2014 with three full days of screenings and after-parties and came to a dazzling finish on Saturday March 1 with a Gala Awards Ceremony at the beautiful club 230 FIFTH in which 15 outstanding winners were announced.  This year's event offered something for everyone, highlighting the dynamic range of talent and storytelling capabilities the independent filmmaking community has to offer. Among the 61 films selected for screening was a diverse mixture of documentaries, shorts, features, animation, music videos and horror films, including 9 student films, 17 female directors and representation from over 20 countries.

Long Island filmmaker Nicolas Sicurella's feature-length student film "Behind Closed Doors" won the BEST PICTURE award in front of a crowd of 500.  The awards show included live musical performances from Soleil J and Billboard artist Sessino and featured outrageous costume designs by Natasha Berezhnaya.

Behind Closed Doors (http://nicolassicurella.wix.com/behindcloseddoors) follows three main storylines that are interwoven into a complex web of mystery and truth which takes place in a small, quiet Long Island town.  Tiffany and John’s college relationship seems to be going well until John seeks a definitive answer on where they stand to each other.  They are put to the test when John discovers Tiffany’s obscure perspective about love.

Larry, an elderly man suffering from Alzeihmer’s, lives a simple life with his daughter Natalie.  Devoting her life to taking care of her father and fighting for their financial survival, Natalie takes a toll living day to day.  Paul, an elementary school principal, has gained respect not only from his place of work but at home for being a loving family man and providing a comfortable life for his wife and daughter.

These seemingly unrelated stories collide when one horrifying event sends their lives into a whirlwind of chaos.

Nicolas Sicurella grew up in Nassau County, Long Island and graduated from the School of Visual Arts in Manhattan with a BFA in film.  During school he created several shorts and one feature that explored metaphysical and psychological themes.  He sees his films from beginning to end, from pre to post production, which has given him the versatility to execute his visions with precision and accuracy.

The 2014 Winter Film Awards Judges Panel was comprised of 15 industry individuals with diverse points of view, including 20-year industry veteran Frank Calo, production executive of "The Believer", award-winning filmmaker Sam Borowski, Broadway and Hollywood composer Stephen Trask, cinematographer Mik Cribben, music personality Matt Pinfield, producer/writer/director Larry Rosen and Miss Albania Benardina Radi.

Winter Film Awards 2014 Independent Film Festival is proudly sponsored by GrayLine NY, B&H Photo, 20Grand Vodka, Coney Island Spirits, Cupcake Cartel NYC, Cyberlink, Fabric Mill, FearsMag, Final Draft Inc., Glidecam, Graphic Stock, Hunter Mountain, Indie Flix, Jo Malone London, JT Talent, Jungle Software, Pole Position Raceway, ProductionHub Inc, PS Print, Que Sabor Bakery, Ride of Fame, Rooftop Films, Sony Creative Software, SpotHero, Sweets First Bakery, Video Blocks, Viktor Koen, The Village Voice, Worldcast Inc and Ya Mastiha Liqueur,

Winter Film Awards (WFA) is a volunteer-run and operated celebration of the diversity of local and international film-making.  In addition to the annual Independent Film Festival, WFA hosts 4-6 events each year in New York City, including panel discussions, networking parties, a 48-Hour Film Challenge, archival cartoon screenings and other fun film-related events, and works with all local NYC film schools, colleges, arts high schools and many cultural societies.

For more information on WFA festival, sponsors, judges, and upcoming events
please visit www.WinterFilmAwards.com and find them on Facebook.