INDIANA'S NEWEST AND MOST MEANINGFUL FILM FESTIVAL.
The PANDACADEMY Awards were created to highlight people and animals with physical or mental disabilities–celebrating that population, recognizing its need for love, and raising critically-needed funds to help UCPAIndy give assistance to those in need.
ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE, A CAMERA, AND a STORY TO TELL.
Entrants will film a video up to 90-seconds long, exploring the theme,”I love my _____ with a disability.” Subjects may be a family member, a friend, a coworker, a neighbor, a pet, or even themselves. All films can be submitted by following the “Enter Now” buttons on this page once the video submission period begins. There is not an entry fee for this contest, but any donations are appreciated along with your video.
CELEBRATING UNFORGETTABLE PEOPLE WITH AN AWARDS SHOW TO REMEMBER.
Films for the inaugural video contest were accepted from July 15, 2020 until September 30, 2020. On October 17, 2020 an awards gala at Indianapolis’ Skyline Club featured city views and local celebrities (in person and virtually) as they showed winning entries and presented trophies to winners in multiple categories. Taped by WHMB-TV 40, the inspiring first year event was broadcasted on October 24, 2020.
IF YOU CAN'T MAKE A MOVIE, PLEASE CONSIDER MAKING A DONATION.
Although the Pandacademy Awards Video contest is over and winners have been announced, the need for specialized equipment and services for people with disabilities does not go away. If you would like to donate to our cause of helping children and adults with cerebral palsy live life without limits, please click the “Donate” button below.
2020 Pandacademy Award Winners
Best Picture
I LOVE YOU MORE THAN A HORSE
Linda Rhoden & Jerry Kruezman
This video shows the love that a grandmother has for her grandchild with fetal alcohol syndrome while captivating the audience and judges en route to being awarded the best picture overall in the Pandacademy Awards video contest.
This award was presented by Indiana basketball legend Bobby “Slick” Leonard.
Best Documentary
BELUGA THE DEAF AND BLIND GREAT DANE
emily Ollis
In this documentary put together by Emily Ollis, we are reminded that people are not the only ones who live with disabilities, our pets do too.
This award was presented by former TV anchor and current host of Pet Pals TV and Great Day TV, Patty Spitler.
Best Cinematography
A DAY AT THE PARK
Parker Offhaus
This short video encompasses all form of artistic video making skills while showing the challenges of a person with sensory issues as they go to the park with their dad.
This award was presented by award winning fashion designer, painter, interior designer and consultant, and president and CEO of Blackburn Architects, Alpha Blackburn.
Best Youth Video
OVERCOMING DAYS
Cole Ford
After suffering a stroke at a young age, this video shows the inspiring story of how a young boy overcomes the challenges he’s faced everyday.
This award was presented by Indy WIBC’s very own, Terri Stacy.
Best Drama
PLEASE REACH OUT
River Perez
This short film shows the signs of depression that are rarely talked about: easily angered, lack of motivation, and loss of interest in things that were once loved.
This award was presented by star of HGTV’s Good Bones and LoveHeals Apparel founder, Thadeus Starsiak.
Watch the 2020 Pandacademy Awards Here!
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