They were three beautiful days, February 11th - 13th at the Jarvis Conservatory in downtown Napa, CA. The continuous deluge of rain took pause. The sun came out. It almost felt like an early summer as filmmakers arrived from all corners of the globe to celebrate the classical arts in film. The opening night gala, the live music events and the amazing films resonated with high remarks from patrons, panelists, filmmakers and staff. It was clear: Something special happened here.  

The Official Selection of films for 2017 are all noteworthy of cinematic excellence. More important: They all, in their own special way, promote the classical arts. The Classical Arts Film Festival staff feel very honored to have been able to share these films with our Bay Area enthusiasts. All participating filmmakers have received an official selection certificate. The winning category filmmakers each will receive a Jarvis Award Plaque to honor their accomplishment.

Here are the winners of the 2nd Annual Classical Arts Film Festival:

• Jarvis Award for AUDIENCE CHOICE:
  THE WORLD OF DENNIS JOHN PATTON  

Directed by  S. Kramer Herzog                                                                                                                                                                                                      
            

With such enthusiasm and love for all things art — Dennis Patton inspired us all.  If the National Endownment for The Arts needs another Role Model akin to that of Pete Seeger, they should look no further then Dennis Patton.

• Jarvis Award for BEST ANIMATION:
  KANON ROCK     

Directed by Nicholas Dobkin

The struggle, determination, heartache and joy of dedicating one’s life to theClassical Arts was masterfully scripted and animated in the beautiful five minuteproduction of KANON ROCK. 

• Jarvis Award for BEST SCRIPT:

        THE GREAT ACCOUNTANT
Directed by Michael Quigley

The life of a composer/musician is elevated to an immortal poetic struggle.  Paralleling  Orpheus'  Descent, Michael Quigley's THE GREAT ACCOUNTANT re-invents the downfall of a modern American artist. The result is a fascinating cathartic tragedy of mythological  proportion. A timeless script with well crafted motifs.

• Jarvis Award for BEST DOCUMENTARY FILM:

        WRITTEN BY MRS. BACH: BROKEN SILENCE
Directed by Alex McCall

 The magic of the WHAT IF comes alive and is very persuasive with WRITTEN BY MRS. BACH: BROKEN SILENCE. Alex McCall, Martin Jarvis, and Heidi Harralson have their finger on the pulsebeat of our time. This is a spark that will light a flame.   This film will undoubtedly influence many artists for years to come.

• Jarvis Award for BEST OF FESTIVAL:

          CONCERTO
Directed by Cristina Cassidy

This is a documentary that breaks the clichés of the family drama films.  No stereotypes here. A remarkable film that strikes a chord with any family structure. A whirlwind of thought provoking and emotional imagery that nobly encourages the audience to ask “what defines us?" 

CONCERTO - Directed by Cristina Cassidy

DALÍ'S LAST MASTERPIECE - Directed by David Pujol

FULL MEASURES - Directed by Xuejing Xu

INVISIBLE POINT - Directed by Tanin Torabi

KANON ROCK - Directed by Nicholas Dobkin

LAST BEAT - Directed by Paul D. Bestolarides

PARADE DE SATIE - Directed by Koji Yamamura

RAMBLE - Directed by Andreas Ramm

SAMUEL BARBER:  ABSOLUTE BEAUTY - Directed by Paul H. Moon

THE GREAT ACCOUNTANT - Directed by Michael Quigley

THE WORLD OF DENNIS JOHN PATTON - Directed by S. Kramer Herzog

WRITTEN BY MRS. BACH:  SILENCE BROKEN - Directed by Alex McCall

The festival ran February 11th - 13th, 2017 at the Jarvis Conservatory in downtown Napa.