Anthem 2016 presented the most impressive lineup yet, with films that are already enjoying critical and theatrical success. Films focused on such important topics as free speech, contemporary slavery, police abuse, global warming (or not), money and banking, child sexual trafficking, and the right to be left alone to make our own decisions. Audiences were often riveted by what they saw on screen and stayed for the fascinating panel discussions that followed.

The FreedomFest Grand Prize was awarded to Ted Balaker for “Can We Take a Joke?” about the chilling of free expression on campus and indeed throughout the nation. The film included interviews with comedians Penn Gillette, Gilbert Gottfried, Karith Foster, Lisa Lampanelli, and many more. Whether you enjoy the outrage humor portrayed in the film or not, the right to say what you want to say–and to hear what you want to hear–is essential to basic freedom. Without the right to free speech, it is impossible to argue for any other freedoms.

David Bateman’s music set the tone for the emotional, heartbreaking outrageous film “Of Dogs and Men,” directed by Michael Ozias, which highlights the growing problem of police violence against pets. He won the AnthemVault award for Best Original Score.

You can see the trailers and synopses of all our 2016 films on our homepage. We will be adding information about how to obtain these films within the next couple of weeks. Congratulations to all of our Anthem 2016 winners. :

Best Documentary Feature: “Deep Web” (Alex Winter, director.

Excellence in Filmmaking, Documentary Feature: “Can We Take a Joke?” (Ted Balaker, director)

Best Libertarian Ideals, Documenatary Feature: “Of Dogs and Men” (Michael Ozias, director)

Best Short Documentary: “Seized” (Matthew and Thomas Locastro, directors).

Excellence in Filmmaking, Short Documentary: “People Like Us” (Tina Gharavi, director)

Best Libertarian Ideals, Short Documentary: “Mule: Living on the Outside” (John McDonald, director)

Best Short Narrative: “Everything” (R. J. Daniel Hanna, director)

Best Libertarian Comedy: “Love Gov: From First Date to Mandate” (John Papola and Bradley Jackson, directors)

Excellence in Filmmaking, Short Narrative: “I’ve Just Had a Dream” (Javier Navarro, director)

Best Libertarian Ideals, Short Narrative: “The Return” (Matthew Szewczyk, director)

Best Special Effects: “Panopticon” (Jarod Su, director)

Audience Choice Awards: Best Documentary, “Deep Web” (Alex Winter, director) and Best Narrative, “Everything” (R. J. Daniel Hanna, director)