In 1977, among the indie features that mattered were: Alambrista!, Between the Lines, and David Lynch's stunning debut, Eraserhead.

My ranking of the 16 entries in the competition series, in terms of artistic quality and overall impact, suggests that most features were good or mediocre, and only 3 strong and original: “Starting Out in the Evening,” “Teeth,” and “Joshua.”

Surprisingly, this year two dramatic and two documentary films split the Grand Jury Prizes–ties of this sort are rare in festivals. Ruby in Paradise, the most touching and beautiful work I saw at the festival, marks the accomplished return of director Victor Nunez, whose Gal Young Un had won a Grand Jury Prize at the l981 festival.

Jan 28, 2007–The Grand Jury Prize: Documentary was given to MANDA BALA (SEND A BULLET), directed by Jason Kohn. In Brazil, known as one of the world's most corrupt and violent countries, MANDA BALA follows a politician who uses a frog farm to steal billions of dollars, a wealthy businessman who spends a small fortune bulletproofing his cars, and a plastic surgeon who reconstructs the ears of mutilated kidnapping victims. The Grand Jury Prize: Dramatic was given to PADRE NUESTRO, directed by Christopher Zalla. Fleeing a criminal past, Juan hops a truck transporting illegal immigrants from Mexico to New York City, where he meets Pedro, who is seeking his rich father.