This article first appeared in the St. Louis Beacon, Nov. 24, 2010 - "Casino Jack," a film about disgraced lobbyist Jack Abramoff, won the Audience Choice award as best feature film at the Stella Artois St. Louis International Film Festival, which ended Sunday. "Casino Jack" was directed by St. Louis native George Hickenlooper, who died of a heart attack a few days before he was to introduce the film at the festival.
"Circus Kids" was given the Interfaith Award for best documentary and the Midrash Award for films that portray the need or hope for reconciliation or redemption. It follows the St. Louis Arches acrobatic troupe as the young members travel to Israel and tour for two weeks with a circus group made up of Arabic and Jewish children.
"Anita," an Argentinian film about a woman with Down's syndrome, was voted best international feature.
"Suicide Dolls," a feature film about two girls who decide to kill themselves, won the juried New Filmmakers Forum award.
Note: The original version of this story reported what the press release said: that "Circus Kids" got best documentary. Please note the correct awards.
Harper Barnes is an author and freelance writer wno reviews films for the Beacon.