Liberty in Film Awards names 2016 winners

The Glienicke Bridge between Potsdam and Berlin was used in the film Bridge of Spies. (Wikimedia)

Nonprofit Moving Picture Institute Praises Films for Positive Portrayals of Freedom

This week, the Moving Picture Institute (MPI) announced the winners of its fourth annual “Liberty in Film Awards.” The awards are given in recognition of films that explore themes of freedom and individual rights.

“There’s no shortage of awards in the entertainment industry, but the Liberty in Film Awards are unique,” said Rob Pfaltzgraff, president of the Moving Picture Institute. “We select winners not only on cinematic achievement, but also their expression of important ideas in society like human rights and ordinary people fighting against oppression.”

actor Tom Hanks (right) with 82nd Airborne soldier Staff Sgt. Maurice Craft in Walter Reed Army Medical Center's Physical Therapy Clinic. (Wikimedia)
Actor Tom Hanks (right) with 82nd Airborne soldier Staff Sgt. Maurice Craft in Walter Reed Army Medical Center’s Physical Therapy Clinic. (Wikimedia)

The Moving Picture Institute (MPI) is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that promotes freedom through film, comedy, and online video. MPI advances this mission by supporting pro–freedom filmmakers at every stage of their careers, creating its own original productions, and empowering audiences to take action.

This year’s Liberty in Film award for “Best Picture” went to six-time Oscar-nominated Bridge of Spies.

Bridge of Spies is an engaging account of an American lawyer (Tom Hanks) whose unwavering sense of duty and honor guides his actions as he negotiates a Soviet Union prisoner swap. The Cold War era thriller (which is based on a true story) merited the institutes laurels, “For showing the power of the individual to choose principles over politics.”

Other winners include:

Best Male Character, Creed – “Using passion and persistence to become who you are.”

Best Female Character, Joy – “Examining the joy of entrepreneurship.”

Best Documentary, Winter on Fire: Ukraine’s Fight for Freedom – “Embodying the struggle for freedom today.”

Best Foreign Film, Son of Saul – “Revealing that, even in extreme situations, freedom can find a way.”

Fan Favorite, Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2 – “Power corrupts. Absolute power corrupts absolutely.”

Worst Villain, “Immortan Joe” from Mad Max: Fury Road –“Exploring the ramifications of a tyrant with a monopoly.”

Spirit of Ideas, Chuck Norris vs. Communism – “Showing art’s power to liberate closed societies.”

For the complete list of award recipients and descriptions of the prize winning films can be found by visiting 2016 Liberty in Film Awards.

For more films that promote freedom, check out the Moving Picture Institute Filmography.