The Freak wins award at Sundance 2003!

Park City --Meni's film "The Freak" screened four times to sold out crowds at the landmark festival, walking away an award winner.

Over 3500 fans attended the closing night's awards ceremony. The event was a who's who of independent film. Presenters included Steve Zahn (Happy, Texas), Hope Davis (About Schmidt), Steve Buscemi (Ghost World), and Sundance institute member Stanley Tucci (Road to Perdition). Among those honored were director Mark Decena's "Dopamine" (the A.P. Sloan $20,000 Feature Film Prize), Jonathan Karsh's "My Flesh and Blood" (Documentary Directing Award) and Tom Mcarthy's "The Station Agent" (Waldo Salt Screenwriting Award).

Next, Patricia Clarkson (Far From Heaven) took the stage to announce the Jury Prizes for Short Film. Sundance history was made as the turquoise and gold plaque was awarded to "The Freak" by the Sundance Jury for Honorable Mention-Short Filmmaking; The very first CGI film to take home the coveted award. "The Freak" was commended by The Sundance Institute for "...its clear message of tolerance in these uncertain times..."