“HERE Alone,” which follows a group of survivors in the aftermath of a devastating virus, was the winner of the narrative audience award.

    “The Return” won the festival’s documentary audience award and chronicles the consequences of the repeal of the American three-strikes law.

    The award winners also received US$10,000 and a piece of fine art.

    “Here Alone” is directed by Rod Blackhurst who is better known for making short films such as “Night Swim” and “Would You.” His prize piece of art was Zak Kitnick’s “Untitled.”

    Directors of “The Return” Kelly Duane and Katie Galloway took home Clifford Ross’s Horizon XI print. The pair have worked together on several previous projects including the documentary “Better This World.”

    Tribeca’s festival director praised both the winning films and the audience reaction.

    “It’s great to see audiences finding and supporting a true discovery film like ‘Here Alone’ and the powerful and affecting documentary ‘The Return,’” said Genna Terranova.

    “While very different films, both highlight the resilience of the human spirit.”

    Runners-up were “Children of the Mountain” in the narrative category and “Midsummer in Newtown” in the documentary category.

    The winning movies and runners-up will all be shown Sunday night at the Regal Battery Park Stadium, along with the winners of the festival’s jury prizes. (SD-Agencies)