New Voices New Rooms is pleased to announce the finalists for The 2021 VIndie Awards, a celebration of Bookstore videos. Winners will be announced at a ceremony on Thursday, September 30 at 6:00 PM ET during the New Voice New Room Trade Show. Michael Triebwasser of Politics & Prose in Washington, DC, will MC.
A panel of judges drawn from book industry partners in publishing, bookselling, and media, reviewed over fifty bookstore videos from two dozen independent bookstores, selecting sixteen finalists in the categories of Drama, Comedy, Animation, and Covid-Related.
Publisher/Bookstore hybrid The Historic New Orleans Collection receives special honors for their video “We are the Holy Ones,” a hands-down favorite of all the judges.
From sock puppets to soy candles, store cats to sea shanties, pajamas to pop quizzes, the VIndies videos are a testament to the resilience, spirit, humor, and grace under pressure of independent booksellers. Comments from the judges ranged from the enthusiastic, ““I loved the voice, the editing, the whole vibe,” to the emotional, “Poignant and sad, but sweet…this made me cry,” to the delighted, “This kills me. This is brilliant.”
The VIndie Awards Ceremony is a highlight of the New Voices New Rooms: Opening Doors Fall Conference. Get your popcorn, settle into your happy place, and be inspired by the work of incredibly creative booksellers.