DRIFF: Alumni Spotlight 2023

DRIFF 2023 is proud to shine our DRIFF Spotlight on two outstanding award winners whose work left a lasting impression on the festival and its audiences. First, we are honored to recognize Matthew Wagner, recipient of the People’s Choice Award for his powerful film When Hope Breaks Through. We would also like to celebrate Mamoun Hassan, who earned the Best Regional Film Award for his moving film Purple Don’t Cry.

Since his time at DRIFF, Matthew has continued to find success and recognition for When Hope Breaks Through. The film has gone on to win additional awards, including Best Feature Documentary at the West Sound Film Festival in 2024. It has also been officially selected for several other festivals, such as the Central Michigan International Film Festival (2024), Greater Farmington Film Festival (2024), and the L.A. Sun Film Festival (2023), bringing its total festival selections to 15. Beyond the continued life of his feature documentary, Matthew has expanded his creative work by filming music videos and participating in other production projects. He has also begun developing new work, including a documentary short, further showcasing his growth as a filmmaker.

Mamoun Hassan has also continued to build and evolve his filmmaking journey in meaningful ways. He has launched a website that connects him with nonprofit organizations seeking cinematic videos and digital content designed to amplify their missions and stories. In addition to his creative work, Mamoun leads workshops focused on helping nonprofit teams strengthen their storytelling skills. Through these sessions, he teaches organizations how to incorporate narrative techniques into their messaging and how to effectively direct their mission toward reaching the right audiences with impact and clarity.

Together, Matthew Wagner and Mamoun Hassan exemplify the lasting impact of DRIFF’s alumni, demonstrating how creative passion and dedication can continue to grow well beyond the festival screen. Their ongoing achievements not only highlight their individual talents but also reflect the spirit of storytelling and innovation that DRIFF strives to support. As they each expand their work in unique and meaningful ways, they inspire future filmmakers to pursue their visions, connect with audiences, and use film as a powerful tool for change.