"After seeing this year's winner, RIFF honoree
Werner Herzog said 'Just when you think cinema is entering a phase of stagnation, out of nowhere, comes a film like that. It's very encouraging.' And so... for its uncommon sensitivity, exceptional camerawork, heartbreaking performances from non-actors and it's remarkable ability to re-examine the concept of American masculinity, the jury has chosen to award The Golden Puffin to THE RIDER by Chloé Zhao."
