The offbeat Canadian comedy titled “Universal Language” was awarded the Bright Horizons Prize during the Melbourne International Film Festival on Saturday.
Other top prizes went to went to Latvian director Gints Zibalodis’ animated ecological fantasy, “Flow” and to Jaydon Martin, creator of docu-fiction hybrid “Flathead.”
As a movie enthusiast, I’ve been utterly captivated by the infectious excitement Melbourne audiences have shown towards this year’s MIFF lineup. With an impressive roster of 280 films, we’ve shared in the joy as they’ve applauded groundbreaking Australian cinema, discovered the gems of this cinematic year, ventured into unexplored territories of film history, and interacted with more than 130 esteemed guests and artists attending. It’s been an unforgettable experience!
Located in Winnipeg, with hues reminiscent of Iran, “Universal Language” weaves a fresh tale that incorporates plotlines from various Iranian cinema masterpieces. This film is the work of director Matthew Rankin and made its debut in the Directors’ Fortnight segment at Cannes this year.
“One movie represented all of the facets of the Bright Horizons Award; a film whose cultural specificity transcends borders; whose cinematic playfulness is matched equally by its sensitivity; and whose very form is in conversation with cinema past, present and future. This is why the Bright Horizons Award goes to ‘Universal Language’ by Matthew Rankin,” said the jury in a statement.
The Special Jury Award was bestowed upon the animated ecological fantasy “Flow,” directed by Gints Zibalodis from Latvia. The jury stated that they wished to acknowledge a film that deeply moved them as jurors, and which through its beauty, compassion, and universal themes will make an enduring impact on both cinema and the world at large. The movie made its debut in Un Certain Regard at Cannes.
Titled “Flathead,” this film made its debut at Rotterdam earlier in the year, offers a monochrome depiction of an Australian blue-collar society grappling with themes such as diminishing masculinity and religious belief.
The festival ran in cinemas Aug. 8-25.
2024 MIFF AWARD WINNERS
Bright Horizons Award presented by VicScreen
“Universal Language” dir. Matthew Rankin
Bright Horizons Special Jury Award
“Flow” dir. by Gints Zilbalodis
Blackmagic Design Australian Innovation Award
Jaydon Martin, for directing “Flathead”
Collaborative Project: “Uncle Jack Charles Award” presented by Kearney Group, featuring April Phillips’ production titled “kajoo yannaga” or “Come on Let’s Walk Together”.
Intrepid Audience Award (joint winners)“Voice” co-dirs. Krunal Padhiar and Semara Jose
“Left Write Hook,” dir. Shannon Owen
MIFF Schools Youth Jury Award, presented by Collarts
“Alemania” dir. Maria Zanet.
Read More
- Hades Tier List: Fans Weigh In on the Best Characters and Their Unconventional Love Lives
- Smash or Pass: Analyzing the Hades Character Tier List Fun
- Why Final Fantasy Fans Crave the Return of Overworlds: A Dive into Nostalgia
- Sim Racing Setup Showcase: Community Reactions and Insights
- W PREDICTION. W cryptocurrency
- Understanding Movement Speed in Valorant: Knife vs. Abilities
- Why Destiny 2 Players Find the Pale Heart Lost Sectors Unenjoyable: A Deep Dive
- How to Handle Smurfs in Valorant: A Guide from the Community
- PENDLE PREDICTION. PENDLE cryptocurrency
- Dead by Daylight Houndmaster Mori, Power, & Perks
2024-08-26 09:49