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Winners Summer 2024

Best Animation Short, Best Sound Design, Best Original Score
Chain

Director: LING HAN

Producers: LING HAN, TZU-YING HO

Country: United States

Genre: Drama, Fantasy, Proverb, CGI Animation

Overview: "Chain," directed by Ling Han, is a 3D animated short film featuring charming characters and a sophisticated environment. It uniquely tells the story of the mantis catching the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind. "Chain" is visually stunning and emotionally rich, expressing nature's survival instincts and prompting viewers to ponder life's deeper questions. We sincerely recommend this film to fans of animation and proverbs.

Director Statement: This film wouldn’t have been possible without my amazing team. I’m so thankful for their hard work and support. Each member brought unique skills and perspectives, making "Chain" a truly collaborative effort. I hope viewers find "Chain" as engaging and thought-provoking as we intended. We hope it leaves a lasting impression on you.

Best Short, Best Actor/Actress (Fernanda Vilela)
Amentalio

Director: Mokotsi Rukundo

Writer: Fernanda Vilela

Producers: Fernanda Vilela, Johanna Thur, Jeanette Schock

Key Cast "Emilia": Fernanda Vilela

Country: United States

Genre: Drama

Overview: Emilia and Liam are preparing to welcome their new baby; as we follow their story, we learn how strong a mother's love is.

Director Statement: Raised in a household of women, I gained insight into the blind spots I faced as a male in a patriarchal world. It wasn't until a family friend experienced a miscarriage that I fully grasped the pressures on motherhood. Fernanda, the writer of "Amentalio," provided an opportunity to shed light on the unique pain of losing a child, a privilege I'm honored to share with audiences.

Best Director

Saving Penelope
Saving Penelope

Director: Gus Herbert-Müller

Writer: Jude Crook

Producer: Oscar Hewitt

Key Cast "Iona": Alis Wyn Davies

Country: United Kingdom

Type: Short

Overview: Four lifelong friends embark on a daring heist to steal back a precious Tamagotchi from their childhood nemesis.

Best Thriller/Horror Short

The Days of Knight

Director/Writer/Producer: John P Martinez

Country: United States

Genre: Sci-Fi, Horror

Overview: A highly trained operative, belonging to a clandestine ancient group of expert mercenaries, is given a mission to recover a valuable item for one of the 13 most influential families on Earth. As war breaks out and alliances formed centuries ago crumble, survival becomes the top priority for everyone involved.

Director Statement: My goal is to bring something new and fresh to the cinema world.




Best Feature Documentary
Meraki

Director/Writer/Producer: Robert Edmonds

Country: United Kingdom

Project Type: Documentary, Feature

Overview: In the face of overwhelming odds and financial constraints, Keith Oliver, an ordinary individual with an extraordinary dream, embarks on an epic journey of determination and resilience. Driven by an unwavering passion, he dedicate countless hours to constructing a 19ft boat within the confines of a makeshift tent, defying skepticism, and doubters at every turn. As the project progresses of a 24month period and the seasons pass, setbacks and challenges threaten to derail his ambitious endeavour. The burden of inflation, cost of living crisis and dwindling funds casts a shadow of doubt, pushing the dream of sailing across the Atlantic seemingly out of reach. Yet, fueled by sheer perseverance and a refusal to succumb to adversity, Keith digs deep and presses on, finding inspiration in the face of adversity. With each setback overcome and every obstacle conquered, Meraki takes shape as a testament to the indomitable human spirit. Finally, against all odds, the day arrives when Keith, an everyman sets sail into the vast expanse of the Atlantic Ocean. Through storms and calms, highs, and lows, he navigates the unforgiving waters with courage and determination, drawing strength from the journey itself. As the distant shores of Antigua come into view, Keith realises that the true measure of his journey lies not only in reaching the destination but in the profound transformation that occurred along the way. His story is of triumph over adversity, of chasing dreams against all odds, and of the extraordinary power that lies within the human spirit to defy impossibility and conquer the unknown. This is Keith’s journey.

Director Statement: This is a story of triumph over adversity, of chasing dreams against all odds, and of the extraordinary power that lies within the human spirit to defy impossibility and conquer the unknown - like running an agency. I hope that people will be inspired by Keith's story and follow their own dreams for the future.

Best Comedy Short
STI: Sexually Transmitted Introductions
STI: Sexually Transmitted Introductions

Director/Writer: Harris Vaughan

Producer: Nataile Lauren

Country: United Kingdom

Genre: Comedy, Dramedy, Melodrama, Sitcom

Overview: A motley crew of promiscuous individuals find themselves forced together in their very worst nightmare: the local STI clinic. Opening up farcical truths and mind-altering revelations, they're catapulted towards a climax of excruciating consequences...

Director Statement: STI is a small film with a big message ("a grower not a shower", if you will!) and it was inspired by an embarrassing and awkward experience I had in New York. It’s not easy bumping into someone you once "spent the night" with, it’s even worse when that happens in an STI clinic... surrounded by their friends... Sexual relations are increasingly interconnected nowadays and, as a result, STI’s are rising in all ages and demographics. Natalie and I wanted our film to use comedy to take some of the negative stigmas and mystery out of it: not just because it’s one of the most natural things we as a species do, but also for the sake of our own mental and physical health. I hope STI will be a catalyst for conversations about sexual health awareness, and serve as a fun reminder of why you should always play safe. The phrase “6 degrees of separation” comes to mind, as unlikely as you might think that seems... enjoy!

Best Long Short
Heart-Ware
Heart-Ware

Director/Writer/Producer: Jii Zhang

Country: Japan

Genre: Sci-Fi, Comedy, Drama

Overview: In the year 20XX, where AI has replaced many human jobs, Sanada, a once-renowned game director, is the last human employee at his company. To save the company from bankruptcy, he collaborates with an overconfident AI to create an innovative game but struggles with a creative block. When his niece Yui, who feels isolated at school, visits, her story reignites his creativity. This encounter leads to a groundbreaking game, merging human emotion with AI precision and revitalizing his career.

Director Statement: Through this film, I hope to convey a positive message: that the fusion of passion and technology can lead to greater growth and understanding. As we continue to advance in the field of AI, it’s crucial to remember that technology is not here to replace us, but to augment our abilities, allowing us to achieve new heights that were previously unimaginable. "Heart-Ware" is a testament to the potential that lies within this collaboration, offering a heartwarming story that encourages us to embrace the future with optimism and hope.

Best Feature
Bubbles

Director/Writer: Maria Salinger

Producers: Maria Salinger, Leonard Graf

Country: Germany

Genres: Drama

Overview: A young woman finds love while piercing together her own identity after being separated from her identical twin sister for the first time in her life.

Director Statement: I believe that humans can learn from each other and get inspired by each other. That's why I focus on film projects inspired by true events.




Best Actor/Actress (Damian Chapa)
Last Kiss In Paris

Director/Writer: Damian Chapa

Key Cast "David Micheals": Damian Chapa

Producers: Damian Chapa, Patricia Robinson

Country: United States

Genres: Drama

Overview: David Michaels, a troubled New York poet (Damian Chapa) finds inspiration and heartbreak in the enigmatic, institutionalized Poet Regina Romanescu (Olga Kent) As their bond deepens, David must confront the darkness of Regina's past and oppressive forces that seem to keep them apart. Will their light shine bright enough to overcome the shadows or will it become a tragic victim of it's own beauty set against the timeless backdrop of Paris

Director Statement: "Filmmaking is not just an art form, but my lifeline. It's a vital means of self-expression, a creative outlet that saves me from spiraling into darkness and despair. Without it, I fear I'd be lost in a destructive existence. Having the freedom to create gives me wings to fly, liberating me to explore the depths of my soul and share my vision with the world."

Best Feature Screenplay
AT THE MERCY OF FAITH

Writer: Samuel Lee Taylor

Country: United States

Project Type: Feature Screenplay

Overview: A chilling tale of the internal struggles between the forces of good and evil within oneself, and the invisible universe that surrounds us all. Marvin Tailor, a disciple of God, falls from grace after the traumatic event he experienced as a teenager, and grows up to be a bitter man, who is constantly being tested by forces, ONLY HIS EYES CAN BEHOLD, battling to claim his soul. It is only after losing all of the intrinsic components that had forged the stability and identity of his adult life, including the trust of his family, that Marvin realizes he has to... stay on his feet, and confront the demons that has terrorized his conscience for years. During his "time and season," can Marvin overcome the harrowing trauma of his past... to reclaim his peace and salvation? Or will his discombobulating guilt continue to spew him down the path of his HELL BOUND demise?

Best Short Screenplay
A Rural Feud
A Rural Feud

Writer: Enda Patrick Treacy

Country: Ireland

Project Type: Screenplay, Short Script

Overview: In 1960s Ireland, a dispute between neighbours erupts into a bitter conflict that spirals out of control. After the killing of his less-than-beloved dog, Patrick seeks justice against the ageing Christy Hannigan for the act. But is he really at fault? What follows is a deep dive into small acts of pettiness quickly descending into outright tragedy. A drama about accountability, deception and insecurities, all set in the picturesque west of Ireland.