LFF Award winners revealed!
This year’s winning films explore a fascinating breadth of themes and stories, including a drama about a community fighting to preserve its principles, a spirited tale of siblings enjoying the pleasures and pitfalls of life ‘home alone’, a deeply personal and joyful exploration of a filmmaker’s relationship her mother, and a poetic film that documents the experiences of queer Nigerians.
Official Competition (Best Film Award)
Evil Does Not Exist
Directed by Ryusuke Hamaguchi
The jury commented: “Subtle, cinematic and underscored by fully realised performances, Hamaguchi’s assured drama supersedes the sum of its parts. It is both a lyrical portrait of family and community, and a nuanced consideration of the ethics of land development. Amidst a strong competition the jury is unanimous in our admiration!”
First Feature Competition (Sutherland Award)
Paradise Is Burning
Directed by Mika Gustafson
The jury commented: “What a journey. Not only was this a remarkable first feature, but a film that in its own right has such clarity of cinematic language and vision. It’s compelling universe was so complete and effortlessly executed. Nothing has been left untended to in this film, we were THERE, not like a fly on the wall or an intruder; it held us in its arms and it didn’t let us go.”
Documentary Competition (Grierson Award)
Bye Bye Tiberias
Directed by Lina Soualem
The jury commented: “In Bye Bye Tiberias, Lina Soualem has woven an elegant exploration of three generations of women in her family and the places that made them. She has created a poetic and intimate film that transcends the borders of their family home, to interrogate grief, identity, and the energy that propels you to find yourself.”
Short Film Competition
The Archive: Queer Nigerians
Directed by Simisolaoluwa Akande
The jury commented: “The Archive: Queer Nigerians takes the viewer through many emotions, it’s visually stunning and poetic in the way that it weaves together documentary and experimental styles. The subjects were held up in a positive and empathetic light through raw and intimate interviews, highlighting their vulnerability while also celebrating the joy of being your true self.”
“A special mention is given to Area Boy for its accomplished and confident directing. The jury look forward to seeing what Iggy London does next.”
Vote for your LFF favourites
Have your say by midnight on Thu 19 Oct
As the Festival draws to a close, it can only mean one thing: it’s time to cast your vote for the Audience Awards!
We want to hear what your Festival favourites have been, be it fiction, documentary, short or immersive work. It’s all in your hands now.
Vote now
