AWARD WINNERS 2017

GRAND PRIX

Impossible Figures and Other Stories II Marta Pajek Poland

For its economic, often bleached-like drawings that capture the fragile battle between consciousness and obliviousness, along with its mesmerizing, painful but ultimately buoyant story of self-awareness and self-control, we award the Grand Prize to Impossible Figures and Other Stories II by Marta Pajek.

AUDIENCE AWARD

Hotaru William Laboury France

BEST NARRATIVE SHORT

Nighthawk Spela Cadez Slovenia

A blistering, squirming tragedy trailing an alcoholic whizzing blurrily through bending roads in the black of night, the award for Best Narrative animation goes to Nighthawk

 

BEST NON-NARRATIVE SHORT

Datum Point Ryo Orikasa Japan

In capturing the serenity of the sea, the soothing rush of the waves while reminding us of our own temporary, always flowing existence, the award for Best non-narrative goes to the Zen-inspired clay animation mastery of Datum Point

Special Mention: The Estate by Ronny Trocker – Belgium Conceptually smart, technically innovative, with a subtle approach to complex issues, we give a special mention to The Estate

Special Mention: Orogenesis by Boris Labbe – France For its hypnotic rhythm, precision and effects, we give a special mention to Orogenesis

 

BEST GRADUATE SHORT

Garden Party France

For its striking mise-en-scene, unique multi-layered story, and its odd, funny and horrifying ambiance, the award for Best Graduation film goes to Garden Party.

 

BEST UNDERGRADUATE SHORT

Big Surf Brian Smee USA CalArts

Fusing documentary, history, experimental film, this raw and richly re-imagined ghost story captures the blurred pains and fragments of a tragedy caused by bone-headed and greedy humans. The award for Best Undergraduate animation goes to Big Surf

 

BEST COMMISSIONED SHORT

Flight Attendant Mattis Dover

For its beautiful and intense visuals, the award for Best Commissioned film goes to Flight Attendant.

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BEST US SHORT

Jill Lilli Carre Jill is like an empty container that viewers have to fill. This film is like an invitation and gives the viewers the opportunity to individually do whatever they want with it, according to who they are and how they feel. Using a minimalist, weird form, it just says enough to put you in a very strange state in which you’re entertained and embarrassed at the same time, in which you don’t exactly know if you want to laugh or not. Which makes Jill a very unique charming lady. Special Mention: Glucose by Jeron Braxton Groundbreaking Ways to tell stories in this film, And we could see the artist Influenced by Japanese comics, early 8bit games, multimedia art in the film. This film beautifully explores the complicated identities of young POC americans in the age of the internet.

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BEST FAMILY SHORT

In a Cage Loic Bruyere France In a Cage, the seemingly simple and charming story about an unlikely friendship between a caged bear and an abandoned hatchling is our choice for the best film within the Children’s competition. We loved this film for it’s clarity of story telling, beautiful visuals, the music and the meaningful message that is more than meets the eye. Special Mention: (Otto) We’d also like to give a very honorable mention to Otto. This film is beautifully executed and deals with difficult themes like loss and acceptance, and the power of the human spirit to heal. The organic inclusion of such a diverse cast needs to be applauded.