THE CHEVAL NOIR AWARD FOR BEST FILM AWARDED TO THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO BY MATHIEU DELAPORTE AND ALEXANDRE DE LA PATELIÈRE

Montreal, July 28, 2024 - The Fantasia International Film Festival is very pleased to announce the awards of its 28th edition which continues until August 4 in theaters in Montreal. The awards were presented yesterday evening by the juries of each of the competitions: it was the French film THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO by Mathieu Delaporte and Alexandre de la Patelière, presented in its international premiere, which won the Cheval Noir Award for best feature film. ELECTROPHILIA by Lucía Puenzo won the jury's special mention as well as the prize for best screenplay and the prize for outstanding performance for Mariana Di Girolamo. The Cheval Noir for Best Directing was awarded to Hwang Wook for MASH VILLE while PENALTY LOOP won the prizes for Best Editing and Best Original Music.

Cheval Noir Competition

The jury was chaired by Matt Johnson (actor, director, screenwriter) with Steve Dollar (critic, journalist, and artistic director of the Tallahassee Film Festival), Rob Jabbaz (director, screenwriter), Ariane Louis-Seize (director, screenwriter) and Kristina Klebe (director, actress, voice performer).

This year’s Cheval Noir had the distinct theme of revenge in all its forms. Against family, friends, the government, and even nature itself, revenge is presented as both a cure and a curse to those who give themselves over to its dark power. Serving it both cold and hot, Fantasia has shown audiences yet again why it rides as the Canadian head of the genre festival Troika. Don't cross them; they'll get you back.

Best Film: THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO
(France) Matthieu Delaporte and Alexandre De La Patellière

"There is a saying in film, that Less is More. That maxim could not have been better represented than in the films in this year's competition. What these films were able to do with bare-bones budgets is a remarkable statement on the ingenuity of film makers worldwide and should provide encouragement for all young directors as to what is possible with a good idea and a camera pointed in the right direction. But there was one film that challenged this idea, asking audiences "If Less is More, just imagine how much more More could be?" The winner, of this year's Cheval Noir, is THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO."

Special Jury Mention: ELECTROPHILIA
(Argentina) Lucía Puenzo

For its daring psycho-sexual exploration of the archetypal bond between women and 10-gigawatt lightning bolts, and its pump-fake superhero origin story of a veterinarian who gains the powers of a cow, we the jury grant a special mention to Lucia Pueno's ELECTROPHILIA.

Best Director: MASH VILLE
(South Korea) Hwang Wook

This director has crafted a quirky surrealistic ensemble western with increasingly insane characters and a non-stop flow of violent and odd events that is both disturbing and captivating. For its creative and precise staging, and unique mix of tones that cohesively works from beginning to end, the Best Directing award goes to Hwang Wook for MASH VILLE.

Best Screenplay: ELECTROPHILIA
(Argentina) Lucía Puenzo

Our best screenplay award goes to a film whose bold originality of vision and evocation of desire compelled by the extremes of human experience arises from a script alive to mystery and textured with a literary sensibility.
The award goes to writers Lucía Puenzo and Lorena Ventimiglia for ELECTROPHILIA directed by Lucia Puenzo.

Best Cinematography: RITA
(Guatemala) Jayro Bustamante

For best cinematography, we chose a film whose visual design and sweeping camera conjured a magic realist world of fabulist poetic images fueled by the spirit of collective resistance and childhood dreams.
The award goes to Inti Briones for RITA directed by Jayro Bustamante

Best Editing: PENALTY LOOP
(Japan) Shinji Araki

How many ways can you edit a moment? A scene? A movie? Anyone who has edited anything knows there are often millions of possibilities. This particular movie literally depends on the intricacy of the editing to carry the story along and the finesse and artistry in which it was done is truly a work of art.
The winner of best editing is PENALTY LOOP!

The Sandro Forte Award for Best Motion Picture Score: PENALTY LOOP
(Japan) Shinji Araki

Creating music for movies that complement but don’t detract from the story is an incredible artform and one that I personally underestimated making my own first feature - as I was watching all these movies one score in particular stood out in a very poignant creepy way - the winner of best score is PENALTY LOOP.

Outstanding Performance Award: ELECTROPHILIA
(Argentina) Lucía Puenzo

Mariana Di Girolamo

We wanted to give the first Outstanding Performance Award to an actress who is magnetic, fierce, and touching in her electrifying portrayal of an adrift character. This high-voltage performance is delivered by Mariana Di Girólamo for her role as Ada in ELECTROPHILIA.

Outstanding Performance Award: STEPPENWOLF
(Kazakhstan) Adilkhan Yerzhanov

Berik Aitzhanov and Anna Starchenko

For the Outstanding Performance Award the jury chose a commanding portrayal of a violent psychopath that is equal parts reprehensible and charismatic. His terrifying presence is matched by a poignant performancewho brings a powerful sense of hope in this chaotic, dehumanized world.
It is for this reason that the jury has decided to award Berik Aitzhanov and Anna Starchenko for STEPPENWOLF, directed by Adilkhan Yerzhanov.

New Flesh Competition For Best First Feature

The jury was chaired by Rain Rannu (director, screenwriter, producer, founder of Tallifornia) alongside Sapta Mohni Bhavnani (director, producer, actress, founder of the Wench Film Festival (Mumbai)), Eric S. Boisvert (director, screenwriter, director of photography, editor) and Amelia Moses (director, screenwriter, producer).

AWARDS:

Best First Feature: SELF DRIVER
Canada, d. Michael Pierro

SELF DRIVER captivates with its inventive storytelling and a poignant exploration of the human Mettle within a technological landscape. The film's compelling narrative, exceptional score, and minimalist filmmaking make it a standout in the New Flesh Category. We applaud Michael Pierro for his visionary approach.

Special Jury Mention: CHAINSAWS WERE SINGING
Estonia, d. Sander Maran

While filmmaking is typically a collaborative effort, there are times when a filmmaker does not have that luxury and must take matters into their own hands, overcoming all odds and breaking norms to bring their vision to life. CHAINSAWS WERE SINGING directed by Sander Maran, exemplifies such determination, presenting an innovative blend of musical, horror, and comedy that illustrates the director's bold and creative vision. Making musicals gory good!

Special Jury Mention: KIDNAPPING INC.
Canada/Haiti/France, d. Bruno Mourral

This film, KIDNAPPING INC. directed by Bruno Mourral, featured hilarious and engaging performances by its two leads with an emotional pull that will catch the audience off guard. As a jury we appreciated how the strong and important message was packaged in an entertaining and funny film.

International Short Film Competition

Chaired by Heidi Honeycutt (journalist, critic, film historian, and co-founder of the Etheria Film Festival), the jury was also composed of Jean Anne Lauer (professor, festival programmer – Fantastic Fest), Emily Lerer (director, screenwriter), Gary Pullin (illustrator, graphic designer) and Alex Williams (senior acquisitions and development manager, XYZ Films)

AWARDS:

Best Film: EMPTY JARS
Chile, d. Guillermo Ribbeck

The Best Film award was unanimously decided by the judges, who feel that the awardee has all of the attributes that a competition winner requires: a compelling story, superb acting, depth of meaning, technical magic, and that indescribable quality the French call “I don't know what.” we don't know what “it” is, but we know it when we see it. We would like to congratulate Guillermo Ribbek's EMPTY JARS as the 2024 International Short Film competition winner.

Best Director: Björn Schagerström
HEADACHE, Sweden, d. Björn Schagerström

HEADACHE, a vision of an absurd dystopia by director Björn Schagerström, avoids the clichés that so often go along with that subgenre by being utterly and completely original in its character study of a man beset by the sociopathic vicissitudes of the pharmaceutical company for which he works. The beautiful dynamic between the characters, the thoughtful world-building, and the unexpected storytelling are the result of a masterful director who understands that all these moving pieces must come together to make a film successfully resonate with the audience. Björn Schagerström is this year's BEST DIRECTOR.

Best Screenplay: EMPTY JARS
Chile, d. Guillermo Ribbeck

A film that deftly builds a world of its own, grounded and fantastical in just the right measure, the jury enjoyed being invited into the mystery and discovering the turns of events as they unfolded. The narrative winds through a myriad of experiences and emotions, nuances in empathy and point of view, ultimately leaving the viewer with a sense of wonder and curiosity about what will happen next, while also completing a satisfying story arc. For these qualities, the jury awards BEST SCREENPLAY to EMPTY JARS.

Best Cinematography: BE RIGHT BACK
Spain, d. Gabe Ibañez and Lucas Paulino

For best cinematography, the jury had one film - and even one shot - at the top of our minds. It’s the section’s scariest short, a supernatural tale whose creative visuals and clever framing have haunted us since we screened it. For its slick depiction of the horror of being left alone on a dark and windy night, we award the best cinematography to BE RIGHT BACK.

Best Editing: NIGHT FISHING
South Korea, d. Moon Byoung-gon

Best Editing: NIGHT FISHING - Directed by Moon Young Gon - A fantastic, original sci-fi thriller about a mysterious electrical event at a vehicle charging station, NIGHT FISHING’S multiple filming techniques and engaging pacing won the jury over for this category.

Best Score: BLITZMUSIK
Canada, d. Martin Amiot

Best Score: BLITZMUSIK - Directed by Martin Amoit. We loved this wartime short that features two enemies separated by one wall and two musical instruments. The musicianship between the two actors was exceptional and proof that the power of music can bring two opposing forces together.

Outstanding Performance Award: Ana Burgos
EMPTY JARS, Chile, d. Guillermo Ribbeck

This actor captured our attention early in jury debate as they embody a childlike curiosity, tackling an absurd yet grounded romance with delicate intimacy. This nuanced, haunting and hilarious performance is nothing short of outstanding. The award for outstanding performance goes to an effortless shape-shifter we can’t keep our eyes off of: ANA BURGOS in EMPTY JARS.

Outstanding Performance Award: Amed Bozan, Jenny Gustavsson, Torkel Petersson
HEADACHE, Sweden, d. Björn Schagerström

The jury’s longest deliberation ended in, essentially, a tie. We agreed on the film we wanted to honor, and we actually agreed that we could not decide on just one of the lead actors as any better than the others. They are all exceptional and somehow manage to steal each scene they are in, even when they are in scenes together. The interplay between actors is dynamic and revelatory, and an effective conduit to invite viewers into the absurd nature of their circumstances, while we thank the gods that we are not subject to their masters. We award OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE to the ensemble of AMED BOZAN, JENNY GUSTAVSSON, and TORKEL PETERSSON of HEADACHE.

Special Jury Mention: THE STREETLIGHT
USA, d. Sophia Barella

The honourable mention goes to what can only be described as an absurdist fantasy buddy comedy between a sentient street light and a man who decides to help it fulfill its dream of leaving the small street corner where it has been standing its entire life. This sweet fantastical little story features the perfect combination of surreal fiction and poignant, compelling emotion. This film about a man and his friend the street light is none other than THE STREETLIGHT by director Sophia Parella.

Satoshi Kon Award for Achievement in Animation

The jury was composed of President Johane Matte (Story Designer, Dreamworks Animation), Jonathan Alvarez (Senior Coordinator, Theatrical Distribution and Acquisition) and Elizabeth E. Schuch (Creative Director).

AWARDS:

Best Feature Film: MONONOKE THE MOVIE: THE PHANTOM IN THE RAIN
Japan, d. Kenji Nakamura

Our selection for Best Feature, MONONOKE THE MOVIE: THE PHANTOM IN THE RAIN, pushes forward the medium of 2D animation toward new potentials, opening the doors wider for further evolution of the art form. It’s a fantastical, mesmerizing production: a feast of colours, each frame is crafted with extreme attention to detail, with all of the visual elements feeding into a complex and captivating story. This is a film that really must be seen on the big screen to be properly appreciated.

Special Jury Mention: THE MISSING
Philippines, d. Carl Joseph Papa

For the Special Jury Mention, all of us were very touched by the film THE MISSING. Using a range of animation styles to eloquently convey the emotional aspects of the story, the film thoughtfully illustrates its very heavy, serious theme. The film taps into the sensation of voicelessness and loss of personhood that comes with traumatic experiences while retaining a sense of hope for survival and healing. This sensitive, poetic treatment of the effects of trauma makes THE MISSING a haunting gem, and it absolutely deserves to be seen by wider audiences.

Best Short Film - Gold: WILD ANIMAL
USA, d. Tianyun Lyu

Enfolding us in a captivating snow-swept landscape, WILD ANIMAL lures us in with its delicate touch - into a world that is dreamlike and innocent, but at turns brutal. The story unfolds through the empathetic eyes of a young child being taught to hunt the wolves that are attacking the livestock of his village: two different species of hunters trying to survive in the same cruel world. It’s a silent, well-told tale with a charming illustrative style. WILD ANIMAL is a student film that showcases a fantastic emerging voice in the genre.

Best Short Film - Silver: ITCH
Canada, d. Maggie Zeng

ITCH takes us on an experimental journey, communicated with its beautifully drawn interpretations of physical and psychological sensations. Tackling body horror with a clear style and a delicious palette, we experience the idea of a growing, irresistible and all-consuming itch, the audience is immersed in the compulsion and anxiety it brings. It’s a film that lingers in the mind.

Best Short Film - Bronze: TRUMPET VOICE
Chile, d. David Monarte Serna and Pilar Smoje Gueico

Featuring the most magical soundtrack of all of the entries, TRUMPET VOICE evokes the joy and heartache of artistic expression. A nostalgic tale that uses a mix of different animation mediums and artistic directions to guide us through the memories of a musician’s life. Hitting a lovely range of emotional notes, it’s a delightfully told story, with music bursting exuberant from its heart.

All of this year’s animation feature film entries displayed great artistry, unique vision and imaginative storytelling. Showing a great range of diversity in style, tone, and approach, we were transported from the heights of otherworldly planes, to the depths of hell, and deep into the sensitive dark places of the human soul.
Animation is an incredible medium, allowing filmmakers to tell any story they can imagine, and the two feature selections truly show its limitless range.

DGC Competition

The jury was chaired by Philip Kalin-Hajdu (producer and screenwriter), Trevor Anderson (screenwriter and director), Francesco Giannini, Caroline Labréche, Serena Whitney

AWARDS + WINNERS AND PRESS STATEMENTS

Best Feature Film Director: DARKEST MIRIAM is an exciting choice to be included at Fantasia. At first glance, it appears as a quiet drama exploring loneliness, desire, confidence and love. Bubbling underneath the surface is a genre film that grips from beginning to end, anchored by Britt Lower’s complex performance as Miriam. Naomi Jaye’s adept direction ensures that there is nothing quiet about the film, or Miriam. The demons lurk in Miriam's insides as she navigates a mystery, the ghost of her father, an uncertain romance and the dusty, musty hallways of a library that - no matter how brightly lit - has seen its fair share of tragedy.

Special Jury Mention: THE G, receiving the honourable mention, is a powerful film that doubles as a statement on how society deals with the elderly, especially when there is money to be made. Director Karl R. Hearne knows exactly what he has with Dale Dickey, and makes the most of her incredible talent. The G takes the audience on a ride that has unexpected turns, structured as a thriller that never strays from its core themes. It is an emotional, dark, restrained and accomplished film.

AQCC Competition

The jury was made up of Alexandre Fontaine Rousseau (critic, comic strip writer and translator), Guillaume Potvin (critic, programmer and teacher) and Prune Paycha (photographer and critic).

AWARDS:

Best Film: Me and My Victim

Through an ultra-contemporary aesthetic, inspired by memes and Instagram lives, Maurane and Billy Pedlow's first film manages to intelligently deal with complex issues such as consent and the power issues that arise in human relationships. By agreeing to re-enact their meeting through a narration that is as playful as it is ruthless, ME AND MY VICTIM offers a fragmented, lively and disturbing story of an intimacy made up of gropings, failures, sometimes tenderness, and above all lucid and necessary confrontations. For its audacity and for the place it leaves for spectators within its brilliant system, the AQCC jury is pleased to award its prize to ME AND MY VICTIM directed by Maurane and Billy Pedlow.

Special Jury Mention: VULCANIZADORA
USA, d. Joel Potrykus

The AQCC jury also wanted to give special mention to the most recent film by an independent filmmaker whose voice and vision have been refined over time. The new film from Fantasia regular Joel Potrykus is the logical sequel to Buzzard, The Alchemist Cookbook and Relaxer. But it is also his most accomplished work to date. It is a pessimistic film, bordering on nihilism, which remains animated by great compassion for the fate of its characters – a humanist story, in the most difficult conditions possible. For the rigor of its production, commensurate with the uncompromising quest for the absolute that it depicts, the AQCC jury is pleased to offer its special mention to VULCANIZADORA by Joel Potrykus.

Prix Poulain Noir (My First Fantasia)

The jury was composed of Luca Jalbert, Livia Gilbert and Vincent Feller.

Best Film - Bronze: THE GIRL WITH THE OCCUPIED EYES (d. Andre Carrilho, Portugal)

Best Film - Silver: TWO ONE TWO (d. Shira Avni, Canada)

Best Film - Gold: EYES (d. Yoojae Choi and Hyokyoung Nam, South Korea)

The 28th edition of the Fantasia International Film Festival was presented by Québecor in collaboration with Concordia University, and made possible by the financial contributions of Telefilm Canada, la Société́ de développement des entreprises culturelles (SODEC), le gouvernement du Québec, the city of Montréal, le Conseil des arts de Montréal, Tourisme Montréal, and the Directors Guild of Canada (DGC).

The festival would like to thank all its private partners, friends of the event, as well as official suppliers, venues, and all participating filmmakers, sales agents, and distributors for their invaluable support.