Finn Fantastic Short Film Award
The Finn Fantastic is awarded to the best Swedish fantastic short film.
This years winner:
Title: Siri Wonder
Director: Andreas Sven Granér
The Jury's Motivation:
"The award goes to a short that does not try to be a good film, it just simply is. Where the themes of existential anxiety and personal freedom are sprinkled with millennial nostalgia, great soundtrack and voice acting and an immense sense of humour. The collection of these bring a sense of emotional recognition without being predictable. You can work your way through trauma, break your chains and go for your dreams: sing karaoke and go further than you've ever been from home - all the way to Copenhagen, the 'cykelparadis'! The Finn Fantastic award goes to Siri Wonder by Andreas Sven Granér."
Special Mention: Devil's Parasite
"This film's visual and musical language creates a truly unique atmosphere. We are thrown into a world that is both nightmarish and human. Following our main character, we and she simultaneously try to make sense of the eerie community we have been stranded in. We find an artistic confidence in both idea and execution - a strong vision coming to life through a mix of digital animation, live action footage and miniature sets. The special mentions goes to Devil's Parasite by Lisa Rydberg and Lars Henrik Anderson."
Future of Fantastic Short Film Award
The Future of Fantastic Award is given to the best short film made as a school project.
This years winner:
Title: Q
Director: Masataka Kihara
Country: Japan
The Jury's Motivation:
"This film touched us deeply with its warmth and tenderness. It's full of emotion, without being sentimental. The pace and the careful use of sound shows the filmmaker's confidence in telling a seemingly simple yet complex story. The film's original visual style, effervescent tactility and atmosphere made us fall instantly in love. The Future of Fantastic award goes to Q by Masataka Kihara."
Special Mention: Bockstensmannen
"We would like to give a special mention to a film that stood out with its humour, playfulness, curiosity and experimentation with form and genre. With this prize we would like to express our encouragement for you to keep doing what you are doing, play on. We cheer for you. The Future of Fantastic Special mention goes to Bockstensmannen by David Digman."
Méliès d'Argent Short Film
The Méliès d'Argent is awarded the best European fantastic short film, in cooperation with Méliès International Festivals Federation. The winner goes on to compete for the Méliès d'Or.
This years winner:
Title: Terror Night
Director: Jakob Arevärn
Country: Sweden
The Jury's Motivation:
"With an airtight plot, amazing acting, great depictions of contrasts, the film serves exceptional jumpscares and excellent dramaturgy. Above all it is very funny. A female main character doing men's things exposing her long manicured nails when tinkering her vehicle is a fresh take in film. The film brings us to the universe of the Northern Swedish countryside, and depicts teenage attitude with great precision - pimping rides, epadunken music, and a killer beatbox - what else do you need? The Melies d'Argent award goes to Terror Night by Jakob Arevärn."
Special Mention: Terminus
"This film is a great example of how to use the short film format with constraints. One location. This film is pinpointing men in the "soon-to-be-retired-age" and their relation to their cars and driving. An expression of existential questioning. You´re not dead. Yet. Is this all there is? Was that all? We found this impressively simple but engaging film made on a low budget to be both exciting and funny in small letters. Therefore the Melies d'Argent special mention goes to Terminus by Ashley Butcher."
Méliès d'Argent Feature Film
The Méliès d'Argent is awarded the best European fantastic feature film, in cooperation with Méliès International Festivals Federation. The winner goes on to compete for the Méliès d'Or.
This years winner:
Title: Tummy Monster
Director: Ciaran Lyons
Country: UK
The Jury's Motivation:
"Turning an unexpected wave of empathy for Justin Bieber into an intimate, horrific chamber piece showcases remarkable craftsmanship and a sharp sense of dark humor. The actors' raw presence heightens the existential tension and draws us effortlessly into an intriguing, wonderfully strange underworld conjured between them. The film is a layered exploration of the horror that arises from within, rendered in a clever style that doubles as social satire. It playfully portrays how facing our shadow self can be far harder than rubbing your tummy."
Special Mention: Dog of God
"This unusual movie grabs hold of the viewer in the first scene and never lets go. It transports us to a nightmarish but strangely beautiful 17th century world, where magic and witches are real and where anything is possible. With unflinching depictions of cruelty, filth, corruption and oppression, it tells a brutal and mesmerizing story. The Heavy Metal-inspired animation is extraordinary, and its use of light, colors, music and sound effect is masterful. Not for the faint of heart, this is a mysterious and fascinating animated movie."
Audience Award Short Film
This years winner:
Title: Fireflies in the Dusk
Director: Jonathan Hammond
Country: USA
Audience Award Feature Film
This years winner:
Title: Lesbian Space Princess
Director: Leela Varghese & Emma Hough Hobbs
Country: Australia
Special Mention: Bockstensmannen
