2022 JURY AWARD WINNERS

BEST NARRATIVE FEATURE: 
FINLANDIA

JURY STATEMENT: For its sincere and rich depiction of the Muxe third gender community in Oaxaca, Mexico, centering on their day-to-day lives as individuals, while showcasing their work as weavers and textile creators integral to the Zapotec heritage, while also critiquing capitalism and the exploitation of indigenous culture by fashion global industries, the jury award for Best Narrative Feature goes to FINLANDIA, directed by Horacio Alcalá.

Honorable Mention:  Besties (Les meilleures)

Jury statement: For her debut film, a nuanced and non-sensationalized depiction of an 18-year-old girl tackling class, immigration and homophobia while stuck between the values of her hood and her own desire for her first love, we give an Honorable Mention to BESTIES, directed by Marion Desseigne Ravel

BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE: 
UÝRA: THE RISING FOREST (Uýra - A Retomada da Floresta)

JURY STATEMENT: With an enchanting way of visualizing a multitude of stories essential in the fight against global warming, the destruction of our rain forests, and the fight to keep indigenous identity, this film shows us how, in a time where humanity focuses on faster development, the most effective can be to take a few steps back and seek different approaches to variety of issues.
The queer viewpoint gives us alternative ways to read the world. By retreating into the rainforest and look at their stories through political and eco-drag / performance, the viewer receives a diversity of perspectives in complex and urgent issues of today. This film is in its entirety a remarkable, unique and close to magical experience.
The jury award for Best Documentary goes to Uýra: The Rising Forest, directed by Juliana Curi

Honorable Mention: Nelly & Nadine

Jury statement: With somber storytelling and precise use of diary entries, private film footage, and unique archival material, a string of new and surprising layers are peeled back and reveal the story of two women who find their great love in a concentration camp. They survive, and continue their hidden love affair until the end. Their story disappears, but re-emerges by pure chance in our time. An important film that will have great impact on the audience. An honorable mention goes to NELLY & NADINE, directed by Magnus Gerttens

BEST SHORT FILM:
A WILD PATIENCE HAS TAKEN ME HERE (Uma paciência selvagem me trouxe até aqui)

JURY STATEMENT: Barbara Hammer is alive and well, and she’s living in Brazil. Equal parts poem, documentary, history lesson, polyamorous meet-cute, and lesbian orgy, this short film knows its history and looks to the future – a future to which we’re all invited. A middle-aged biker dyke meets four free-spirited young women who re-awaken her to the possibilities of the present day. In both content and form, this film celebrates freedom. The jury award for best short film goes to A Wild Patience Has Taken Me Here by Érica Sarmet

Honorable Mention: WARSHA

Jury statement: This beautifully shot drama stands out as a daring piece of cinematic poetry. A Syrian immigrant in Beirut accepts a dangerous job as a crane operator high above the city, to find a space where he can be his true self. Trapped in a masculine world, this quiet introvert risks his life on a daily basis in order to feel free. An honorable mention goes to WARSHA, directed by Dania Bdeir

BEST YOUTH FILM: 
CLOSE

JURY STATEMENT: This film highlights the mental health crisis that youths live with in these times, told through a story of deep connections and love. The Youth Jury Award goes to CLOSE, directed by Lukas Dhont.

Honorable Mention: Besties (Les meilleures)

Jury statement: For the relatable representation of young queer minorities through a story of forbidden love and the need of belonging, we give an honorable mention to BESTIES, directed by Marion Desseigne Ravel

THANK YOU TO ALL THE JURORS AND CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL!

...NEXT UP: THE BLIKK AUDIENCE AWARD