On November 27th we announced the winners of LFF 2021.
THE JURY COMPOSED OF:
Katarzyna Borowiecka , Janis Abele, Denis Viren
Awarded following films:
FOCUS: CHILDREN
Mum is Pouring Rain, dir. Hugo de Faucompret (France) 2021
For a story about an important subject told with great sensitivity, for a little protagonist who has her own opinions but also learns how to listen to others, and for a visually beautiful and bracing adventure in the spirit of master Hayao Miyazaki.
FOCUS: ANIMATION
Life’s a Bitch, dir. Varya Yakovleva (Russian Federation) 2021
For cruel honesty, empathy and an aesthetically flawless approach to the tabooed problem of excluded people.
Special Mention: Arka, reż. Natko Stipanicev (Croatiaa) 2020
For a wonderfully executed visually, humorous and surprising story of an end that perhaps might be a beginning.
FOCUS: DOCUMENTARY
Bab Sebta, reż. Randa Maroufi (Morocco) 2019
For achieving documentary objectivity in an original way and telling the story in an unforgettable and mesmerizing way on a sensitive subject.
Special Mention: Just a Guy, reż. Shoko Hara (Niemcy) 2020
For the frankness of the shocking history and the creative use of animation to create a documentary.
FOCUS: EXPERIMENT
Microcassette: The Smallest Cassette I’ve Ever Seen, dir. Igor Bezinovic, Ivana Pipal (Croatia) 2020
For a brilliant combination of techniques and absurd humor in a story about loneliness and hope.
FOCUS: IDEA
The Best Orchestra in the World, dir. Henning Backhaus (Austria) 2020
For an unforgettable metaphor for being different and not being accepted in the world of systems and stereotypes.
Special Mention: The Flies, dir. Edgardo Pistone (Italy) 2020
For bringing the spirit of Fellini in the 21st century in a fresh way and capturing the characters with tenderness and stunning cinematography.
FOCUS: EMOTIONS
Parenthèse, dir. Denis Larzillière (France) 2019
For the sparkling with humor and emotion, a touching story of the meeting of two people who found each other in the right place at the right, yet difficult, time. For sensitivity and baldness of showing the first shock of mourning.
FOCUS: THEME
Da Yie, dir. Anthony Nti (Ghana) 2019
For taking up a socially important topic in an artistically and realistically fulfilling form. For a story filled with emotions and, eventually – a pinch of faith in human beings. For stunning roles of young actors.
Special Mention: We Are Not Dead Yet, dir. Joanne Rakotoarisoa (France) 2020
For making a genuine film full of love for the characters who are played by great young actors, a film about just another night in the life of a few young adults which becomes unforgettable for them and more than life experience for the audience.
FOCUS: FEATURE FILMS
GRAND PRIX
Financial award in the amount of 4000 PLN
Dear Ones, dir. Grzegorz Jaroszuk (Poland, Czech Republic) 2020
For the courage to speak with your own voice and the ability to talk about painful family matters cleverly and with a sense of humor.
SHORT FILM COMPETITIONS GRAND PRIX
Financial award in the amount of 4000 PLN
Juillet 96, dir. Michele Jacob (Belgium) 2020
For masterful directing and visual storytelling in all the levels of filmmaking to produce a subtle and deeply human story about the last summer of childhood. For a short film which becomes a jewel of cinema.
In addition, the organizers awarded
THE KRZYSZTOF SZOT AWARD
Greetings from Nigeria, dir. Peter Hoferica (Slovakia) 2020
For courage and consistency in using humor and absurdity to talk about family relationships.
And organisers special mention:
Mustachio, dir. Victoria Warmerdam (Netherlands) 2021
Victoria Warmerdam already proved during the previous edition of LFF that she is able to touch on important issues with an unprecedented lightness and a large dose of absurdity without diminishing their importance. This film confirmed it and we are convinced that she is a very unconventional author with her own unique style.
AUDIENCE AWARD
My Wonderful Life, dir. Łukasz Grzegorzek (Poland) 2021
Congratulations to the winners! Thank you to everyone who contributed to LFF 2021!