33rd Independent Film Festival: Second Quarter Concludes with a Display of Exceptional Talent
The second quarter of the 33rd Independent Film Festival has successfully concluded, showcasing a remarkable array of talent from around the globe. This quarter saw over 100 films from 18 countries vying for recognition, including submissions from directors and filmmakers who have been honored at Oscar-qualifying festivals, Canadian Screen Award-certified festivals, and even the prestigious Golden Horse Awards. The competition was fierce, with many seasoned filmmakers showcasing their exceptional work.
Awards and Recognitions
- Best Short Film: Hammer, Wrench & Screwdriver
Director: Gabriel Vilandré - Best Short Film——Special Mention Award: The Taste of Pork Belly
Director: Sophie SHUI - Best Animation: THE FOREST OF THE HONEY BEES
Director: ERWAN LE GAL - Best Directing: Hammer, Wrench & Screwdriver
Director: Gabriel Vilandré - Best Directing——Special Mention Award: The Taste of Pork Belly
Director: Sophie SHUI - Best Actress: The Taste of Pork Belly
Actress: Esther Huang - Best Screenplay: Hammer, Wrench & Screwdriver
Director: Gabriel Vilandré - Best Screenplay——Special Mention Award: The Taste of Pork Belly
Director: Sophie SHUI - Best Cinematography: The Taste of Pork Belly
Director: Sophie SHUI - Special Mention Award: Son, Can't You See I'm Burning?
Directors: Ariel Mahler and Daniel Miramontes - Best Film Editing: THE FOREST OF THE HONEY BEES
Director: ERWAN LE GAL
Commitment to Excellence
As you can see, this time around, we did not award prizes for Best Documentary, Best Sound, or Best Original Score. The reason is simple: we did not find submissions in these categories that met our high standards. Rather than lowering our criteria or being dishonest, we choose to be transparent. We do not want to be a film festival that awards prizes just because someone pays an entry fee. We want every participant to proudly say, "Look, I was selected for the 33rd Independent Film Festival," without any doubts about the credibility of the selection. We do not make money from this festival; the cash prizes are funded by the festival's founders out of their own pockets. Our strict standards exist for one reason only: when it comes time for the annual screening, we want every audience member to be blown away and say, "Wow, short films can be this good!"
Acknowledgments
The 33rd Independent Film Festival would not be able to maintain such high standards without the support of our sponsors. We sincerely thank MOMA and Viltrox for their generous contributions. Their support has allowed us to provide a better platform and more opportunities for our participants. It is because of sponsors like them that the 33rd Independent Film Festival can continue to foster the development of independent cinema and offer a stage for talented filmmakers from around the world to showcase their work. Thank you!
