The quirky Canadian comedy “Universal Language” won the Bright Horizons Award on Saturday at the Melbourne International Film Festival.
Other major awards went to Latvian director Gints Zebaludis' animated environmental fantasy “Flow” and to Jaydon Martin, creator of the fantasy documentary “Flathead.”
“It has been incredibly exciting to see the enthusiasm and unabashed cinematic creativity with which Melbourne audiences have embraced this year’s Melbourne International Film Festival programme – across 280 films, we have seen audiences celebrate with us the incredible new Australian filmmaking industry, discover the year’s cinematic highlights, explore unseen corners of film history and meet over 130 guests and artists,” said Al Kosar, Artistic Director of the Melbourne International Film Festival.
Set in Winnipeg, where the beige tones echo the color schemes of Iran, the film creates a new story inspired by the story lines of many classic Iranian films. Directed by Matthew Rankin, the film premiered in the Directors' Fortnight section of Cannes this year.
“One film has represented all aspects of the Bright Horizons Award; a film whose cultural specificity transcends borders; a film whose cinematic playfulness is matched by its sensitivity; and a film that is in dialogue with cinema past, present and future. That is why the Bright Horizons Award goes to Matthew Rankin’s Universal Language,” the jury said in a statement.
The Special Jury Prize went to Latvian director Gints Zebaludis’s animated eco-fantasy “Flow.” The jury said it wanted to “recognize a film that not only had a profound impact on us as jury members, but that with its tenderness, compassion and universality will leave a mark on cinema and the world at large.” The film premiered in the Un Certain Regard section at Cannes.
“Flathead,” which premiered in competition in Rotterdam earlier this year, is a black-and-white portrait of an Australian working-class community dealing with the loss of masculinity and faith.
The festival was held in cinemas from August 8 to 25.
Mumbai International Film Festival 2024 Winners
VicScreen Bright Horizons Award
“Universal Language” directed by Matthew Rankin
Bright Horizons Special Jury Award
“Flow” dir. by Gints Zelbalodis
Blackmagic Design Australian Innovation Award
Jaydon Martin, to direct “Flathead”
Uncle Jack Charles Award in association with Kearney Group
April Phillips, “Kajo Yanaga” (aka Come Walk Together) – Director and Lead Artist
Brave Audience Award (Joint Winners)
“The Voice” Co-Directors: Krunal Padiyar and Simara Jose
“Left Write Hook” Directed by Shannon Owen
MIFF International Film Festival School Youth Jury Award, presented by Collarts
“Germany” dir. Maria Zannet.
