Melbourne, Australia — The Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF) concluded its annual celebration of film and filmmakers with the announcement of this year’s award winners on Saturday. The festival, known for its diverse and robust lineup, distributed over $250,000 across various categories, highlighting both local and international cinematic talents.
Among the top honorees was “Universal Language,” directed by Canadian filmmaker Matthew Rankin, which clinched the festival’s grand prize, the Bright Horizons Award, accompanied by $140,000. Shot entirely in Farsi and inspired by Iranian cinema, “Universal Language” was lauded for its unique ability to transcend cultural boundaries through cinematic innovation. The accolade celebrates films that promise new perspectives in the world of cinema.
The Bright Horizons Special Jury Award was presented to the Latvian animated fantasy “Flow,” directed by Gints Zilbalodis. Earlier this year, the film had been recognized at Cannes under the Un Certain Regard category. Zilbalodis’ work, known for its singular vision and execution, was particularly noted for its enchanting narrative and visual allure.
In the category celebrating Australian innovation, Jaydon Martin received the Blackmagic Design Australian Innovation Award, along with a $70,000 prize, for his film “Flathead.” Shot in black and white, this low-budget film set in small-town Bundaberg offers a moving examination of human endurance and mortality, earning accolades for both its poignant storytelling and visual impact.
Adding to the list of noteworthy awards, the Uncle Jack Charles Award, which recognizes Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander creatives, was awarded to “kajoo yannaga (come on let’s walk together),” an extended reality work crafted by lead artist April Phillips. Esteemed for its innovative use of animation and immersive sound design, the piece captivates audiences with its vibrant and futuristic approach.
This year’s jury included a panel of distinguished industry figures such as Australian auteur Ivan Sen, U.S. writer-director David Lowery, Oscar-winner Deborah L. Scott, pioneering Indonesian filmmaker Yulia Evina Bhara, and Australian actor Jillian Nguyen. Their collective expertise contributed to a comprehensive evaluation of the cinematic works featured at the festival.
Audience engagement was notably high this year, with two Australian documentaries sharing the Audience Award. “Voice,” co-directed by Krunal Padhiar and Semara Jose, chronicles the Indigenous youth campaign for the Voice Referendum, while “Left Write Hook” by Shannon Owen tells a compelling tale of recovery and resilience.
MIFF also celebrates young filmmakers with the MIFF Schools Jury Award, which this year went to “Alemania” by Maria Zanetti. This Spanish-Argentinian coming-of-age drama was chosen by a youth jury, part of the festival’s educational outreach initiative.
The festival not only showcased exceptional films but also created a platform for emerging and established filmmakers to discuss and celebrate cinematic art. As MIFF closes its doors for another year, the awarded films and their creators continue to resonate with audiences worldwide, promoting a deeper appreciation of the art form and its capacity to explore complex, often untold, human stories.