Melbourne, Australia – The Melbourne Queer Film Festival (MQFF), a landmark event celebrated for spotlighting LGBTQIA+ cinema, has announced the winners of its 2024 Awards. Recognized for providing a platform to both seasoned and rising filmmakers, this year’s festival placed a significant emphasis on up-and-coming Australian talents, showcasing their unique narratives and innovative filmmaking skills.
A standout during the event, “Hold Still,” written and directed by Emily Dynes, captured the City of Melbourne Award for Best Australian Short Film, accompanied by a $5,000 prize. This poignant film delves into the nuances of memory and intimacy, earning Dynes further recognition by paving her way to compete for the prestigious Iris Prize.
In another win for Australian filmmakers, Le Luo clinched the VicScreen Award for Best Director of an Australian Short Film with a prize of $2,500 for “Outpicker.” Luo’s film eloquently explores the experiences of Jing, a queer Chinese immigrant, as she forges connections and builds community through litter-picking.
The Shaun Miller Award for Best Australian Documentary Short was bestowed upon “Dance with Pride – A Journey of Identity Through Movement,” directed by Javier Cataño-Gonzalez. This powerful documentary highlights the struggles and triumphs of LGBTQIA+ dancers using their art form as a medium for expression and visibility.
Adding a lighter note to the awards, the MQFF Audience Choice Award and Judges’ Special Mention were jointly awarded to the comedic short “Die Bully Die.” Directed by siblings Nathan and Nick Lacey, the film humorously narrates a queer adult’s encounter with a high school bully, blending comedy with poignant social commentary.
The festival also honored exceptional feature-length films. “This is Ballroom,” directed by Brazilian duo Juru and Vitã, won the MQFF Award for Best First Feature Documentary, presenting an insightful look into the voguing culture in Rio. Simultaneously, “National Anthem” won the MQFF Award for Best First Feature Narrative, telling the story of Dylan, a young man from New Mexico exploring life’s possibilities beyond his rural confines.
On the international front, the short film “A Bird Called Memory,” directed by Leonardo Martinelli, received the MQFF Award for Best International Short, illustrating the festival’s global reach and influence.
MQFF’s commitment to championing diversity and inclusion was echoed by CEO David Martin Harris, who expressed pride in the platform the festival provides to Australian LGBTQIA+ filmmakers. City of Melbourne Lord Mayor Nick Reece and VicScreen CEO Caroline Pitcher also praised the festival’s role in enriching and strengthening the community through diverse cinematic narratives.
Now in its 34th year, the Melbourne Queer Film Festival has become an emblematic part of Melbourne’s cultural scene, continuing to draw attention to the rich and dynamic aspect of queer cultures through cinema across the globe. Supported by several governmental partners including the City of Melbourne and VicScreen, MQFF is dedicated to enriching the international queer film landscape, ensuring that varied and vibrant stories reach a global audience.
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