Los Angeles, CA — The 2024 edition of AFI FEST, proudly sponsored by Canva, concluded recently after five days filled with international cinema and high-profile premieres. The festival showcased an array of talent and creations from around the world, including standout screenings like “Here,” “Juror #2,” and “Music by John Williams,” as well as the animated feature “Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl.”
This year’s event also highlighted several films earmarked for international recognition, featuring nine films submitted for the Best International Feature category at the upcoming Academy Awards®. Noteworthy films such as “The Fire Inside,” “Nickel Boys,” “Nightbitch,” “The Order,” “The Summer Book,” “Unstoppable,” and “Zurawski v Texas” were part of the festival’s vast and diverse portfolio.
The star-studded guest list included notable figures like Amy Adams, Glenn Close, Ryan Coogler, and Tom Hanks, alongside directors and industry insiders like Steven Spielberg and Ron Howard. The festival not only offered a platform for viewing premieres but also hosted engaging Q&As, allowing attendees a deeper interaction with creatives behind the films.
In the awards segment, the Grand Jury awarded the Live Action Short prize to “Two People Exchanging Saliva” (Deux Personnes Échangeant de la Salive) by Natalie Musteata and Alexandre Singh, noted for its insightful portrayal of desire and queerness within a capitalist framework. The Best Documentary Short award went to “Land of Lost Toys” by Nicholas Stachurski, shedding light on the resilience and humanity of Detroit’s marginalized populations. “Humantis” by Paris Baillie won top honors in the Animated Short category, celebrated for its vibrant imagination and poignant storytelling through stop motion.
Special Jury Mentions included “A Short Film About Kids” by Ibrahim Handal for its fresh perspective on youthful ingenuity, and “You’re Too Sensitive” by Dan Chen, which reimagines home movies to explore complex family dynamics. The craft of animation was lauded in “Silent Panorama” by Nicolas Piret, recognized for its meticulous visual storytelling.
Supporting the festival, premium brands such as Apple Original Films, AMC Networks, Amazon MGM Studios, and Netflix played a crucial role as corporate partners. FIJI Water held the title of the Official Water Sponsor, ensuring attendees were well-hydrated throughout the movie-going experience.
AFI FEST continues to be a beacon for global cinema and a celebration of cinematic arts, sustained by its community of supporters and partners. Esteemed media partnerships with outlets such as The Los Angeles Times, Variety, and others have solidified the festival’s status as a premier cinematic event.
For more information about future events or to support the American Film Institute, cinema enthusiasts are encouraged to reach out through the festival’s dedicated platforms.
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