Melbourne, Australia – The Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF) has revealed its winners for the 2025 MIFF Awards, with over $300,000 in prizes awarded. The prestigious Bright Horizons Award, valued at $140,000 and backed by VicScreen, was given to the film A Poet, directed by Simón Mesa Soto.
In recognizing A Poet, the jury described it as a "tragicomic satire" that artfully captures themes of hope and despair. The film follows Óscar, a former poet who becomes an unintended mentor, grappling with his ambitions and potential self-destruction. The jury praised its innovative use of 16 mm cinematography, spontaneous performances from a largely novice cast, and a minimalist yet jazzy score. They noted that Soto’s film stands out as an important contribution to modern Latin American cinema.
James J. Robinson received the Blackmagic Design Best Australian Director Award for his work on First Light, which came with a cash prize of $50,000 and a high-value URSA Cine 12K camera, enhancing his filmmaking toolkit significantly.
The Uncle Jack Charles Award, supported by Kearney Group, recognized Yarrenyty Arltere Artists for their exceptional art direction in the short film The Fix-It-Man and the Fix-It-Wooman. The award included $20,000 along with financial service consultations valued at $25,000, supporting the artistic community.
The Intrepid Audience Award went to Careless, directed by Sue Thomson. This audience-driven recognition highlights the film’s resonance with viewers, showcasing a collective appreciation for the work.
In the MIFF Schools Youth Jury Award category, Greetings From Mars, directed by Sarah Winkenstette, clinched a $10,000 prize, highlighting youthful perspectives in filmmaking.
The MIFF Shorts Awards took place on August 15 at ACMI, distributing a total prize pool of $50,000. Furthermore, MIFF Online will continue its screenings until August 31, providing an extended platform for film enthusiasts.
This year’s MIFF brought together a wide array of films and filmmakers, reinforcing its reputation as a premier festival championing both local and international cinema.
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