Melbourne, Australia – The Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF) recently announced the winners of its prestigious 2024 MIFF Awards, distributing over $250,000 AUD among diverse and innovative talents in the film industry. The festival, known for its dynamic selection and large audience base, culminates its vibrant season by celebrating films that stood out in various categories, including the renowned Bright Horizons Award.
The Bright Horizons Award, backed by VicScreen with a prize of $140,000 AUD, is one of the most lucrative film awards worldwide, designated for emerging filmmakers demonstrating exceptional potential. This year, the award went to “Universal Language,” a film directed by Matthew Rankin, which captivated the jury with its inventive storytelling and cinematic boldness.
During the festival, MIFF’s Artistic Director, Al Cossar, expressed his excitement over the enthusiastic reception of the festival’s lineup, which featured over 280 films. “The magical connection that forms between the films and the audience at MIFF truly shone this year, making the festival a remarkable experience for all involved,” Cossar stated.
Adding to the array of accolades, the Blackmagic Design Australian Innovation Award, accompanied by a $70,000 AUD prize, recognized Jaydon Martin for his exceptional direction in “Flathead.” This award highlights outstanding achievement in Australian filmmaking, providing a platform for innovative directors to shine at the festival.
The international jury, this year headed by acclaimed Australian filmmaker Ivan Sen, faced tough decisions due to the quality of the contending films. “Selecting the winners was both exhilarating and challenging, given the incredible array of talent showcased at this year’s festival,” said Sen. Alongside Sen, the jury included luminaries such as David Lowery, Deborah L. Scott, pioneer Indonesian filmmaker Yulia Evina Bhara, and popular actress Jillian Nguyen.
Another significant award, the Uncle Jack Charles Award, named after the celebrated actor and activist, was granted to April Phillips for her ground-breaking XR work, “kajoo yannaga (come on let’s walk together).” The award celebrates outstanding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander creatives and includes a $20,000 AUD cash prize alongside financial services valued at $25,000 AUD provided by Kearney Group.
The MIFF Audience Award resulted in a tie this year between “Voice,” co-directed by Krunal Padhiar and Semara Jose, and “Left Write Hook” by Shannon Owen. This category allows festival attendees to vote for their favorite film, adding an interactive layer to the festival experience.
For younger talents, the MIFF Schools Youth Jury Award, presented by Collarts, acknowledge the best film from the MIFF Schools program. The 2024 honor was awarded to Maria Zanetti’s “Alemania,” a touching coming-of-age film that resonated well with the student jury members for its authenticity and engaging narrative.
As the festival drew closer to its grand finale, the last day promised a mix of encore screenings and masterclasses. Audience members were offered one final chance to view standout films, including “Universal Language,” and to engage with filmmakers who are shaping the present and future of cinema.
With its innovative approach to celebrating and nurturing filmmaking talents, MIFF continues to be a pivotal event in the global film industry, securing its place as a leader in showcasing cinematic excellence and diversity.