Melbourne, Australia — The Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF) has revealed the jury for this year’s Bright Horizons Award, which boasts a stellar lineup of global cinema talent including Jury President filmmaker Ivan Sen. In addition, MIFF has announced the contenders for the newly established Uncle Jack Charles Award, honoring the legacy of the renowned First Nations actor and activist.
The 2024 edition of the Bright Horizons Award, valued at $140,000, continues to support and shine a spotlight on emerging filmmakers undertaking their first or second major project. Among the diverse range of nominees vying for the top prize are Charles Williams with his Victorian-shot drama “Inside” and India Donaldson with her debut, “Good One.” Other notable entries include Luna Carmoon’s “Hoard” from the UK, Annie Baker’s US-based “Janet Planet,” and “The Village Next to Paradise,” a poignant Somali drama from director Mo Harawe.
The jury comprises an impressive roster of international film industry professionals including American writer/director David Lowery, Academy Award-winning costume designer Deborah Scott, Australian actress Jillian Nguyen, and Indonesian producer Yulia Evina Bhara. This panel will convene in Melbourne, providing a rare opportunity for intensive collaboration before announcing the winners on stage at the MIFF Awards ceremony scheduled for August 24 at Rydges Melbourne.
This year’s festival will also mark the inaugural presentation of the Uncle Jack Charles Award, which replaces the former First Nations Film Creative Award. The prize includes a $20,000 cash component and $25,000 in financial services courtesy of Kearney Group. Nominees for this significant tribute include Jon Bell for “The Moogai,” Semara Jose for “Voice,” and Danielle MacLean with “Like My Brother,” among others. The selection panel features prominent First Nations figures in Australian cinema, including VicScreen production executive Davey Thompson, Kamilaroi actor and writer Thomas Weatherall, and Anmatyerr producer Trisha Morton-Thomas.
Honoring innovators in Australian cinema, the $70,000 Blackmagic Design Australian Innovation Award will be decided by the same jury adjudicating the Bright Horizons Award. Competitors for this achievement include Jaydon Martin for “Flathead” and Audrey Lam for “Us and the Night.”
Meanwhile, the MIFF Shorts Awards will precede the main event, adjudicated by Beck Cole, Bethany Jones, and Bruce Gladwin, offering a platform for short-form cinema to gain recognition. Finally, the festival will see the return of the MIFF Audience Award and the MIFF Schools Youth Jury Award, engaging festival-goers and the younger generation in the cinematic celebration.
MIFF’s 2023 instalment promises to be a keenly anticipated event in the film industry calendar, not just highlighting cinematic achievements but also fostering a deeper appreciation for the evolving landscape of global and Australian film. The inclusion of new awards and a continued focus on innovative storytelling underscores MIFF’s commitment to nurturing talent and celebrating the diverse voices shaping the future of cinema.