Melbourne, Australia – The 72nd Melbourne International Film Festival concluded with Canadian filmmaker Matthew Rankin’s comedy feature “Universal Language” capturing the prestigious Bright Horizons Award. Presented during a ceremony on August 24, the film garnered substantial acclaim along with a sizable monetary prize. Meanwhile, the animation “Flow” by Latvian director Gints Zilbalodis was honored with a special jury prize for its artistic merit.
“Universal Language,” which received a warm reception earlier this year at Cannes’ Directors’ Fortnight, interlaces a series of vignettes set against a backdrop of Winnipeg, Manitoba. Scenes of two children discovering money frozen in ice and a bewildered tour group navigating the city weave together Rankin’s unique blend of humor and social commentary. The film, celebrated for its cultural resonance and inventive approach to storytelling, not only secured Rankin $95,000 (A$140,000) but also bolstered his reputation in the international film community.
The festival’s jury lauded Rankin’s film as a triumph of creativity and sensitivity, noting its ability to reach beyond cultural barriers through its cinematic expression. This accolade comes on the heels of Rankin expressing amazement at his win, describing both his and co-writer Ila Firouzabadi’s modest life expectations influenced by the very nature of Winnipeg, which they said tempers even the mildest of ambitions.
Aside from the top honor, the festival recognized a variety of films across different categories. The Audience Award was jointly won by Australian features “Voice,” directed by Krunal Padhiar and Semara Jose, and “Left Write Hook” by Shannon Owen. Australian director Jaydon Martin received the Australian Innovation Award for his work “Flathead,” a documentary noted for its insightful exploration into themes of survival and mortality.
April Phillips was awarded the Uncle Jack Charles Award, which honors outstanding Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander creatives. Her award-winning animated XR work, “Kajoo yannaga (come on let’s walk together),” includes critical financial services aimed at supporting the growth of Indigenous creativity in filmmaking.
Despite these numerous wins and accolades, many filmmakers shared insights into their upcoming projects, underscoring the festival’s role not just as an award venue but as a springboard for future creative pursuits. Rankin, for instance, disclosed production details about his next project, “KONGRESO,” a docufiction filmed in multiple countries and set to feature parts in Esperanto. He is concurrently working on a found-footage project that delves into the conservative history of Canada, described as heavily inspired by filmmaker Soda Jerk.
“Flow,” honored for its narrative finesse and emotional depth, also got special mention from the jury, hinting at a significant future impact on global cinema. Similar sentiments were expressed for Martin’s “Flathead,” with discussions underway for another docufiction project exploring the ethical boundaries of documentary filmmaking titled “My Hands, Your Soul.”
As the festival wrapped up, it was clear that MIFF remains a vital nexus for both showcasing and nurturing cinematic talent from around the globe. The festival continues to provide a platform for filmmakers to not only present their work but also discuss and dissect the various thematic and ethical issues prevalent in the cinematic discourse today.