The Grand Prix film at the 21st Split Film Festival went to ‘Oscuro Animal’ by director Felipe Guerrero of Colombia, while the Grand Prix for short film went to ‘Events in a Cloud Chamber’ by Indian author Ashima Ahluwalia.
The jury for the feature film was composed of Marko Njegić, Jan Schomburg and Bekim Serjanović. Here is how they voted:
Grand Prix
“OSCURO ANIMAL” – Felipe Guerrero, Colombia
Jury’s Thoughts: In the film, Felipe Guerrero tells the story by barely uttering a word of dialogue, a muteness that is transferred to us. Silently watching the film’s visual beauty while it brushes the reality of the armed conflict in Colombia is so universal that it transcends time and space.
Special Award (Honorable Mention)
“EVENT” – Sergei Loznitza, Russia
Jury’s Thoughts: Aesthetically and politically relevant film which reflects the past, present and future of Russia and European cinema.
The jury for short films was composed of Bernd Schoch, Hugo Engelbrech and Ivan Peric. Here is how they voted:
Grand Prix
“Events in a Cloud Chamber” – Ashim Ahluwalia, India
Jury’s Thoughts: The jury has enjoyed the interesting way the films draws a correlation between the process of memories and things that have already been lost. Through this film the audience gets a new insight into the history of Indian cinema. The film also has a particularly interesting subtle dose of humor by the main protagonists.
Special Award (Honorable Mention)
“Movements Arriving from Different Relationships” Mashiro Tsutano, Japan
Jury’s Thoughts: The film highlights the combination of science and art itself, showing the association structures and cells in the brains of mice with the universe. The jury also liked the skillful use of music and sounds in combination with moving images.
“THE MEADOW” – Fir Hasler, Switzerland
Jury’s Thoughts: The film is distinguished by its atmosphere, the way in which it was filmed. The film is artfully displayed a subtle shift in the story.
The 21st Split Film Festival was held from September 10-18.
