The American Film Institute (AFI) announced today the Grand Jury Award winners and Special Mentions for AFI FEST 2024 presented by Canva. The Grand Jury Award winners for Live Action Short, Documentary Short and Animated Short will be eligible for the 2024 Best Live Action Short, Best Documentary Short and Best Animated Short Academy Awards. This year’s jury was comprised of Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Sophia Nahli Allison, film programmer Nora Bernard and comedian, actor, filmmaker, podcaster and author Paul Scheer.
Buy The American Film Institute Desk Reference: The Complete Guide to Everything You Need to Know about the Movies HardcoverGrand Jury Prize – Live Action Short
TWO PEOPLE EXCHANGING SALIVA (DEUX PERSONNES ÉCHANGEANT DE LA SALIVE) (DIR Natalie Musteata and Alexandre Singh)
Jury Statement: “At a commendable 36 minutes, this film illustrates how desire and yearning can clash in a capitalistic society while showcasing queerness as commonplace.”
Grand Jury Prize – Documentary Short
LAND OF LOST TOYS (DIR Nicholas Stachurski)
Jury Statement: “This revealing documentary challenges our conceptions and explores the humanity of a group of people in Detroit who fight not only for their survival but also for companions who can’t on their own.”
Grand Jury Prize – Animated Short
HUMANTIS (DIR Paris Baillie)
Jury Statement: “HUMANTIS is a stunning work of art that delves into the complexities and challenges of change and the unexpected beauty that emerges from self-transformation and acceptance. The stop motion breathes new life into an otherworldly visual narrative, showcasing the depths of a vibrant imagination and skillful craftsmanship.”
Special Jury Mentions
Special Jury Mention for Freedom and Expression – Live Action Short
A SHORT FILM ABOUT KIDS (DIR Ibrahim Handal)
Jury Statement: “Through a breezy style and cinematic language, we were drawn into a world where, with a little ingenuity, burdened youth can experience joy and self-determination.”
Special Jury Mention for New Voice – Documentary Short
YOU’RE TOO SENSITIVE (DIR Dan Chen)
Jury Statement: “YOU’RE TOO SENSITIVE receives a special mention for its unique approach to reimagining home movies, not only as documentation of what we wish to be seen and remembered but also reveals the private moments that speak to the complexities of family dynamics. “
Special Jury Mention for Craft – Animated Short
SILENT PANORAMA (DIR Nicolas Piret)
Jury Statement: “The jury would like to acknowledge SILENT PANORAMA with a special mention for artistic craftsmanship as this subtle and immersive story comes to life beautifully and meticulously on a single sheet of paper.”
To learn more about AFI FEST, visit FEST.AFI.com
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