As we take stock of LSFF 2024, we’re delighted to announce the award-winning films of this year’s record-breaking festival edition. After a week of screenings, viewing and deliberation, we’re happy to announce the winning films from our Best International, Best UK, Best Lo-Budget and Ones to Watch awards, presented at Curzon Soho on 28 January.
We welcomed our jurors Janvier Wete, Sarnt Utamachote and Eva Stefani, to present their selections for Best International and Best UK Short Films and Special Mentions in each category.
Our Best International Short Film award, kindly supported by our festival partners NOWNESS China, went to the charming and hugely original PISKO THE CRAB CHILD IS IN LOVE, dir. Makoto Nagahisa. The jurors were impressed with its offbeat humour, and the director sent us a snowy thank you from Sundance.
A Special Mention goes to the surreal political meditation (featuring a talking catfish) HITO, dir. Stephen Lopez, who also sent us a brilliant video from his home in Manila.
The Best UK Short Film Award, kindly supported by British Council went to coming-of-age London odyssey HIGHGATE 214, directed by Teva Cheema. The film’s producer Scott Trotter collected the award on the stage. The winner receives a cash award, and support from British Council to develop their career and film. A Special Mention and Runner-Up award went to the beautiful NEO NADHA by May Ziadé.
The inaugural ShortsTV Ones to Watch Award, presented by ShortsTV CEO Carter Pilcher, was judged by their team, awarded to a filmmaker with a unique and new artistic vision and voice. The award went to Warda Mohamed’s MUNA, a film that played in our London Lives programme. The Shorts TV team were wowed by Warda’s bold and intimate filmmaking. A Special Mention went to Maria Tomazou for THE TORNADO OUTSIDE.
A jury of film curation students from the London College of Communication judged the Lo-Budget Mayhem award, selected from our annual programme of films made on a tiny budget, but that still pack a mighty punch. The award, supported by Shooting People, went to Art Wild’s HEAVEN, once again with a hilarious acceptance video (or voice note?) ringing out across Curzon Soho with the director in absentia. The Special Mention went to Katie King’s MADE FOR DUTY OVERSEAS, a beautiful hand-drawn snapshot centered around a travelling pack of menthol cigarettes.
Once again, thank you to all of our partners and sponsors for their support, and congratulations to the hugely creative and inspiring award-winners.
Photography by Edward Sogunro, Harry Sweeney