2024 Paper Bird Award Winners
2024 Paper Bird Award for Documentary
Documentary Winner – Honey Bunny Duracell
(Directed by Nelisa Alcalde)
“This highly immersive documentary is features peerless production values and an engaging narrative. Honey Bunny Duracell places audiences directly into the mindset of 3-time women’s boxing champion, Lenka Kardova, in a film that explores human endurance, determination, and redemption.”
Special Mention – Sundown
(Directed by Gabriel Alborough)
“Sundown is a mature and respectful look at how one woman refuses to be defined by her Alzheimer’s diagnosis. Gabriel Alborough’s film introduces audiences to Gail and John Gregory; a couple determined to make the most of the time they have left together”
Special Mention –
A Voice Once Heard
(Directed by Andy Heath)
“Andy Heath’s hypnotic film explores the intimate yet imperceptible processes which take place within nature. Outstanding visuals and sound design invite audiences to reflect upon the hidden world around us.”
2024 Paper Bird Award for Animation
Animation Winner – Dead Silent
(Directed by Miriam Fox)
“A compelling and emotionally wrought piece that instantly engages its audience and does not let go. Miriam Fox’s film is an incredible depiction of loss and pain which explores the suffocating consequences of hiding your true feeling when you need to show them the most. Featuring phenomenal vocal and physical performances, the film’s subject matter is handled with absolute honesty and maturity”
Special Mention – Infemmes
(Directed by Nicolas Fodor-Levereaud, Danaé Grimoire, Lise Merlaud, Florian Monchois, Julien Torres, Jade Wong)
“An incredibly powerful dual story which can be interpreted in multiple ways and with distinctive styles and camerawork. It is a crucial and current topic explored through thrilling and unsettling visuals and editing. Complete with emotion and grit, it is both unnerving as it is empowering.”
2024 Paper Bird Award for Fiction
Fiction Winner – Two-Syllable Name
(Directed by Giovanna Castellari Peixoto)
“This film delves into the depths of socioeconomic injustice, inequality, and the unyielding importance of agency through the story of one woman’s fervent quest for fair treatment in her workplace. As a jury, we were deeply moved by the emotional depth and authenticity of Giovanna’s storytelling. Through her lens, she offers a compelling commentary on the injustices pervading our society while championing the importance of empathy, compassion, and empowerment. All of this is brought to life by a powerful performance from Mariana Muniz.”
Special Mention – The Nice Guy Who Went Bad But Who Used to be Nice
(Directed by Jauffrey Gallé)
“This French film offers a refreshing and satirical take on the theme of societal expectations and the lengths individuals are compelled to go to navigate bureaucratic absurdities. With its sharp and engaging storytelling, The Nice Guy Who Went Bad but Used to be Nice leaves a lasting impression reminding us of the importance of authenticity and resilience in the face of adversity. We commend Jauffrey for his creativity and insight in bringing this compelling story to life, and we look forward to seeing more from this talented filmmaker.”
2024 Paper Bird Award for Experimental
Experimental Winner – Obscura
(Directed by Lucas Kia)
“Kau’s perspicacious film meditates on important contemporary issues related to social media and human relationships, while taking a brave experimental form. The superb sound treatment enhances the surprise dance sequence at the end.”
Special Mention – Foul Fools
(Directed by Karo De Nijs)
“De Nijs’ thoughtful experimental film (a “sleep dream”) demonstrates a mature artistic vision that combines gorgeous palates, sound and visual textures, silences, and motifs with recited fragments of history.”
Special Mention – Ab Absurdo
(Directed by Iris Peil)
“Peil addresses the absurd in this stylish film of northern landscapes and heightened human interactions on the theme of death.”
2024 Paper Bird Audience Award
Winner – Valdo
(Directed by Emilia Ferrari)
What the audience had to say:
“Deep, very moving, and sensitive.”
“Sensitive and exciting, a beautiful portrait of our Paraná coast.”
“Wonderful short, with a very very good set of work. Impeccable photography, script and direction. The songs too.”
