The winners of the CIFF Shorts Awards Winners have been announced.
Following a screening of the UCC Puttnam Scholars’ short film, Hyphen at the Triskel earlier today, we were delighted to welcome CIFF Patron Lord David Puttnam to announce the short films who have won awards at the 67th Cork International Film Festival.
The awards for Grand Prix Irish Short, Grand Prix International Short and Grand Prix Documentary Short Award are Academy Award®-qualifying, ensuring that the winners in Cork automatically join the Oscars®’ long-list.
Our thanks to our Trophy Partner Cork Crystal for providing the stunning awards pieces.
Congratulations to all.
And the winners are:
Grand Prix Irish Short
Headspace directed by Aisling Byrne (pictured above with Lord David Puttnam)
“The jury would like to recognise a film that absorbed its audience so artfully inside the thought process of singular character, searching for that little bit of peace in a tumultuous world. For its subtly in storytelling, irrepressible charm and outstanding lead performance”
Special Mention
Tar Anseo/Come Here directed by Zoe Ní Riordáin
Grand Prix International Short
Raticide directed by João Niza
“The jury are unanimous in their decision: we feel this film showcases an exceptional synthesis of imagination, wonderful cinematography and exciting storytelling. We feel this a worthy winner chosen from a very strong and expertly programmed categories of short film.”
Grand Prix Documentary Short
Haulout directed by Evgenia Arbugaeva and Maxim Arbugaev
“We were struck by the sheer scale, ambition and subtlety of the vital climate change message underpinning this remarkable documentary.”
Special Mention
Forest Coal Pit by Siôn Marshall-Waters
“The jury loved the intimacy, tenderness and warm evocation of fraternal companionship in this film.”
Best Director: Irish Short
Lowland directed by Adrian Duncan and Feargal Ward (Adrian Duncan pictured above accepting his award from CIFF Senior Programmer, Don O’Mahony). Supported by Screen Directors Guild Ireland.
“The jury was unanimous in its veneration for a film that so masterfully draws its audience into each image, both captivating and mesmerizing with its somber beauty.”
Short Film Candidate for the European Film Awards 2023
Headspace directed by Aisling Byrne
“Aisling Byrne has crafted a deft and empathetic film anchored by a fantastic lead performance showcasing poise and pathos in equal measure.”
Best Cork Short Award
Atali’l O Le Crezent / Sons of the Crezent directed by Brendan Canty
“An eccentric and vibrant film that blends together an energetic mix of dance, poetry and reflection.”
Special Mention
This Town Still Talks About You directed by Matthew McGuigan
“In the category of Best Cork Short the jury would like add a special mention for This Town Still Talks About You for by Matthew McGuigan for its moving portrayal of two brothers grappling with loss.”
Supported by Murphy’s
