La Cinef Selection 2024: Winners Announced at Cannes Festival
The 27th La Cinef Selection, a prominent segment of the Cannes Film Festival dedicated to showcasing student films, announced its winners today at a ceremony held in the Buñuel Theatre. The event was presided over by the Short Films and La Cinef Jury, led by actress Lubna Azabal and including esteemed members Marie-Castille Mention-Schaar, Paolo Moretti, Claudine Nougaret, and Vladimir Perišić.
This year, La Cinef Selection featured 18 student films, meticulously chosen from 2,263 submissions representing 555 film schools worldwide. The competition highlighted the creativity and talent emerging from film schools around the globe.
The First Prize was awarded to "Sunflowers Were the First Ones to Know," directed by Chidananda S Naik from FTII, Pune, India. This accolade brings significant recognition to Naik and his film, marking a milestone for Indian cinema in the student film category.
Joint Second Prize honors were bestowed upon two films: "Out the Window Through the Wall" by Asya Segalovich from Columbia University, United States, and "The Chaos She Left Behind" by Nikos Kolioukos from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece. Both films impressed the jury with their unique storytelling and cinematic execution.
The Third Prize went to "Bunnyhood," directed by Mansi Maheshwari from NFTS, United Kingdom. Maheshwari’s film was celebrated for its innovative approach and compelling narrative.
The Festival de Cannes provides substantial financial support for these promising filmmakers, with the First Prize winner receiving a €15,000 grant, Second Prize recipients sharing €11,250, and the Third Prize winner being awarded €7,500. These grants aim to support the future endeavors of these talented directors.
In addition to the awards ceremony, the winning films will be screened in Paris at the Cinéma du Panthéon on June 3 and at the MK2 Quai de Seine on June 4. Further details about these screenings will be available on the Festival de Cannes website next week.
The 27th La Cinef Selection not only celebrates the achievements of young filmmakers but also reinforces the importance of nurturing emerging talent in the global film industry.