Montreal’s Fantasia Awards 2024: “The Count of Monte Cristo” Triumphs in Best Film Category
The 28th edition of the Fantasia International Film Festival in Montreal celebrated the best of genre cinema, with the French film "The Count of Monte Cristo" taking home the prestigious Cheval Noir Award for Best Film. Directed by Mathieu Delaporte and Alexandre de la Patellière, the film made its international premiere at the festival, impressing the jury with its grand vision and execution.
The Cheval Noir jury, chaired by actor and filmmaker Matt Johnson, was captivated by the film's exploration of revenge, a central theme across this year’s competition. The jury’s statement praised the film for challenging the idea that "less is more," highlighting its ambitious approach and intricate storytelling.
In addition to "The Count of Monte Cristo," the Argentine film "Electrophilia," directed by Lucía Puenzo, received multiple accolades. The film was awarded a Special Jury Mention, Best Screenplay, and Outstanding Performance for actress Mariana Di Girolamo. The jury lauded "Electrophilia" for its daring psycho-sexual narrative and innovative storytelling.
South Korean director Hwang Wook won the Best Director award for "Mash Ville," a surrealistic ensemble western that stood out for its creative staging and unique mix of tones. The jury noted the film's ability to maintain coherence despite its complex narrative structure, praising Wook's precise direction.
"Penalty Loop," a Japanese film directed by Shinji Araki, was another major winner at the festival, securing awards for Best Editing and Best Original Music. The film's intricate editing was described as a "work of art" by the jury, who also commended its haunting and poignant score.
The festival's focus on emerging talent was evident in the New Flesh Competition for Best First Feature. Canadian director Michael Pierro's "Self Driver" won the top prize, with the jury praising its inventive storytelling and minimalist filmmaking. Special Jury Mentions in this category were awarded to "Chainsaws Were Singing" by Sander Maran and "Kidnapping Inc." by Bruno Mourral.
The International Short Film Competition saw Chilean director Guillermo Ribbeck's "Empty Jars" win Best Film, with the jury praising its compelling story and technical mastery. "Headache," a Swedish dystopian film by Björn Schagerström, won Best Director, while "Be Right Back" from Spain took home Best Cinematography.
In the animation category, the Satoshi Kon Award for Best Feature Film went to "Mononoke The Movie: The Phantom in the Rain," directed by Japan’s Kenji Nakamura. The film was celebrated for its groundbreaking 2D animation and intricate storytelling. A Special Jury Mention was given to "The Missing" from the Philippines, directed by Carl Joseph Papa, for its sensitive portrayal of trauma and resilience.
Cheval Noir Competition
- Best Film: "The Count of Monte Cristo" / Mathieu Delaporte and Alexandre de la Patellière / France
- Special Jury Mention: "Electrophilia" / Lucía Puenzo / Argentina
- Best Director: "Mash Ville" / Hwang Wook / South Korea
- Best Screenplay: "Electrophilia" / Lucía Puenzo / Argentina
- Best Cinematography: "Rita" / Jayro Bustamante / Guatemala
- Best Editing: "Penalty Loop" / Shinji Araki / Japan
- Best Original Music: "Penalty Loop" / Shinji Araki / Japan
- Outstanding Performance: "Electrophilia" / Mariana Di Girolamo / Argentina
- Outstanding Performance: "Steppenwolf" / Berik Aitzhanov and Anna Starchenko / Kazakhstan
New Flesh Competition for Best First Feature
- Best First Feature: "Self Driver" / Michael Pierro / Canada
- Special Jury Mention: "Chainsaws Were Singing" / Sander Maran / Estonia
- Special Jury Mention: "Kidnapping Inc." / Bruno Mourral / Canada/Haiti/France
International Short Film Competition
- Best Film: "Empty Jars" / Guillermo Ribbeck / Chile
- Best Director: "Headache" / Björn Schagerström / Sweden
- Best Screenplay: "Empty Jars" / Guillermo Ribbeck / Chile
- Best Cinematography: "Be Right Back" / Gabe Ibañez and Lucas Paulino / Spain
- Best Editing: "Night Fishing" / Moon Byoung-gon / South Korea
- Best Score: "Blitzmusik" / Martin Amiot / Canada
- Outstanding Performance: "Empty Jars" / Ana Burgos / Chile
- Outstanding Performance: "Headache" / Amed Bozan, Jenny Gustavsson, Torkel Petersson / Sweden
- Special Jury Mention: "The Streetlight" / Sophia Barella / USA
Satoshi Kon Award for Achievement in Animation
- Best Feature Film: "Mononoke The Movie: The Phantom in the Rain" / Kenji Nakamura / Japan
- Special Jury Mention: "The Missing" / Carl Joseph Papa / Philippines
- Best Short Film - Gold: "Wild Animal" / Tianyun Lyu / USA
- Best Short Film - Silver: "Itch" / Maggie Zeng / Canada
- Best Short Film - Bronze: "Trumpet Voice" / David Monarte Serna and Pilar Smoje Gueico / Chile
DGC Competition
- Best Feature Film: "Darkest Miriam" / Naomi Jaye / Canada
- Special Jury Mention: "The G" / Karl R. Hearne / Canada
AQCC Competition
- Best Film: "Me and My Victim" / Maurane and Billy Pedlow / Canada/USA
- Special Jury Mention: "Vulcanizadora" / Joel Potrykus / USA