Festivals - 31st Gérardmer International Fantastic Film Festival Unveils Spectacular 2024 Winners

By Mulder, 28 january 2024

The enchanting town of Gérardmer once again played host to the 31st edition of the Gérardmer International Fantastic Film Festival, drawing cinephiles from around the globe to celebrate the best in the fantasy genre. Chaired by the renowned author Bernard Werber, the esteemed jury, featuring Caroline Anglade, Mélanie Bernier, Clovis Cornillac, Charlotte Gabris, Jean-Paul Salomé, and Sébastien Vaniček, announced the winners in a dazzling awards ceremony. The festival, held against the backdrop of the picturesque Grand Est region, showcased exceptional talent and visionary storytelling.

Grand Prize Supported by la Région Grand Est
The highest honor, the Grand Prize, was awarded to Sleep by Jason Yu from South Korea. The film, distributed in France by The Jokers Films, is set to captivate audiences nationwide upon its release on February 21, 2024.

Jury Prize: A Tapestry of International Excellence
Two Jury Prizes were presented this year. The first went to Amelia's Children by Gabriel Abrantes, a mesmerizing piece from Portugal distributed by Le Pacte, hitting French theaters on January 31, 2024. The second was bestowed upon For Night Will Come by Céline Rouzet, a collaborative effort between France and Belgium, with its anticipated release scheduled for June 2024 through Tandem Films.

Critics' Prize: Unveiling Darkness
The Critics' Prize was claimed by When Evil Lurks from Argentina, directed by Demián Rugna and distributed by Factoris Film. French audiences can brace themselves for a thrilling experience as the film hits theaters on April 17, 2024.

Audience Award supported by the city of Gérardmer: A Public Triumph
The Audience Award, generously supported by the city of Gérardmer, went to When Evil Lurks by Demián Rugna, reaffirming its popularity. Distributed by Factoris Film, this Argentine gem is set to enthrall audiences on April 17, 2024.

Great East Region Youth Jury Award: Nurturing Emerging Voices
The Great East Region Youth Jury Award was presented to The Seeding by Barnaby Clay from the USA, with international sales managed by XYZ Films.

Short Film Grand Prize: A Celebration of Short-form Brilliance
The Short Films Jury, presided over by Bernard Minier, alongside Adrien Ménielle, Alice Moitié, Mr Poulpe, and Mara Taquin, honored Transylvanie by Rodrigue Huart, a French creation distributed by Manifest.

For the sixth consecutive year, the festival's competition films will be showcased at the Cinémathèque française from January 31 to February 5. Notably, the Grand Prix winner, Sleep by Jason Yu, will be screened on January 31 and February 4 at 8 pm in Salle Henri Langlois.

This celebration of the fantastical arts once again affirms Gérardmer's position as a global hub for fantasy cinema, where innovation, creativity, and storytelling prowess converge on the silver screen.

(Source: Press Release)