The 23nd annual Tribeca Festival, presented by OKX, announced the winners in its competition categories at an awards ceremony at Racket NYC. Winners of the Audience Award will be announced at a later date.
Taking home the award for Best Animated Short in the Shorts Competition is In the Shadow of the Cypress (Iran), directed and produced by Barfak Studio founders Shirin Sohani and Hossein Molayemi. Originally titled Dar Saaye Sarv, the 2D piece centers on a former captain who struggles with post-traumatic stress disorder while trying to be a caring father to his daughter. (Watch the trailer here.)
Jury statement: “For using a distinctive visual style, unique imagery and exceptional sound design to bring to life a poignant family relationship, characterized by love and protection amidst an effective portrayal of the profound impact of PTSD on both the individual and those around them.”
A Special Jury Mention went to Budō (Sweden), directed by Amanda Aagard and Alexander Toma, which made its International Premiere at the fest. The anime-inspired stop-motion comedy unfolds as a lonely widow finds comfort in the company of a stray cat, who quickly takes over her life in unimaginable ways. (Trailer)
Jury statement: “With appreciation for its quirky and humorous narrative and capturing viewers with its remarkably intricate manner of portraying its characters and surroundings.”
The World Festival of Animated Film – Animafest Zagreb 2024 also recently concluded, announced the prize winners at a ceremony held in the SC Cinema.
The Short Film Grand Prix went to The Miracle (Belgium/Netherlands/France) directed by Nienke Deutz, produced by Lunanime, Keplerfilm and Les Productions de Milou. The jury’s explanation states: This film treats an invisible subject with subtlety and nuance. It uses delicate storytelling and leaves us with hope.
Additional awardees in the shorts competition include:
Entropic Memory (Canada), Nicolas Brault – Golden Zagreb Award
Reborn with You (S. Korea), Inju Park – Zlatko Grgić Award for Best First Film
Aaaah! (France), Osman Cerforn (Miyu Prod.) – Jury Special Prize
Three Birds (Slovenia/Croatia), Zarje Menart (Finta Film/Adriatic Animation) – Jury Special Prize
The Bitch (Colombia/France), Carla Melo Gampert (Evidencia Films/June Films) – Jury Special Prize
Zima (Poland), Tomek Popakula & Kasumi Ozeki (Yellow Tapir Films) – Jury Special Prize
Circle (S. Korea), Yumi Joung (Match Cut King.) – Jury Special Prize
Žarko, You Will Spoil the Child!, Milivoj and Veljko Popović (Prime Render Studio/Bagan Films/3D2D Animator) – Audience Award