Winners of 53rd Molodist Kyiv International Film Festival Announced in Ukraine

Kyiv IFF Molodist

Ukraine

The 53rd "Molodist" Kyiv International Film Festival concluded on November 2 with an award ceremony at the House of Cinema in Kyiv, Ukraine. This year’s Grand Prix went to the Ukrainian film "Honeymoon", directed by Zhanna Ozirna. The jury, led by Iranian filmmaker Mohammad Rasoulof, described the film as a "piercing, sensitive love story set against the backdrop of haunting explosions." "Honeymoon" received the coveted "Scythian Deer" award and a cash prize of $5,000, sponsored by the national lottery operator Loto-Zabava.

In the International Competition, "All We Imagine as Light" by Payal Kapadia (France, India, Netherlands, Luxembourg, 2024) won the award for Best Full-Length Film, earning the "Scythian Deer" and $2,000. The Best Short Film prize went to "We Want to Live Here" by Alexandrina Turcan (Ukraine, 2023), which also garnered a $2,000 prize. The jury praised it as a deeply emotional story about children surviving occupation, united by a shared hope for a free Ukraine.

The Best Student Film category saw two winners, sharing the award ex aequo: "Like a Butterfly" by Iris Gerschon Nagar (Israel, 2023) and "Basia: Three Short Stories" by Mateusz Pietrak (Poland, 2023). Each received a $2,000 prize. The jury noted how the films offered distinct but heartfelt perspectives on aging, depicting the resilience and spirit of older individuals.

A Special Mention in the Student Film Competition was awarded to "The Chaos She Left Behind" by Nikos Kolioukos (Greece, 2023) for its emotional depth and "Fish River Anthology" by Veera Lamminpää (Finland, 2024) for its innovative and humorous execution.

In the Documentary Competition, the winner was "Flowers of Ukraine" by Adelina Borets (Poland, Ukraine, 2024). The jury commended its portrayal of resilience amid the horrors of war. Special Mentions went to "Tack" by Vania Turner (Greece, 2024) and "What Did You Dream of Last Night, Parajanov?" by Faraz Fesharaki (Germany, 2024), both lauded for their unique storytelling.

The Audience Award went to "Oysters Silence" by Marcos Pimentel (Brazil, 2024), which also earned a "Scythian Deer." In the TEEN SCREEN competition, "Winners" by Soleen Yusef (Germany, 2024) emerged victorious, while special mentions highlighted "Blue Sky Jo" (Canada) for cinematography and "Gina" (Austria) for acting.

In the National Short Film Competition, "Storks Always Come Home" by Halyna Koziutynska (Ukraine, 2023) won for its poignant narrative. Special mentions included "Additional Scenes" and "Territory of Childhood," praised for their innovative storytelling and emotional resonance.

Complete List of Awarded Films at the 53rd "Molodist" Kyiv International Film Festival:

Grand Prix

• "Honeymoon" / Zhanna Ozirna / Ukraine / 2024

International Competition

• Best Full-Length Film:
  • "All We Imagine as Light" / Payal Kapadia / France, India, Netherlands, Luxembourg / 2024
• Best Short Film:
  • "We Want to Live Here" / Alexandrina Turcan / Ukraine / 2023
• Best Student Film (shared prize):
  • "Like a Butterfly" / Iris Gerschon Nagar / Israel / 2023
  • "Basia: Three Short Stories" / Mateusz Pietrak / Poland / 2023
• Special Mention - Student Films:
  • "The Chaos She Left Behind" / Nikos Kolioukos / Greece / 2023
  • "Fish River Anthology" / Veera Lamminpää / Finland / 2024

Documentary Competition

• Best Documentary Film:
  • "Flowers of Ukraine" / Adelina Borets / Poland, Ukraine / 2024
• Special Mentions:
  • "Tack" / Vania Turner / Greece / 2024
  • "What Did You Dream of Last Night, Parajanov?" / Faraz Fesharaki / Germany / 2024

Audience Award

• "Oysters Silence" / Marcos Pimentel / Brazil / 2024

TEEN SCREEN Competition

• Winner:
  • "Winners" / Soleen Yusef / Germany / 2024
• Special Mentions:
  • "Blue Sky Jo" / Patrice Sauvé / Canada / 2024 (for cinematography)
  • "Gina" / Ulrike Kofler / Austria / 2024 (for acting performance)

National Short Film Competition

• Winner:
  • "Storks Always Come Home" / Halyna Koziutynska / Ukraine / 2023
• Special Mentions:
  • "Additional Scenes" / Roman Khimei, Yarema Malashchuk / Ukraine / 2024
  • "Territory of Childhood" / Maryna Shkrabaliuk / Ukraine / 2024

Union of Film Critics of Ukraine Awards

• Winner:
  • "Additional Scenes" / Roman Khimei, Yarema Malashchuk / Ukraine / 2024
• Special Mention:
  • "Sony DCR-TRV265E Digital8 Camcorder" / Henyk Zaiats / Ukraine / 2024

Closing Film

• "Under the Volcano" / Damian Kocur / Poland / 2024