AFI FEST 2024, presented by Canva, concluded with a grand celebration of cinematic achievements, revealing its highly anticipated Grand Jury Award winners. The event, held from October 23-27 in Los Angeles, marked a significant milestone with record-breaking attendance, reflecting a 30% surge in ticket and pass sales. This year’s award winners in the categories of Live Action Short, Documentary Short, and Animated Short are now eligible for Academy Award® consideration, further solidifying AFI FEST’s reputation as a leading platform for both emerging and established filmmakers.
Grand Jury Award Winners
The Grand Jury, comprised of Academy Award®-nominated filmmaker Sophia Nahli Allison, film programmer Nora Bernard, and comedian, actor, and author Paul Scheer, selected the following standout films for the top honors:
- Live Action Short: Two People Exchanging Saliva (Deux Personnes Échangeant de la Salive), directed by Natalie Musteata and Alexandre Singh, captured the Grand Jury Prize for its raw and compelling portrayal of desire within a capitalistic society, framed within a queer context.
- Jury’s Comment: “This film illustrates how desire and yearning can clash in a capitalistic society while showcasing queerness as commonplace.”
- Documentary Short: Land of Lost Toys, directed by Nicholas Stachurski, earned the award for its poignant depiction of a marginalized community in Detroit, showcasing their struggle for both survival and companionship.
- Jury’s Comment: “This revealing documentary challenges our conceptions and explores the humanity of a group of people in Detroit who fight not only for their survival but also for companions who can’t on their own.”
- Animated Short: Humantis, directed by Paris Baillie, was recognized for its masterful use of stop-motion animation to explore themes of change, self-acceptance, and transformation through a vibrant, otherworldly narrative.
- Jury’s Comment: “Humantis is a stunning work of art that delves into the complexities and challenges of change, showcasing vibrant imagination and skillful craftsmanship.”
Special Jury Mentions
In addition to the Grand Jury Awards, several films received special mentions for their unique contributions to storytelling, expression, and craft:
- Special Jury Mention for Freedom and Expression – Live Action Short: A Short Film About Kids, directed by Ibrahim Handal, was recognized for its breezy cinematic style that immerses viewers in a world where youth find joy and self-determination despite their burdens.
- Jury’s Comment: “A breezy style draws us into a world where burdened youth find joy and self-determination through ingenuity.”
- Special Jury Mention for New Voice – Documentary Short: You’re Too Sensitive, directed by Dan Chen, was honored for reimagining home movies as a lens to reveal complex family dynamics and intimate moments.
- Jury’s Comment: “This film reimagines home movies, revealing the complexities of family dynamics and private moments.”
- Special Jury Mention for Craft – Animated Short: Silent Panorama, directed by Nicolas Piret, stood out for its meticulous craftsmanship, bringing an intricate story to life on a single sheet of paper.
- Jury’s Comment: “A subtle story brought to life on a single sheet of paper, showcasing artistic craftsmanship.”
Festival Highlights and Record-Breaking Attendance
AFI FEST 2024 achieved a significant milestone with over a 30% increase in ticket and pass sales, indicating its growing influence and popularity. The festival showcased an impressive array of films, with the following lineup:
- 6 Red Carpet Premieres
- 13 Special Screenings
- 13 Luminaries selections
- 15 Discovery films
- 12 World Cinema selections
- 14 Documentaries
- 4 After Dark titles
- 54 Short Films in Competition
- 28 Films from the AFI Conservatory Showcase
Of the films presented, 48% were directed by women and non-binary filmmakers, and 26% were directed by BIPOC filmmakers, emphasizing the festival’s commitment to diverse storytelling. Additionally, the festival featured 9 submissions for the Best International Feature Oscar®, reflecting its dedication to showcasing global cinema.
The 2024 lineup also included 4 World Premieres, 6 North American Premieres, and 7 U.S. Premieres, offering a blend of fresh perspectives and established narratives. Special events such as the Directors Spotlight with Robert Zemeckis and Tom Hanks, as well as the session Pitch Perfect: Crafting Impactful Visual Decks for Storytellers, provided attendees with exclusive insights into the creative process.
Notable Guests and Returning Filmmakers
AFI FEST 2024 attracted a diverse group of Hollywood talent and industry insiders. Attendees included high-profile figures such as Pam Abdy, JJ Abrams, Amy Adams, and Tom Hanks. Returning filmmakers like Andrea Arnold, Rungano Nyoni, and Jia Zhang-Ke also made appearances, adding to the event’s prestige.
- Key Guests:
- Ryan Coogler, Spike Jonze, Jennifer Lawrence, Steven Spielberg, Robert Zemeckis, and Angelina Jolie were among the top industry leaders who attended, underscoring AFI FEST’s role as a premier event for networking and cinematic celebration.
Partnerships and Sponsors
This year’s AFI FEST was proudly presented by Canva, with the support of major sponsors and media partners:
- Premium Sponsor: Apple Original Films
- Official Media Partners: The Los Angeles Times, Variety, The Wall Street Journal, and The Hollywood Reporter
- Affiliate Media Partners: IndieWire, TheWrap, Screen International, and KCRW
Canva’s involvement as the exclusive presenting sponsor aligns with its mission to empower creativity through design, providing resources that enhance visual storytelling in the entertainment industry.
The 38th edition of AFI FEST proved to be a monumental event, offering a diverse and dynamic experience for filmmakers, industry professionals, and movie enthusiasts alike. With record-breaking attendance, a strong lineup, and a commitment to fostering emerging talent, AFI FEST continues to stand as a pillar of cinematic excellence.
Report Lela Christine