YOUTH CHOICE AWARD
This year the Youth Jury is composed of 12 Vancouver youth: Laura Arboleda, Alberto Benavente, Lesly Cázares, Melisa Tang, Bernarda Cornejo, Oona Eager, Rebeca Galindo, Andi Icaza-Largaespada, Marlio Rali, Anant Prabhakar, Nicolás Tellez, Alexander Torres.
Winner: THE QUISPE GIRLS (Las niñas Quispe)
Dir: Sebastián Sepúlveda, Chile
''We, the Youth Jury, admired the bravery of this film. The sublime landscape echoed the solitude of the characters in a solemn yet powerful way. The use of silence helped to strengthen the loneliness of this moment of history, making it universal and innovative a film that we will remember for years to come''.
AUDIENCE AWARD
THE WAY HE LOOKS (Hoje eu quero voltar sozinho)
Dir: Daniel Ribeiro, Brazil
SHORT FILM AWARD
Jury: Moisés Sepúlveda, Sandra Rodríguez & Shana Myara
Special Mention: AFTER (Después)
Dir: Valeria Pérez Delgado, Argentina
After: for its intricate illustration and careful observation of prejudice and the universal fear of rejection. Underlining multiple layers of conflict between self-conscious characters, the film eloquently acknowledges how easy it can be to reject others through the simple fear of being rejected.
Winner: CARINA
Dir: Sandra Reynoso, Mexico
AL JAZEERA DOCUMENTARY AWARD
Jury: Colin Browne, Alejandra Bronfman & Kathleen Mullen
Special Mention: THE NAKED ROOM (El cuarto desnudo)
Dir: Nuria Ibáñez, Mexico
The Naked Room: for its formal rigour, and for its uncompromisingly respectful and emotionally honest insights into the inner lives of contemporary children and families.
Winner: THE LAST STATION (La última estación)
Dir: Cristian Soto & Catalina Vergara, Chile / Germany
The Last Station for its intimate and profound portrait of a Chilean Nursing Home as its inhabitants confront the end of their lives. The film masterfully weaves together stories of their personalities, their friendships and their solitude.
NEW DIRECTORS AWARD
Jury: Manuela Martelli, Adrian Mack, Nicolás Pereda & Telmo Esnal
Special Mention: WORKERS
Dir: José Luis Valle, Mexico / Germany
Workers for its rigorous formal language and command of the medium.
"We wanted to give 'Workers' a special mention. There is a single, bravura 10-minute sequence alone that deserves its own prize"
Winner: THE MILITANT (El lugar del hijo)
Dir: Manolo Nieto, Uruguay / Argentina
The Militant for its subtle portrayal of a young man emerging into a complex adult world in the midst of political crisis. This is captured with a period authenticity and grasp of ambiguity that should resonate with viewers globally.