2024 Awards

Geneva Grand Prize

Lawand, a 6-year-old Kurdish boy, deaf from birth, is trying to adapt to his new environment in Derby, in the United Kingdom. He is learning to communicate in sign language, after a traumatic year spent on the road to exile.

“From a disability politics perspective, this film is progressive and powerful. The character of Lawand becomes politicized, embracing his deafness as integral to his identity rather than a barrier to overcome. Through immersive filmmaking and intricate sound design, we are pulled into the intimate odyssey of a young boy navigating childhood trauma and displacement, all while striving to find his place in today’s difficult world. A tribute to all the children out there, facing the incredible.”

Gilda Vieira de Mello Prize

Life is Beautiful provides a moving account of the daily life of Mohamed Jabaly, who is stranded in Norway after the closure of Gaza’s borders. A call for freedom of movement, but above all freedom to pursue your dreams.

“Gaza as depicted in Life is Beautiful no longer exists.
Its streets, squares and the faces that populate filmmaker Mohamed Jabaly’s memories have been eradicated in the ongoing genocide in Palestine. What we are left with are the images that tell of the past, already under Israeli occupation. The violence of the borders, but also the solidarity and determination of an individual to lead a dignified existence. Cinema becomes the compass of an odyssey that takes us all to Gaza.”

Youth Jury Prize – Documentary

Under the glare of neon lights, Photophobia takes a child’s eye view of the daily lives of the many people confined to underground stations in Ukraine. A unique portrait of hope and confusion of a childhood in wartime.

“A film distinguished by its refined and poetic aesthetic. It tactfully balances subtlety, delicacy, and humor, yet remains poignant in its portrayal of the harsh realities of war. The film illuminates a broader humanitarian issue that extends beyond the political landscape of the conflict in Ukraine, focusing on the story of Nikita, a child trapped along with numerous others in the depths of a subway station mere kilometers from the front lines.”

Prize of the World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT)

Total Trust follows the daily lives of activists who are watched and oppressed by the Chinese government through the use of technology, artificial intelligence and human rights.

“Unveiling what appears to be a real-life Orwellian 1984 scenario, the documentary vividly portrays the persecution of Chinese human rights defenders and exposes the use of cutting-edge state surveillance technology tools to tightly control the lives of millions of people. This disconcerting image of rising authoritarianism prompts an important question: “Is a future controlled by technology, where we are no longer free to exercise our rights, a real risk for us all?” The prohibition of torture is what allows individuals to shape their personality and views, and establish their dignity, which is the very essence of being human.”

Grand Prize Fiction

At the beginning of the 20th century, three men set off on an expedition to Tierra del Fuego. Through breathtaking landscapes and using ‘Western’ cinematography, the film takes a look at the colonial past and looks at how it is represented today and in the future.

“This film impressed the jury with its formal mastery in service of an uncompromising narrative, prompting us to reflect on our relationship with the world and history.”

In a village in the Chechen countryside, women are fighting for their emancipation and the right to freedom. Among them, Yakha and Madina, two teenage girls, take comfort in their treasured friendship as they ponder an uncertain future.

“The film portrays women in a subtle yet powerful manner, depicting intergenerational dialogue as a potential catalyst for profound social change”.

Youth Jury Prize – Fiction

In the forests that make up the “green border” between Belarus and Poland, refugees attempting to reach the European Union are trapped in a geopolitical crisis. This new film by the renowned filmmaker Agnieszka Holland questions our very consciences.

“For its realism and aestheticism, often disconcerting given the atrocity on display, this film moved us as much as it revolted us. In the age of social networking, ideas polarize and dialogue breaks down. Distant realities struggle to hold our attention for more than a few days. So, as a reminder that Amina, Bashir, their children and so many others exist, we award our Prize to Agnieszka Holland’s Green Border.”

Storyboard Impact Award

“The film serves as a poignant recognition of a diverse community united by a shared language — and an inspiring rallying cry to embrace and celebrate this language and community.” – Patricia Finneran, The StoryBoard Collective

Impact Africa : Community Screening Grant

“We need many stories to address the legacy of colonialism, and now also the impact of climate change. To this end, we are pleased to announce an additional Impact Africa grant for community screenings. This is a multifaceted story that challenges assumptions and calls for collective solutions.”

Sublimages Impact Award

“Given its originality and relevance, along with its captivating approach, translating it into Spanish could have a profound impact in Latin America.” Manuel Soubies, CEO of Sublimages

Artopie Award

“The tales of Max and Bastian deeply resonated with us. Their exploration of gender identity struck a chord. We were especially drawn to the film’s engaging rhythm and its open-minded approach.”

Carceral price

Champ-Dollon Men Jury Prize

“I’ve learned to travel light, I’m a serial mover — Where are my roots?» We each discovered this film with our differences, skin color, backgrounds, and yet, sharing the same values. Respect, mutual aid, empathy, courage, hope, the strength to continue despite obstacles, love of a mother, of a son, love for others. No matter where people come from, under the same roof, we all move forward in the same direction. Let’s open our eyes, today as well as tomorrow, one day it will be fine.”

Champ-Dollon Women’s Jury Prize

“This film motivated us, it told us not to give up. No matter the challenges we face or will face. We don’t give up. Keep on helping the children, so they can imagine a better future. With this jury workshop, even the birds in the cages were able to spread their wings and travel. So we thank you from the bottom of our hearts, from the echoes of our world.”

La Brenaz Jury Prize

“We were deeply moved by ‘Un jour ça ira’ by Stan and Edouard Zambeaux. This film, brimming with emotions and love, transcends the mere theme of immigration; it delves deeper. It sheds light on a myriad of challenges that provoke introspection and reflection. We commend the courage and resilience of those striving for a better life. In the words of Djibi, ‘She’s my princess, she’s my mother, the weight of the suitcases contrasting with the lightness of my life’.”