Paolo Cortellesi’s acclaimed film “There’s Still Tomorrow,” a box office sensation in Italy, clinched the prestigious Sydney Film Prize at the conclusion of the Sydney Film Festival, which ran from June 5 to June 16.
A jury led by Danis Tanovic hailed the movie, which portrays the life of a determined woman in post-WWII Rome, as “audacious, cutting-edge, and courageous.” The Sydney Film Prize, one of the most lucrative awards at any festival, comes with a cash prize of A$60,000 ($39,600).
The announcement took place at the city’s State Theatre just before the Australian premiere of the Cannes success “The Substance,” starring Demi Moore.
In addition to the Sydney Film Prize, other notable awards were presented at the festival. James Bradley, a local filmmaker, received the A$20,000 ($13,200) Documentary Australia award for his film “Welcome to Babel,” which chronicles the aspirations of Chinese-Australian artist Jiawei Shen to create a monumental work of art.
The inaugural A$35,000 ($23,100) First Nations Award was bestowed upon New Zealand filmmaker Awanui Simich-Pene for his short film “First Horse,” which delves into the life of a young Māori girl in 1826, a pivotal moment in Aotearoa’s history.
U.S. filmmaker Alina Simone was honored with the A$40,000 ($26,400) Sustainable Future Award for her documentary “Black Snow,” which highlights the activism of a Siberian eco-warrior in a remote Russian mining town.
The festival also recognized excellence in short filmmaking, with prizes including the Dendy Awards for Australian Short Films. Notable winners included “Die Bully Die” for the A$7,000 ($4,620) Dendy Live Action Short Award and “Darwin Story” for the Yoram Gross Animation Award.
Individual awards were also presented, such as the AFTRS Craft Award, the Event Cinemas Rising Talent Award, and the Sydney-UNESCO City of Film Award, recognizing outstanding contributions to the film industry.
Frances Wallace, CEO of the festival, expressed pride in the event’s success, citing the overwhelming turnout of film enthusiasts and the showcasing of over 230 exceptional films from around the world.
Festival director Nashen Moodley hailed the diversity and quality of films showcased at the event, declaring it another triumph for the festival.
In related news, Jenny Neighbour, the festival’s head of programs and documentary programmer, announced her departure after 35 years with the organization. Moodley praised Neighbour’s contributions, acknowledging her role in the festival’s success and the exceptional quality of the 2024 edition.
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