The Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF) recently announced their 2024 Award winners, and among them was Matthew Rankin, the director of Universal Language. Rankin’s film took home the prestigious Bright Horizons Award, which was presented by VicScreen and came with a prize of $140,000AUSD. The Canadian surreal comedy-drama is set in a unique location, described as being “somewhere between Tehran and Winnipeg,” and weaves together three distinct storylines. Not only did Rankin direct the film, but he also took on a co-starring role in the production.
The MIFF jury awarded over $250,000AUD in prize money across five different categories during the ceremony. MIFF Artistic Director, Al Cossar, expressed his excitement over this year’s awards and the overall success of the festival season. He highlighted the enthusiasm and passion shown by Melbourne audiences towards the program, which featured over 280 films. Cossar mentioned how audiences embraced new Australian filmmaking, discovered cinematic highlights, explored film history, and engaged with attending guests and artists throughout the festival. He emphasized the unique connection that forms between films and viewers at MIFF and celebrated the special moments that define the festival experience.
Cossar also mentioned the importance of recognizing and nurturing talent within the film industry. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to showcase exceptional films and filmmakers at MIFF, acknowledging the festival’s role in supporting and elevating emerging talents. Minister for Creative Industries Colin Brooks praised MIFF’s Bright Horizons Award as one of the world’s most significant film prizes. He highlighted the award’s global impact on both the winner and the festival itself, emphasizing the government’s commitment to supporting Victoria’s thriving screen industry.
One of the standout awardees was Jaydon Martin, who received the Blackmagic Design Australian Innovation Award for his film Flathead. Martin’s unique approach to blending documentary and fictional elements in his filmmaking earned him the $70,000AUD prize. The award specifically recognized Martin’s directing skills and his contribution to Australian cinema through his work on Flathead, which was featured during the festival.
The Melbourne International Film Festival’s 2024 Award ceremony celebrated the outstanding talent and creativity present in the film industry. The recognition of filmmakers like Matthew Rankin and Jaydon Martin highlights the diverse and innovative storytelling approaches being explored in cinema today. As MIFF continues to support and showcase emerging talents, the future of Australian and international filmmaking looks promising and full of exciting possibilities.