All photos by Karen Lundquist
Greetings from the grandeur of the Bibliotek Live! Yesterday, the Stockholm International Film Festival 2023 unfolded with an air of sophistication and prestige. The luminous gala showcased an array of cinematic brilliance, and we’re thrilled to present the distinguished winners who took the stage by storm.
Best Film: “The Settlers” by Felipe Gálvez Haberle In a remarkable triumph, Chilean maestro Felipe Gálvez’s brutal western, “The Settlers,” clinched the coveted Best Film award. The film delves into the annals of Chilean colonization and the unsettling ethnic cleansing of the Mapuche people, leaving an indelible mark on the audience.
Best Director and Best Debut: Molly Manning Walker for “How to Have Sex” British rising star Molly Manning Walker secured a double victory, receiving accolades for both Best Director and Best Debut. Her film, “How to Have Sex,” artfully navigates the nuanced terrain of sexual consent, showcasing her exceptional directorial prowess.
Best Cinematography: Nikolai Zheludovich for “Grace” Russian virtuoso Nikolai Zheludovich’s visual poetry in “Grace” earned him the Best Cinematography award. The film’s mesmerizing visual language left an indelible imprint on the jury, capturing the essence of cinematic excellence.
Best Screenplay: Kamal Lazraq for “Hounds” Moroccan director Kamal Lazraq took home the Best Screenplay award for his heart-pounding action-thriller, “Hounds.” The intricate narrative and gripping storytelling set Lazraq’s work apart in a stellar competition.
Best Actor and Actress: Kuan Alvarenga and Maeve Jinkins for “Toll” The Brazilian drama “Toll” saw exceptional performances by Kuan Alvarenga and Maeve Jinkins, earning them the titles of Best Actor and Best Actress, respectively. Their brilliance on screen illuminated the festival, leaving an enduring impact.
Honorable Mention: Tina Satter for “Reality” Tina Satter’s contribution to the hybrid drama “Reality” did not go unnoticed, as she received an honorable mention for her outstanding work. Her creative finesse added an extra layer of depth to the festival’s cinematic tapestry.
The esteemed jury, in justifying the selection of “The Settlers” as the Best Film, expressed, “This film is a cinematic tour de force, a powerful account of colonialism and the corrupting mechanisms of power that is as uncomfortable and fascinating as it is intellectually stimulating…”
In addition to these notable achievements, the festival bestowed other accolades, including:
Best Documentary: “The Eternal Memory” by Maite Alberdi Chilean director Maite Alberdi was recognized for her compelling documentary, “The Eternal Memory,” capturing the essence of real-life narratives with finesse.
FIPRESCI Best Film: “Monster” by Hirokazu Kore-eda Hirokazu Kore-eda’s “Monster” earned acclaim from the International Film Critics Jury, securing the prestigious FIPRESCI Best Film award.
SkyShowtime Rising Star Award 2023: Hanna Ardéhn Actress Hanna Ardéhn, renowned for her recent role in the TV series “Leva Life,” was crowned the SkyShowtime Rising Star of 2023.
The festival also celebrated exceptional talent in various categories, including the Nikon Short Film Competition and the 1KM FILM Scholarship. A special mention goes to directors Catherine Breillat, Ethan Hawke, and Ken Loach for their outstanding contributions, each receiving well-deserved accolades.
As the curtains close on the Stockholm International Film Festival 2023, we bask in the glow of these cinematic triumphs, eagerly anticipating the next chapter in the world of international cinema. Until then, may the reel continue to spin, and may the magic of storytelling captivate audiences around the globe!
