TLVfest winners 2024
International Narrative Competition
Winner:
It is an original and brave feature debut, full of love and compassion, that gives a center place to characters from the fringes of society, and presents them with grace and tenderness. Engaging cinematic expression, sensitively using color, the open landscapes, and iconic images from American culture, turns this work into a powerful cinematic experience.
Honorable Mention:
An outstanding artistic achievement.
Without a single word of dialogue, and with meticulous framing and breath-taking mise-en-scènes, the director creates a rich and unforgettable world. With its delicate humor, “Gondola” is a moving and inspiring tribute to the art of cinema.
International Documentary Competition
Winner:
The debut film by Victoria Verseau is an especially intelligent and impressive creation that, with a beautiful and determined cinematic language, examines the complex and melancholic layers of reality surrounding the psychological and physical toll that trans women pay to fulfill their dreams. Shot mostly in a humid and oppressive location in Thailand, the director uncompromisingly reveals her own painful personal story. Along with the other wonderful protagonists in the film, they present different and courageous perspectives on the approach to documentation and its significance.
Honorable Mention:
A cinematic journey into the darkest places of the most LGBTQ-proud city in the Middle East.
Director Yolande Zauberman highlights the contrast between the safe world of a trans woman who managed to pave her way to success, and the darkness that most trans women, especially Arab trans women, face in this country. She creates a touching, authentic, and unsettling film that raises many questions, featuring brave and bold characters who fight day and night for who and what they are. The close-up shots and rough camera movements bring us one step closer to feeling and empathizing, representing the complexities and challenges these characters face.
International Short Films Competition
Winner:
A stunning and poetic film that depicts an unconventional relationship between two characters in a hostile world. The breathtaking cinematography and richly constructed setting showcase a mature and personal directorial style, leaving the film with a unique and unforgettable mark.
Honorable Mention:
Set in a vibrant, comedic, and youthful world, director’s remarkable dedication immerses the viewer in the film. Through brilliant casting and an authentic blend of humor and emotion it delivers a rich and captivating experience.
Israeli Short Films Competition
Winner:
A fresh, authentic, and relatable film.
It makes you laugh, feel, and keeps you on the edge of your seat. 19 minutes of an extremely refined cinematic composition that feels like a feature film, without a single boring second. With modern elements, surprising dialogues, and two actors who portray the relationship between Tamir and Gilad realistically.
Roee Mashiach should start working on his first full-length feature as soon as possible. We’re certain it will be fantastic.
Honorable Mention:
It was impossible to choose between these two films – they are simply too good. In different ways, they each convey the Israeli reality in times of war: calm, without pathos, and in an indescribably incidental yet profoundly moving manner.
Both films are truly an absolute cinematic experience .
The film keeps you oscillating between laughter and tears with its refreshing dialogue and emotional depth.
The film sweeps you along like a wave from the very first minute, inviting you to fully surrender to your own emotions. As a viewer, you dance through the film alongside the protagonists.
Youth Competition
Winner:
The film sets new and high standards for a production made by teens. Exceptional cinematic and musical choices. Well written script and impressive acting by Dorian Zfadia
