The 2nd edition of The Northern Lights - Fantastic Film Festival has come to a close, full of gratitude to all the filmmakers that participated in our fantastic program!
The festival had a great number of film submissions from 33 countries from all over the world and the selection committee chose 47 films to be screened and compete. The award for the Best Fantastic Short is 1000 EUR and 1 million ISK in equipment rental from KUKL, Iceland's premier film equipment rental house.
Our fantastic jury, director Bragi Þór Hinriksson, artist & director Helena Stefáns Magneudóttir and writer Gunnar Theodór Eggertsson had a tough job on their hands due to the fantastic variety and standards of the selection. In the end, the jury came to the unanimous decision of the winning film and decided to give a Special Mention to one film.
Last Cigarette by Dario Alfredo Caamanxxo I Japan / Argentina
Every aspect of this simple, yet beautiful film is seamlessly well executed – from the way it is shot,
edited and graded, to its engrossing soundscape and refined use of special effects. Its subtle manner of storytelling showcases human emotions and existential dilemmas, including philosophical musings on the futility of life and death.
Overall, the film shows a succinct and effective use of the short film format, bringing together various themes regarding the collective human experience, ranging from life under the pandemic lockdown, apocalyptic anxiety, the fear of a wasted life, and, last but not least, of love and friendship. All of this is presented within the speculative setting of a disaster of planetary proportions, told at a decisively human scale.
Last Cigarette is a thought- provoking, deep, and engrossing piece of cinema that has stuck in this jury’s mind for long after, and rewards multiple viewings.
Paula Says Hi by James C. Thompson I United Kingdom
The jury was particularly taken with this sincere and touching documentary about the disabled
cross-dressing cosplayer Paula, a beautiful study of the importance of fantasy as a counterbalance to real life. It is a moving piece of filmmaking, well shot, edited and constructed, and gives the audience an insight into a special world, through the lens of a unique personality.
Director James C Thompson’s modest and generous approach to his subject is admirable, as Paul/Paula are allowed to present their story in a highly personal manner. Regardless, the director’s personal touch is also present, such as when he allows Paul and Paula to share the screen in a memorable scene.
Overall, Paula Says Hi works to showcase the progressive and inclusive aspects of SFF fandom and to remind viewers that the essence of fantasy is escapism in the most positive sense of the word.
Congratulations to these fantastic winners and a thank you to all the fantastic filmmakers that participated in the 2024 edition of the Northern Lights - Fantastic Film Festival! You make us Fantastic!