We were also delighted to hand out some special prizes this year:

BEST FILM OF THE FESTIVAL 2024
Winner
How to Build a Life
Directed by Matthew Reese, (Leeds, UK)

People’s Choice
After counting several hundred votes, the winner was BonBon Track in Cyprus, directed by Olkan Erguler. In second place was Alleged, directed by Joe Foster, and in third place was Rocket Girl, directed by Anna Cottrill.

Animation
Winner
Le Charade
Directed by Erika Totoro (USA)

Comedy
Winner
The Book of Love
Directed by Anderson J West (Stoke, UK)

Documentary
Winner
How to Build a Life
Directed by Matthew Reese, (Leeds, UK)

Experimental
Winner
The Flow of Shadows
Directed by Hing Tsang (Ipswich)

Green Planet
Winner
Sandcastle: The Secret Life of Potter Wasps
Directed by Roman Willi (Switzerland)

Homegrown
Winner
Ride The Line
Directed by Matthew Reese (Leeds, UK)

Horror/Suspense
Winner
Skulk
Directed by Max Ward (London)

Music Video
Winner
A Farewell on Time
Directed by Edgar Soberón (Spain)

Narrative Drama
Winner
The Sea
Directed by Ian Bartholomew (Cheshire)

Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Winner
Botching
Directed by Brian Williams (Ealing)

Smartphone
Winner
Message
Directed by Saeed Moltaji (Iran)

Student
Winner
Out Like a Lamb
Directed by Fern Jessop (UK)

VFX
Winner
Me & You
Directed by Haosong Xu (China)

Diversity and Inclusion Award:

• One For The Road – Sarah Leigh
• Teardrops From A Clown – Jack R H O Sullivan
• And a Special Award (at the Green Planet screening event) for Beavers in Paradise – Matt Brierley