"For its imaginative non-linear narrative and formal experimentation, the AQCC jury would like to present the Camera Lucida award to KOKO-DI KOKO-DA, an invented folklore of live action and shadow-play which takes its characters on a nightmarish journey of emotional healing."

"Kirill Sokolov breathes new life into seemingly familiar material, offering up a sharp, witty, and twisted black comedy. This splatterpunk feature debut goes beyond the subgenre's framework to blend elements of classic Noir cinema, Western visual tropes, and cinematography reminiscent of Bruno Delbonel's work on Amélie. This small team has put together an expertly-crafted film that defies expectations at every turn, which is why we are awarding WHY WON'T YOU JUST DIE! the New Flesh Award for Best First Feature."

"A lost ring, a set of anonymous sex x-rays, spontaneous sinkholes, a relationship that ends because of a precarious flight of stairs... all of it converging to form a charming parable about life. It's existential and adorable. It's fanciful and funny. It's narrated by a catfish. It signals the arrival of a very talented director, whose work I'm going to be following closely. Ok-seop Yi is a filmmaker with a very distinct voice."

"Beautifully written. Beautifully acted. Masterfully directed, ANOTHER CHILD is about two families who are struggling through an unexpected pregnancy that threatens to break their homes apart. This small foetus struggling to stay alive becomes a symbol of destruction, futility, and, of course, hope. It focuses on the women of the story, two mothers and two daughters, and beautifully balances conflict and empathy. It's the kind of movie that will have you laughing out loud in one scene and crying like a baby in the next."

"From start to finish, IDOL is an incredibly well-made film. We were struck by the great screenplay, performances, and directing."

"With minimal use of dialogue and action, Carlo Mirabella-Davis develops complex characters and their deteriorating relationships as a woman develops an eating disorder, used as a metaphor and an escape from her patriarchal relationship and a secret past."

"The film is a beautiful and dark tale about loss, grief, and fatherhood, resting entirely on the shoulders of an amazing upcoming young actress."

"For its magical realism and surprising storytelling, the Satoshi Kon Jury would like to grant the award for best animated feature film to the Japanese film RIDE YOUR WAVE. This seamless hybrid of 2D and 3D lively animation, with pastoral scenery and water as its main character, will take you on an emotional ride."

"The Satoshi Kon Jury would like to give a special mention to the feature film HUMAN LOST. With its strong worldbuilding and a gritty vibe reminiscent of 90s anime, this nihilistic film will make you reflect on how far science can go before stripping down your humanity."

"Best described as an ominous Inuit Godzilla, this short film will keep you on the edge of your seat even during its quietest moments. The Satoshi Kon Jury would like to give a special mention to the Canadian film GIANT BEAR."

"We, as the Action! Jury, would like to give the award for outstanding action movie to Kan Eguchi's THE FABLE. Juni'ich Okada and cast create a wonderfully refreshing take on classic Japanese assassin films. THE FABLE is a perfect merger of powerful action and endearing Japanese humour."

"We would like to give an honourable mention to MASTER Z :IP MAN LEGACY, for its hard-hitting action and homages to classic Hong Kong cinema."

"Director/Screenwriter Kit Zauhar crafts a chamber piece in THE TERRESTRIALS that takes a close look at the intersection of sex and technology and how there's still the hope of finding connection in an increasingly digital world."

"A major calling card for director Erica Scoggins. THE BOOGEYWOMAN is intricate and emotional with terrific performances and sharp direction. Our unanimous top choice for Best Short Film."

"IN SOUND, WE LIVE FOREVER is a film that unanimously won over the jury for its inventive take on classic horror tropes with its use of sound and slow-burn story reveals. A slasher like you've never seen, Joshua Guiliano's unique use of framing reveals that untraditional perspective and imagination can take horror to new heights."