Festival news
After five days of films, talks, films, Q&As, new people, new friends, new experiences, new perspectives... our wonderful jurors had some tough decisions to make. And through fruitful discussions, they did. On closing night they revealed their choices, and we are happy to share them, here accompanied by the full jury statements. Thank you to our jurors, congratulations to all the winners - and to echo what one of the jurors said on stage: Everyone with a film in the program is a winner. And so is everyone who did not make it into the program.
FEATURE FILM AWARD
The Jury Award goes to a film that we hope will inspire young audiences all over the world, showing that the journey of self-discovery still isn’t an easy one. Our first kiss, accepting ourselves and being accepted should be an universal right, regardless of gender or sexuality. This movie with its two young gifted actors made us cry and laugh.
The 34th Oslo/Fusion Jury Award for Feature Film goes to: YOUNG HEARTS, written and directed by Anthony Schatteman._____
Honorable Mention went to SEBASTIAN, written and directed by Mikko Mäkelä:
The visibility of the queer character has fortunately changed a lot in the past ten years. We have watched many films from different parts of the world, with stories that really touched our souls.
Our choice wasn’t an easy one, so we decided to give an honorable mention to a film that breaks stereotypes and shows us new ways of getting inspired to write a book in a strong portrait of a sex worker.
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DOCUMENTARY AWARD
This vibrant, fast-paced trans-led film captures the explosive energy of a Brazilian culture and offers an insider's view of Rio de Janeiro’s inspiring DIY scene. With a dynamic soundtrack and theatrical storytelling, it skillfully highlights the creativity and resilience of trans and queer BIPOC artists. We were particularly struck by how the film humanizes its cast rather than objectifying them as the society-at-large does.
A film that sheds light on the racial and gender violence that these artists navigate beyond the dance floor, whilst also highlighting the ingenuity, resourcefulness and importance of non-nuclear chosen families.
We are delighted to announce that the 34th Oslo/Fusion Jury Award for Feature Film goes to: THIS IS BALLROOM, directed by queer Brazilian artists Juru and Vitã.
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Honorable Mentions went to:
IF I DIE, IT'LL BE OF JOY, directed by Alexis Taillant:
A film that thoughtfully explores the complex relationships between desire, aging, sexuality and confronting an ageist society that pushes the elderly into invisibility.
With care and attention, the director and the documentary subjects shed light on the neglected desires and struggles of those often forgotten, asking us all to contemplate ways we can be in better community with our LGBTQIA+ elders and ourselves.
and
NARROW PATH TO HAPPINESS, directed by Kata Oláh:
In a story we rarely get to see, a gay Romani couple tells their love story whilst also navigating the very real obstacles of societal ostracisation and familial estrangement. We were impressed by the director’s DIY approach, working together with her family as a production team blending raw biographic elements and highlighting the couple's hope and resilience in overcoming the challenges they face in Hungary's oppressive anti-LGBTQ+ political climate.
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SHORT FILM AWARD
This film moved us in more ways than one.
In just 15 minutes we are taken on an intense journey that sheds a spotlight on the hypocrisy of how a state that uses pink washing as a false front, conducts the opposite behind the scenes. And how this necessitates the need to build an inclusive space for the queer community. And lastly, how two parents inhabit an integrity much needed on the international platform today.
The 34th Oslo/Fusion Jury Award for Short Film goes to: BLOOD LIKE WATER, written and directed by Dima Hamdan
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Honorable Mention went to VOLLÚPYA, written and directed by Éri Sarmet and Jocimar Dias Jr.:
This film touched us because it reminds us how the queer community fought as a group, decades before we did. Trans, dykes, faggots, all together created safe places where cultures, dance and politics were intertwined. It’s an important reminder that our rights and our spaces should not be taken for granted.
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YOUTH FILM AWARD
A new Moulin Rouge ala pop-culture, trash and diva glamor makes a big impression on the jury as the director's debut feature film. The film celebrates queer culture and music and follows us through several decades where self-realization and the search for identity intensifies for the main characters as well as the narrator.
It's a nostalgic journey with great emotions. An epic love drama that touches on both gender and sexuality. Our prize goes to a film that is crazy queer, that tries to be a cult film and succeeds!
This year's Youth Film Award goes to QUEENS OF DRAMA, directed by Alexis Langlois
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AGAIN, CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL!
WE LOVE OUR GLOBAL QUEER COMMUNITY, AND CAN'T WAIT TO SEE THE STORIES YOU WILL BRING US IN THE FUTURE!
*WE OPEN OUR 2025 CALL FOR ENTRIES ON JANUARY 1, 2025*