Málaga Film Festival 2023: Highlights and Award Winners
The Málaga Film Festival concluded its latest edition with an impressive array of awards presented to outstanding films and performers. Among the notable winners was Eva Libertad’s debut feature film, Deaf, which garnered four prestigious awards, including Best Picture, and acting awards for both Miriam Garlo and Álvaro Cervantes.
Overview of Top Winners
Deaf stands out not only as a significant competition piece but also as a development of Libertad’s earlier Goya-nominated short, co-directed with Nuria Muñoz. The film follows the journey of Angela, portrayed by Garlo, a pregnant deaf woman, alongside her hearing partner, Hector, played by Cervantes. The narrative delves into the complexities of motherhood and communication in a world that frequently overlooks the needs of the deaf community.
Other Noteworthy Competitors
Another prominent film in the competition was The Exiles, directed by acclaimed filmmaker Belén Funes. This feature received several accolades, including the Special Jury Prize, Best Director, and Best Original Screenplay. Set against the backdrop of Barcelona, the film explores the emotional turmoil of Anabel and her mother, Delia, as they navigate life after the loss of Anabel’s father.
Gemma Blasco’s thriller debut, Fury, which premiered at SXSW, also made significant waves, winning awards for Best Actress, Supporting Actor, and Editing. The film’s protagonist struggles with her past trauma, channeling her pain into a powerful stage performance.
In the realm of Latin American cinema, The Dog Thief by Vinko Tomičić took home the award for Best Latin American Feature. The narrative follows Martín, an orphaned shoe-shiner, on a quest to find familial connection with a local tailor, played by the renowned Alfredo Castro.
Full List of Awards
Main Competition Winners
- Golden Biznaga, Best Spanish Picture: Deaf by Eva Libertad
- Golden Biznaga, Best Latin American Picture: The Dog Thief by Vinko Tomičić
- Silver Biznaga, Special Jury Prize: The Exiles by Belén Funes
- Silver Biznaga, Best Director: Belén Funes for The Exiles
- Silver Biznaga, Best Actor: Álvaro Cervantes for Deaf, Mario Casas for Away
- Silver Biznaga, Best Actress: Ex aequo winners Ángela Cervantes for Fury and Miriam Garlo for Deaf
- Silver Biznaga, Audience Award: Deaf by Eva Libertad
Zonazine Awards
- Silver Biznaga, Best Spanish Picture: Esmorza amb mi by Iván Morales
- Silver Biznaga, Best Ibero-American Picture: Olivia y las nubes by Tomás Pichardo
- Silver Biznaga, Audience Award: Esmorza amb mi by Iván Morales
Documentary Awards
- Silver Biznaga, Best Documentary Feature: Ajuste de Pérdidas by Miguel Calderón
- Silver Biznaga, Best Documentary Direction: Paolo Tizón for Vino la noche
The Málaga Film Festival continues to shine as a platform for innovative storytelling and diverse voices in cinema, highlighting both established and emerging talents in the industry.