2023 Winners
We were delighted to announce our winners at our red carpet event at Proud Embankment, London. After a fantastic four days of film screenings, the Discover Film Festival celebrated the best short films with entries from all around the world.
Here's who won our coveted prizes...
Winner 2023 - TONDEX 2000
In the 2000s, Jean-Baptiste Leonetti crafted 60+ award-winning ad films. In 2002, he won France 2 & Lutins du court-métrage honors for "Le Pays Des Ours." Amid advetising jobs, he made "Carré Blanc," lauded with Syndicat National de La Critique's Prize & TIFF selection. He later directed "Beyond The Reach" (2014) with Michael Douglas and in 2022, made “Tondex 2000” a short film he co-produced, wrote, and directed, starring Emilie Caen and Yann Bean.
Joint 2nd - SUICIDE CLUB
Antoine Delelis, a director of unique vision, weaves captivating tales. His sharp gaze crafts powerful dramas, taking you on emotional roller coasters and celebrating joy. He favors non-traditional actors and authentic locations. "SUICIDE CLUB" marks his 7th short film, with 4 picked up by France Télévisions.
Joint 2nd - MAI JEROUM
Jamaica's own Adjani is a maverick writer-director-actor who pens tales close to his heart. He's a keen observer, a people-watcher, and a spontaneous conversationalist, sidelining his architecture degree. Yet, in 2022, he seized the Breakthrough RTS and BAFTA Awards for his TV debut, "Dreaming Whilst Black."
Best Documentary - TRACKS
Maclovia Martel is an LA based, writer, song writer, documentarian. Trained at Otis College of Art she became an art major. Using all she encompassed through short films in school, Music and her Fine art background she began making documentaries and writing.
"A Girl From Mexico" wowed at Lincoln Center, while "Grow" (2018) celebrated community gardens. Her latest, "Mi Jardin," explores unexpected connections and the true essence of life.(Pictured John Morris, Associate Producer who accepted the award.)
Best Social Impact - HAROLD & MARY
Stephen Gallacher's path to filmmaking began at a young age shooting skateboarding videos with his friends. York St. John University ignited his creative fire, leading him to make low-budget short films.
Filmmaking has always been Stephen's unwavering aspiration, and every day he finds himself astounded to be part of the industry he holds dear. Hailing from a working-class northern family, he never anticipated reaching the heights he's attained. For Stephen, the ultimate dream is to direct films and TV series, marking the culmination of all he has tirelessly worked towards.
UK Student - REQUIEM
Emma, hailing from Liverpool, is a writer and director. She's an NFTS graduate and a Channel 4 Scholar. In 2019, her dance film "Crashing Waves" soared on the festival circuit, gracing Channel 4's "Random Acts." It earned an Iris Prize nomination, a Vimeo Staff pick, and a spot in #fivefilmsforfreedom by the British Arts Council and BFI Flare. Emma's brilliance earned her a Best Director nomination at Underwire. During her time at NFTS, Emma has experimented with genre such as: Musical, Comedy and Horror, and is interested in pursuing a further career in television and feature films.
International Student - RINOCERANTE
Tamas is a 21-year-old film student at Budapest Metropolitan University, mentored by Academy Award nominee and Golden Bear winner Ildikó Enyedi. Graduating soon, he is poised for an MA in film directing in Göteborg, Sweden, drawn by its cinematic heritage. Inspired by Roy Andersson, Andrei Tarkovsky, Pedro Costa, and Béla Tarr, Tamas specializes in "time sculpting," using time manipulation for emotional resonance and storytelling depth. Eager to expand boundaries in cinema, Tamas is excited for the journey ahead.