KIIFF Team
Sep 10, 2023
3rd Kurdistan International Independent Film Festival Winner - 2023
Best of Fest
“GIUSEPPE SCHETTINO”
Film: Wolf + Lamb
Country of Origin: Italy
Overview
Wolf + Lamb (Lupo + Agnello) is above all a "coming-of-age novel", based on the immortal and homonymous fable of Aesop. It is the story of the relationship Luca (Ladislao Liverani), Thomas (James Ferrara) and Elisa (Virginia Diop) entertain one another and behaviors such as bullying and the search for identity. Unbeknownst to them, are guided by a mysterious professor (Lino Guanciale) anthropology, and his blonde assistant, in this "Bildungsjourney" between ancient masks, religious festivals and archaic rituals that will inevitably lead our protagonists to confront each other and understand that wearing a mask is not enough to be what you want to be, but above all, every choice has consequences and responsibilities. With an unexpected ending and absolutely open to any further development.
Best Feature Film Winner
“DOG’S WALK IN CIRCLE”
Director: Nicolas Di Cocco
Country of Origin: Argentina
Overview
Ricardo Darring is a moderately successful theatre director/actor. He staged some memorable plays a long time ago. Lack of the ideas for his writings and debts lead Ricardo to accept a proposal from a childhood friend, now mayor of his hometown Jorge Salcedo. On the occasion of the reopening of the Municipal Theater, Ricardo revives with the original cast the play that 30 years ago boosted his fame but forced him to leave his fellow cast member behind. Ricardo begins his journey back to his hometown full of doubts. He looks for the original cast and tries to convince them to participate in the play once again. He invites first Marcelo, his good friend from the past, and Clara, his youth love. Marcelo has a relationship of intense enmity with Salcedo. Ricardo decides to hide from them the real reason to participate in the play again and lies to convince him. Clara is torn between a relationship with Marcelo and the curiosity of discovering her first passion again. Ricardo has to recover the rest of the cast: marginals, alcoholics or simply lost in everyday life. The rehearsals go on and the play seems to have more and more things in common with real life. When it is revealed that Salcedo is sponsoring the event, Marcelo discovers Ricardo as a liar and a traitor. Ricardo faces the greatest dilemma, to repeat the betrayal of the past or to redeem himself in anonymity.
Best Feature Documentary Winner
“SHOVELING PIXIE DUST: A MEMOIR”
Director: Tim Landry
Country of Origin: United States
Overview
From producing an audacious short film, to becoming a Hollywood refugee, to building a Magic Kingdom, follow Tim's adventures and struggles as he deals with the challenges of making magic. Enjoy a heartfelt memoir about the making of a Disney Imagineer, covering the entire working career of artist Tim Landry, from film school through to retirement.
Best Short Film Winner
“TRIANGLE”
Director: Péter Engelmann
Country of Origin: United Kingdom, Hungary
Overview
Triangle, the graduation film of Peter Engelmann from the Arts University Bournemouth, is a sci-fi pseudo-docu drama exploring the dark realms of the human mind. The story follows three strangers who - based on a 1997's psychological experiment on the bonds of friendship - are about to become friends for life, separated only by 36 questions...
Premiered internationally at the Oscar Qualifying Indy Shorts International Short Film Festival in the US, shortlisted for the 2021 BAFTA Student Awards, received a Royal Television Society Award and qualified for the 2022 BIFA and the 2023 BAFTA.
Best Short Documentary Winner
“INK AND GOLD: AN ARTIST'S JOURNEY TO OLYMPIC GLORY”
Director: Zakea Page
Country of Origin: New Zealand.
Overview
A young New Zealand artist and athlete wins the 2020 Youth Olympic Games medal design competition and fulfills a lifelong dream to perform at the opening ceremonies.
Best Short Animation Winner
“A GUERRA FINITA”
Director: Simone Massi
Country of Origin: Italy
Overview
A world without war is another utopia that we cannot wait any longer.
Best Feature Screenplay Winner
“SECOND CHANCES”
Writer: Gina L Falke
Country of Origin: United States
Overview
The hustle and bustle of New York City, the Big Apple. In an old run-down warehouse, Mark realizes something isn't right. He awakens in darkness and ponders as to where he is, and why? Mark wants to be reunited with his family, but will learn that that is not as easy as it seems. With the help of his friend Paul, he will have to travel through the streets of New York City to find his way home. Along the way Mark will learn a valuable less on in life, appreciating what you have while it's there.
Best Short Script Winner
“VAN GIRL_S”
Writer: Francesco Piotti
Country of Origin: Italy
Overview
Katy is a wannabe successful youtuber living in a Van. She remains without internet and her van is brocken in the middle of nowhere. There she meets another girl living in Van because she lost her house. The meeting between these two solitudes is gonna change their goals and attitudes.
Best Director Winner
“NICOLAS DI COCCO”
Film: Dog’s Walk in circle
Country of Origin: Argentina
Best Leading Actor Winner
“DANIEL DI COCCO”
Film: Dog’s Walk in circle
Country of Origin: Argentina
Best Leading Actress Winner
“NIKKI FLINN”
Film: Punched After The Fact
Country of Origin: United States
Best Supporting Actor Winner
“GLEB MATVEYCHUK”
Film: The Hotel
Country of Origin: Russian Federation
Best Supporting Actress Winner
“MOLI HALL”
Film: Greek Fire - Demon Spirit
Country of Origin: United States
Best DOP Winner
“ALEXANDER NOSOVSKIY”
Film: The Hotel
Country of Origin: Russian Federation
Best Editor Winner
“MARCO SIGNORETTI”
Film: Wolf + Lamb
Country of Origin: Italy
Best Original Score Winner
“TIM GORMAN, WILL KEATING”
Film: The Moon Followed Me To Falmouth
Country of Origin: United States
Best Sound Winner
“LEFTERIS DOUROS”
Film: It's Just Business
Country of Origin: Greece
Best Costume Designer Winner
“PIERRE JEAN LARROQUE”
Film: Torn Souls (Les Mains Vides)
Country of Origin: France
Honorable Mention Winner
“JIYAN DÜYÜ”
Film: Birds fly back
Country of Origin: Turkey