The 68th BFI London Film Festival has announced its jury line-up for 2024, bringing together an impressive group of industry leaders to preside over the festival’s coveted awards. Leading the Official Competition jury this year is acclaimed documentary filmmaker Alexandre O. Philippe, whose work continues to influence the cinematic world. Philippe, celebrated for his insightful dissection of some of the most iconic moments in film history, recently took home the Venice Classics Lion Award for Best Documentary for his latest film, Chain Reactions, a tribute to the 50th anniversary of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre. His words reveal how deeply connected he feels to the BFI London Film Festival: “It feels like home to me.”
Philippe isn’t alone, as the Official Competition jury boasts the sharp eyes of Manori Ravindran, an award-winning film journalist, and Reinaldo Marcus Green, an American filmmaker known for his impactful work on films like King Richard. Together, this trio brings years of experience and insight to the festival’s selection process.
In another highlight, the First Feature Competition jury is led by rising British talent Dionne Edwards, whose directorial debut Pretty Red Dress was a hit in 2022. Edwards’ excitement about her role at the festival is palpable: “LFF is my home festival, where I debuted my first feature. I can’t wait to support this year’s cinematic visionaries.”
Not to be overshadowed, the prestigious Grierson Award for Best Documentary will be adjudicated by film curator June Givanni, whose long-standing career in Pan-African Cinema earned her a BAFTA Outstanding Contribution to British Cinema Award in 2024. Givanni is joined by prominent voices like Ella Glendining and Raul Niño Zambrano, adding further depth to the panel.
In the Short Film Competition, Chloe Abrahams takes the lead after her critically acclaimed debut feature, The Taste of Mango, which garnered awards at both the BFI London Film Festival and the British Independent Film Awards (BIFA). Her passion for short films shines through as she anticipates an exciting year ahead, saying, “I’ve always admired the inventiveness of short films, and I look forward to immersing myself in the program.”
Finally, the Audience Awards will return, allowing festival-goers to vote on their favorite films. These awards are always a highlight, offering audiences a voice in recognizing the best feature, documentary, and short films. Last year’s winners—Gassed Up (Best Feature), Festival of Slaps (Best British Work), and The Taste of Mango (Best Documentary)—set a high bar for this year’s contenders.
With such a dynamic roster of jurors, the 2024 BFI London Film Festival promises to be a celebration of creative, bold, and often provocative filmmaking. As Kristy Matheson, the festival director, summed up: “Each of our 2024 jury members are leading talents in their fields.” This year’s edition is shaping up to be one of the most exciting yet, where the world’s best cinematic storytelling will be on full display.
SOURCE: BFI
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