The Luna Collective 2023 Digital Film Festival Winners
With the curtains closing on our fourth annual digital film festival, we're delighted to celebrate the incredible cinematic talent we had the pleasure of sorting through. This year's festival, made possible through the generous support of our partners at Peerspace, has been such a treat for us to watch so many different realms of digital storytelling.
We are so grateful to be able to partner with Peerspace to provide support for our winners this year. Their dedication to providing unique and inspiring spaces for creators mirrors our passion for showcasing cutting-edge talent in the digital film industry.
After an awe-inspiring lineup of films, the judging process was nothing short of exhilarating. We are excited to share our winners below and highlight their story as a filmmaker.
FURRIE by Lucie Grannec
Animation Winner
Honorable Mentions: Travel Bug by Elie Haf Walters, Escapism by Elena Goldman-Rapaport
FURRIE is a fascinating exploration of the Furry community, a subculture where love and passion take on a unique form. French director and visual artist Lucie Grannec delves into this intriguing world, presenting a series of striking portraits of its members. From a dolphin in an unconventional relationship with inflatable animals to a fox head over heels for a cereal mascot, the film unravels the quirks and passions of those who embrace anthropomorphic animals as more than just a hobby.
Grannec's keen eye and artistic sensibilities shine through as she navigates the colorful and complex realm of Furries, offering an engaging and thought-provoking glimpse into their lives. FURRIE promises to be an eye-opening and visually captivating journey into a subculture that defies convention and invites you to reconsider the boundaries of love and obsession.
“I am honored to have won the animation category at The Luna Collective Film Festival with such a weird film. I’ve tried my best to give a brief glimpse of the vibrant spirit of the furry community, a group often overlooked and marginalized in society, yet undeniably iconic and ever-present on the internet. So thanks to all the furries for being an inspiration, and to The Luna Collective for recognizing them.” - Lucie Grannec
No Keepsakes by Makayla Camille
BIPOC/POC Winner
Honorable Mentions:the way she fell apart by Jay Najeeah, Sol Supernova by Kimberly Mendiola and Alyssa Rodriguez
No Keepsakes delves into the disoriented world of a young woman as she navigates the aftermath of a life-altering breakup. Director Makayla Camille, a visionary artist born in Harvey, Illinois, discovered her passion for cameras at a young age.
Makayla's distinctive eye and unique perspective, combined with her background in Studio Art and Film Studies, shine through in this poignant film. Her work as a Queer Black artist in New York highlights the beauty and profound stories found in the minutiae of life, beautifully captured in this compelling narrative.
"It truly is so amazing to win this category. As a Queer POC filmmaker it was an honor to bring this story to life. Love always and many of thanks to the cast and crew. I am nothing without them.” - Makayla Camille
#backtonature by Sonja Aufreiter
Comedy Winner
Honorable Mentions: Let’s End The Night Here by Jo Gaffney, What’s Your Sign? by Cameron Adams
Prepare for an uproarious journey in #backtonature, where influencer Clemens, renowned for his stainless steel pots, is about to tackle the ultimate challenge - surviving 72 hours in the wilderness. This city slicker believes he's got this adventure in the bag, but he's in for a wild awakening.
Directed by the talented Sonja Aufreiter, a young and vibrant Austrian filmmaker, the film serves up a hilarious take on modern society's obsession with social media. As the story unfolds through sharp humor, it cleverly delves into the seemingly ordinary aspects of our online lives, revealing just how superficial things can get. #backtonature is an entertaining rollercoaster reminding us of those quirky friends who occasionally share more with our adventurous protagonist, Clemens, than they'd like to admit.
“Winning the comedy category with #backtonature makes me very happy and proud of the whole team which worked really hard to create this shortfilm! It is a delightful reminder that highlighting the funny side of modern life resonates with people all over the world and can serve as a way of connection between the distant world of screens algorithms and social media.” - Sonja Aufreiter
SHRED by Giovanna Trujillo
Documentary Winner
Honorable Mentions: Confessions of a Childfree Woman by Paula Kuzmickaite, Of The Heart by Alicia Soller
SHRED is an unflinching look at the lives of queer Latinx skaters in Southern California as they navigate the challenging waters of mental health and societal expectations. Filmmaker Giovanna Trujillo, a bilingual Queer Mexican-American artist, delves into the vibrant and eclectic world of these skaters, offering a unique perspective on their journey.
The documentary brings to the forefront the resilience, chosen families, and empowerment found within the local skate community. Giovanna's storytelling illuminates the struggles and triumphs of this often-overlooked group, offering a fresh and empathetic narrative that resonates with audiences, urging us to understand and embrace the diversity and courage of those we may not fully know.
“I want to thank The Luna Collective for this award. It is an honor to win the best documentary category and to have more people see the beautiful people who were involved in SHRED. I hope new audiences can learn about empathy, community and self discovery, through the wonderful stories of Kate, Daze and Hazel.“- Giovanna Trujillo
Eat That Up, It’s Good For You by Camila Noriega
Drama Winner
Honorable Mentions: It’s hard to waiT by Tetiana Chorna,
Eat That Up, It's Good For You is a captivating cinematic creation that delves deep into the soul of Flora, a talented yet insecure twenty-year-old. As she readies herself for a job interview at her beloved magazine, she becomes engulfed in a tempest of anxieties, compelling her to confront her past as a means to move forward.
This emotionally charged journey is brought to life by the multifaceted visual artist and director, Camila Noriega. Hailing from Colombia and refined in the cinematic landscapes of Los Angeles, Noriega possesses a unique talent for crafting highly stylized films and music videos that harmonize dreamy, colorful imagery with profound themes. Armed with a bachelor's degree in screenwriting, Noriega's directorial prowess shines through in this powerful narrative.
Eat That Up, It's Good For You is more than just a film; it's a mesmerizing visual experience. Noriega's ability to blend vibrant aesthetics with poignant storytelling cements her as a promising figure in the realm of cinema.
“I feel so honored and thankful for 'Eat That Up, It's Good For You' to win in this category! This is the first film I've allowed myself to complete and put out into the world. Given the film's message, it feels very cathartic for it to be receiving such a great response. I hope that other artists, or anyone who's been made to doubt themselves over something they love, feel seen and are reminded that the most important person's opinion is our own.” - Camila Noriega
Salt Water Sympathy by Dhara Wright
8mm/16mm Winner
Honorable Mentions:Ahar? Bizarre! by Oliver Gordon, Vercors by Berlendis Sébastien
Salt Water Sympathy is a heartwarming underwater journey starring Mr. Lobster, who embarks on a touching mission to reunite with an old friend. This enchanting creation, part of the Straight 8 2023 challenge, was crafted by a dedicated team of seven. Shot entirely on a single roll of Super 8 film without any edits, the film's evocative score was composed without seeing the footage. In just four intense weeks, from concept to delivery, the team conjured this magical tale. Three months of suspenseful waiting followed, during which director Dhara could only hope the camera had captured her vision. Her pride was well-founded, as the film brought her imagination to life, from detailed costumes and props to the Super 8's exceptional quality.
Beneath the whimsy and dark comedy, Salt Water Symphony masterfully combines sentiment, loss, and nostalgia, giving life to captivating fictional children's characters. Dhara's skillful blend of realism and fantasy is on full display, this time personifying crustaceans in vests. As a Canadian filmmaker based in London, Dhara continues her signature style in her third short film, following the success of her previous award-winning works. With a talent for practical effects, dark humor, and whimsical characters, Dhara's work is nothing short of magical.
‘Absolutely delighted to have received this award! This is especially exciting as this movie marks my first project shot on film. Working with Super 8 is such a gamble, you never know how it’s going to turn out. I can’t wait to carry on with my analogue journey!” - Dhara Wright
