A collaboration between Portugal and Croatia earned Portuguese director Mário Macedo the top prize at the 32nd edition of the Curtas de Vila do Conde festival, which concluded this Saturday.
His film, "Así es como te quiero" (originally titled "Tako te volim"), was filmed in Croatia and features an entirely Croatian cast. This 18-minute short film tells the poignant story of a boy who learns a harsh lesson during a summer spent at his grandparents’ home in the countryside.
The jury praised the film, noting that it skillfully explores a world where tenderness and cruelty can coexist. They described it as a film that thoughtfully immerses viewers in the boy’s experience and builds tension throughout the narrative. The jury emphasized that the film allows us to reflect on growth and how love manifests, calling it a playful work that resonates deeply with audiences.
Among other awards at the festival, Nathan Ghali’s "Les animaux vont mieux" from France won for Best Animated Short. Nate Lavey’s "Very Gentle Work" from the U.S. was recognized as the Best Documentary, while Marcela Heilbron’s "Pandarilo" from Panama took home the award for Best Fiction. In the National Short Film Competition, the main prize went to Rita M. Pestana’s "Rinha."
Image from ‘Very Gentle Work’ – Nate Lavey
The festival showcased a variety of talents, highlighting the importance of storytelling through diverse cinematic lenses.
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