Basil da Cunha's film was awarded the best short film of 2024 in a vote by members of the Short Film Conference.
The short film "2720" (2023, Portugal/Switzerland, FIC/DOC, 25') from Portuguese filmmaker Basil da Cunha has won the Short Of The Year, the annual award conferred by members of the Short Film Conference. The Short Film Conference has been in existence since 1970 as a non-profit association and the only international organization seeking to unite the global short film community.
A film which blurs the lines between documentary and fiction, the film follows Jyzone who has just been released from prison. He has found a new job, but the people he meets on the way to work risk making him late for his first day. Through a choreographic and poetic portrait outlined by skilful camera work, the filmmaker explores the violent neighbourhood of Reboleira in Lisbon, with the participation of its inhabitants.
The film has already struck a chord with short film audiences from across the globe, winning the Audience Award and Best Portuguese Director at Curtas Vila do Conde, the 2023 FIPRESCI Prize at Oberhausen, Best Swiss Film 2023 at Internationale Kurzfilmtage Winterthur. The film also garnered a nomination for Best Short at the 2024 European Film Awards. Other festivals the film has screened at include Clermont-Ferrand, Leuven and Vienna.
The Short Of The Year was voted for by the more than 100 members of the Short Film Conference representing over 40 countries from all over the globe, made up of institutions, distributors, festivals, film markets, media outlets, VOD platforms & agencies are welcome to join the network. The award was announced at an event on Tuesday organised as part of the Short Film Conference’s annual series of talks and networking events held during the Clermont-Ferrand International Short Film Festival.
On winning the award, Basil da Cunha said: “It's a huge honour for us, and this movie is about police violence, so I hope this award will bring more attention to this problem in Portugal. And I want to dedicate this award to all the neighbourhoods and to all the people that are victims of police violence.”
The SFC Short Of The Year 2024 award is sponsored by Figari International Short Film Fest which will invite Da Cunha to attend the next edition of their festival.
