MOTELX, in its 20th edition in Lisbon, once again impressed audiences with the best and most diverse works of horror cinema from around the world. This festival, recognized as one of the important cultural events in Europe, concluded on Saturday night with the announcement of its award winners.
Major Film Awards and Recognition for Portuguese Works
The MOTELX Award for Best Portuguese Horror Short Film, the largest cash prize for national short films worth 5,000 euros, was awarded to the film "A Hora do Chico!" by João Severo and Rafael Sá Carneiro. The jury, consisting of Fernando Vasquez (programmer), José Santiago (journalist and programmer), and Sandra Henriques (journalist and writer), noted the film's "desire and maturity" and described it as a disturbing journey into a past that many overlook.
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Additionally, a special mention was awarded to the film "Consumido" by carrozo for its "humor and visual precision," which challenges the roles of hunter and prey.
Meliès d'Argent Award and Nordic Works
In the Meliès d'Argent Awards section, which selects one feature film and one short film from European productions to compete for the Meliès d'Or in Sitges, the jury awarded the short film "Mancave" by Fredrik S. Hana from Norway and the feature film "No Rest for the Wicked" by Kasper Kalle from Denmark. This film tells a story set in the Faroe Islands in the 19th century and depicts stunning landscapes.
The jury noted the themes of beauty, love, and death in this film, portraying it with a rare and delicate perspective.
The festival also paid tribute to Solveig Nordlund, the Portuguese-Swedish director, by presenting the Noémia Delgado Award to outstanding women in horror cinema and to Julie Corman, the wife of American director and producer Roger Corman, in honor of her 100th birthday. Julie Corman participated in MOTELX as a workshop master and reflected on her husband's long career.
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