Internationally recognised art and literary critic, writer and cultural producer. Published in ELLE, Glamour, Esquire and Cosmopolitan; member of the Union of Writers.
As I reflect on the SIFFA 2024 International Independent Film Festival, which closed on 25 November, I’m filled with incredible emotion and can’t help but share my impressions of this amazing event. This year’s festival took place in iconic London venues such as the Vue Cinema (Piccadilly), Castle Cinema (Hackney), Pictures House (Ealing Broadway) and Room2 (Chiswick) and I was blown away by how diverse and rich the programme was.
Of particular note was the final screening of the film Vysotsky, which took place on 24 November. It was an incredible opportunity to immerse oneself in the life and work of the legendary singer and poet Vladimir Vysotsky. The film focuses on Vysotsky’s pivotal years in Odessa, where he landed his first major film roles and began his career at the Odessa Film Studio. I was touched to see previously unseen footage and learn more about this iconic figure, and the presence of director Anatoly Balchev and his film crew for a Q&A session after the screening added to the special atmosphere of the event.
The awards ceremony, held at the Dear Darling Mayfair on 25 November, was a real thrill. The red carpet welcomed guests of honour and celebrities including Frances Barber (Olivier Award nominee for Camille and Uncle Vanya), Katie Jarvis (Fish Tank) and Martha Fiennes (director of Onegin and Chromophobia). The event celebrated filmmakers from around the world.
This year’s SIFFA received entries from a wide range of countries including the UK, USA, Spain, Brazil, Russia, India, Belarus, Italy, Malta, Afghanistan, New Zealand, Iran, Turkey, Netherlands and Senegal. The festival screened a compelling selection of films, including Menshov’s Moscow Does Not Believe in Tears, as well as Richard Ayoade’s critically acclaimed adaptation of Dostoyevsky’s The Double. Each film left its mark on the hearts of the audience, and the spirit of mutual understanding and cooperation was palpable.
The presentation of 15 awards was the highlight of the evening, celebrating excellence in documentary and short film. I was particularly moved by the Lifetime Achievement and Outstanding Contribution to World Cinema awards, which reminded me of the importance of each individual’s contribution to our shared cultural heritage. See the full list of winners below.
SIFFA 2024 Award Winners:
• Irida Statuette, SIFFA President’s Award: Altai – The Grain of the Future, Russia. Director: Natalya Bondarchuk
• SIFFA Award for Best Documentary Film: Little Baluches. Director: Raya Nasiri
• SIFFA Vera Glagoleva Award for Best Debut Film: Voiceless. Director: Zahra Mojahed
• SIFFA Award for Best Documentary Film Director: The Human Side of Plastic: Babacar Thiaw, US. Directors: Andrew Lynch, Ben Ayres, Rush Sturges
• SIFFA Award for Best Short Film: Going First, UK. Director: Anna Lee
• SIFFA Award for Best Actor: Don’t Worry About Me, I’m fine, Iran. Actor: Masoud Keramati
• SIFFA Award for Best Screenplay: Sweet Sorrow, UK. Director: Parisa Zandbaf
• SIFFA Award for Best Cinematography: Alien, UK. Director: Jurita Kalite
• SIFFA Award for Best Editing: Shift Change, US. Director: Mark Hensley
• SIFFA Mohi Kandur Award for Best Youth Film (inaugural award): From the Painter’s View. Director: Goli Zarei
• SIFFA Award for Best Short Film Direction: Vovka, Russia. Director: Oksana Stashenko
Jury Chairs:
• Short Films (Official Competition): Natalya Bondarchuk
• Documentary Films (Official Competition): Richard Belfield
Special Screenings:
A special SIFFA screening was dedicated to Russian literature as seen through the lens of British and Russian filmmakers. These included films that have won Oscars, Palme d’Or and other international awards:
• The Cranes Are Flying (1957), Director: Mikhail Kalatozov
• Moscow Does Not Believe in Tears (1980), Director: Vladimir Menshov
• The Double (2013), Director: Richard Ayoade
• Two Women (2014), Director: Vera Glagoleva
• Vysotsky (2018-2024), Director: Anatoly Balchev
• Seven Moments of Robert Rozhdestvensky (2022), Director: Pavel Menyaylo
• Khitrovka. The Sign of Four (2023), Director: Karen Shakhnazarov (inspired by the books of Conan Doyle, essays by Gilyarovsky, and Stanislavsky’s ideas)
• The Place (2001), Director: Arkady Kogan (film idea and script: Svetlana Vasilenko)
SIFFA Partner Awards:
• SIFFA Award for Outstanding Patronage: Awarded to the management and team of Dear Darling for 3 years of exceptional commitment
• SIFFA Best Partner of the Year: Anwar Turobov
• SIFFA 2024 Award for Outstanding Achievement in Digital Art and Design: Anastasia Ivanova
Founder Luba Balagova said: “Our festival is truly building bridges between different cultures, bringing peace and understanding to our divided international community. Cultural dialogue is growing now as never before. We hope and believe that promoting understanding and tolerance today is the only way to keep this world from disaster. We believe that working with people’s hearts, minds and souls can make a real difference.”
The chair of the jury for the Creativity’s UK Award, Maria Bregman, presented Lyuba Balagova with a diploma at the Independent International Film Festival & Awards (SIFFA UK) 2024 event.November 2024
Director Federico Fellini once remarked, “Every language is a form of art, but cinema is its own language.” We need spaces where voices can resonate with clarity and impact. The SIFFA London International Film Festival has become such a sanctuary – a place that unites people from across the globe.
As Director of SIFFA London, Luba Balagova has cultivated an environment where stars are born, and unique voices find their audience.
“On behalf of Creativitys.UK, it is my privilege to present you with the Creativity’s UK Award. This accolade honours not only your exceptional accomplishments as a filmmaker but also your steadfast commitment to championing creative voices across the globe. You embody the very essence of creativity and inclusivity that this award celebrates.
Thank you, Luba, for giving art its voice and ensuring it resonates far and wide.”
SIFFA 2024 has once again demonstrated the importance of supporting independent filmmaking and fostering international collaboration. The films screened and awards presented had a lasting impact, inspiring future generations of filmmakers and audiences alike. I look forward to next year and more meetings at this wonderful festival, stay tuned for announcements!
