Chicago, Illinois – October 20, 2023: The 59th edition of the Chicago International Film Festival, North America’s longest-running competitive film festival, has concluded, revealing the exceptional films that have earned Gold and Silver Hugo Awards across multiple categories. From October 11 to 22, 2023, a total of 46 films vied for recognition in various competitions, including International Feature Film, New Directors, International Documentary, OutLook, and Short Film competitions. Furthermore, the festival honored films with the Chicago Award and the Roger Ebert Award, reserved for visionary filmmakers with fresh, uncompromising perspectives.
In the International Feature Film Competition, the prestigious Gold Hugo was awarded to “EXPLANATION FOR EVERYTHING,” a Hungarian-Slovakian creation directed by Gábor Reisz. This captivating film is lauded for its multilayered narrative, delving into the challenges of human nature and the complexities of decision-making within a coming-of-age story.
The Silver Hugo in the International Feature Film Competition was claimed by “THE DELINQUENTS,” a remarkable fable directed by Rodrigo Moreno. It artfully navigates genre conventions, keeping audiences in joyful suspense as they contemplate the nature of the movie they are experiencing.
Mimi Plauché, Artistic Director of the Chicago International Film Festival, reflected on this year’s winning selections, noting that they offer a global perspective, shedding light on diverse life experiences from regions across the world.
In the New Directors Competition, the Gold Hugo was bestowed upon “THE BURDENED,” directed by Amr Gamal, for its poignant portrayal of complex everyday lives in Aden, Yemen. “SWEET DREAMS,” a biting satire by Ena Sendijarević, was honored with the Silver Hugo.
The Roger Ebert Award was presented to Mohamed Kordofani for his thought-provoking film, “GOODBYE JULIA,” exploring shared humanity in seemingly disparate individuals.
In the International Documentary Competition, Tatiana Huezo’s poetic Mexican film, “THE ECHO,” secured the Gold Hugo, while “IN THE REARVIEW,” a Polish-Ukrainian production highlighting the plight of Ukrainian refugees, earned the Silver Hugo.
The Chicago Award celebrated “WE GROWN NOW,” directed by Minhal Baig, as the 59th Chicago International Film Festival’s Opening Night presentation. Set in Chicago’s Cabrini-Green housing project in 1992, this rich and empathetic film narrates the lives of two 10-year-old boys as they navigate a community in upheaval.
The festival also recognized outstanding films in the Short Film Competitions:
**Animated Short Film Competition**
– Gold Hugo: “THE MIRACLE”
– Silver Hugo: “MAURICE’S BAR”
– Special Mention: “BATTERY MOMMY”
**Documentary Short Film Competition**
– Gold Hugo: “ETHAN LIM: CAMBODIAN FUTURES”
– Silver Hugo: “IS MY LIVING IN VAIN”
– Special Mentions: “MOUNTAIN MAN,” “AMERICAN SIKH,” “CHRONICLE OF A SUMMER DAY”
**Live Action Short Film Competition**
– Gold Hugo: “A REAL ONE”
– Silver Hugo: “THE HEART”
The 59th Chicago International Film Festival featured screenings and events across various venues in the city, showcasing an array of exceptional films that captivated audiences and celebrated the art of filmmaking.
