BFI London Film Festival Winners Announced: Landmarks Takes Top Prize

The 69th BFI London Film Festival concluded on Sunday. The event closed with the U.K. premiere of Julia Jackman’s “100 Nights of Hero.” The festival’s top awards were unveiled, with Lucrecia Martel’s documentary “Landmarks” winning the Official Competition.

David Bingong’s “The Travelers” won the Grierson Award for documentary. Vincho Nchogu’s “One Woman One Bra” received the Sutherland Award for first feature. These wins highlight a strong year for international storytelling.

Championing Indigenous Voices and Global Stories

“Landmarks” is Martel’s first feature-length documentary. The film investigates the 2009 murder of Indigenous leader Javier Chocobar. According to The Hollywood Reporter, it is a searing chronicle of land theft.

The jury praised the film’s deep empathy and cinematic rigor. They noted it grants a measure of justice long denied by courts. The award underscores the festival’s commitment to impactful documentaries.

A Spotlight on First Features and Short Films

Kenyan director Vincho Nchogu’s winning film uses humor to explore land rights. The first feature jury was impressed by the confident tone shifts. They highlighted the fantastic performances and stunning cinematography.

“The Travelers” offers a personal look at migration from Cameroon. The documentary jury commended its kinetic intensity. Said Zagha’s short film “Coyotes” also won for its subtle portrayal of conflict.

The 2024 BFI London Film Festival celebrated a diverse slate of global cinema. Its winners reflect a powerful trend toward socially conscious filmmaking. The festival’s success sets a high bar for international film events next year.

Thought you’d like to know

What film won best picture at the London Film Festival?

Lucrecia Martel’s documentary “Landmarks” won the Best Film Award in the Official Competition. The film examines the murder of an Indigenous leader in Argentina. The jury praised its journalistic and cinematic rigor.

Who won the first feature award?

Vincho Nchogu won the Sutherland Award for “One Woman One Bra.” The film is a humorous account of a woman fighting for her ancestral land. The jury was impressed by its emotional journey and confident direction.

What is the documentary competition winner about?

“The Travelers” follows a group of migrants from Cameroon to Europe. It focuses on their dangerous sea crossing to Spain. The film provides a deeply personal lens on the refugee crisis.

Which short film received an award?

“Coyotes,” directed by Said Zagha, won the Short Film Award. The story involves a Palestinian doctor confronted by Israeli soldiers. The jury praised its subtle introduction of characters and confident craft.

What was the festival’s closing film?

The festival closed with “100 Nights of Hero” directed by Julia Jackman. It is a fairytale based on a graphic novel by Isabel Greenberg. The film features a star-studded cast including Emma Corrin and Nicholas Galitzine.