The winner of the Méliès d’argent at Haapsalu Horror and Fantasy Film Festival 2023

The 18th edition of the Haapsalu Horror and Fantasy Film Festival (HÕFF) crowns Niels Bourgonje’s “Shut” as the Méliés Short Film Competition winner and Rain Rannu’s “Child Machine” as the best Estonian genre film. “The Last Sentinel” by Tanel Toom scooped the Best Sci-Fi Film Award.

The Silver Méliés of the biggest genre festival in Baltics went to Shut by director Niels Bourgonje (Netherlands). According to Jury, the award was given for creating an unnerving atmosphere for exploring the growing disconnection between different generations and for its comprehensive approach.

Two short films got special mentions by the jury. Vulvina Queen Of Ecstasy by Clémence Andre, Nawel Bahamou, Ming Chieh Chang, Théo Guyot, Mary Yanko (France) got acknowledged for the technical merit and its dark fairytale style, that touches upon themes of war and endless desire, that leads to the eventual demise of oneself. Secondly, “The Moon of the Kurent: The Ritual” got a special mention for the powerful atmosphere and the use of strong symbolism which leaves the audience with many different interpretations.

The jury consisted of Maarja Hindoalla, Jonas Trukanas and Raoul Kirsima.