After screening 70 films representing 15 countries, Flickers’ Vortex Sci-Fi, Fantasy, and Horror Film Festival announced the winners with the Grand Prize for Best Horror Feature going to “The Unfamiliar” directed by Henk Pretorius.
“It’s an amazing achievement that we are celebrating our 21st anniversary this year. Our decision in 2015 to expand our programming to sci-fi and fantasy films, along with our horror film entries, has allowed us to create an incredible showcase of truly unique films” said Shawn Drywa, Vortex Program Director.
“Vortex has always prided itself on showcasing the best genre films from the independent film community and this year was no exception. From Spain to Brazil and Switzerland to the UK, these films represent the vanguard of genre filmmaking from across the globe, and showcase a rising generation of filmmakers, who are redefining genre films for the next generation of cinephiles.”
“Our pivot to a hybrid program that allowed for virtual and in-person events making it possible for this year’s Vortex Film Festival to expand its offerings and engage audiences across the globe,” noted Shawn Quirk, RIIFF’s Program Director.
The next edition of the Flickers’ Vortex Sci-Fi, Fantasy & Horror Festival will take place October 16-24, 2021.
Winners of 2020 Annual Flickers’ Vortex Sci-Fi, Fantasy, and Horror Film Festival
Best Horror Feature
Grand Prize:
“The Unfamiliar” | Directed by: Henk Pretorius | United Kingdom, 2019
First Prize:
“Death Drop Gorgeous” | Directed by: Michael J Ahern, Christopher Dalpe & Brandon Perras-Sanchez | United States, 2020
Best Horror Short
Grand Prize:
“Hungry Joe” | Directed by: Paul Nicholas Holbrook & Sam Dawe | United Kingdom, 2019
First Prize:
“Limbo” | Directed by: Daniel Viqueira Carballal | Spain, 2019
Tied with:
“Ten Shots” | Directed by: Gordon Shoemaker | USA, 2020
Best Sci-Fi Short
Grand Prize:
“Instant Doctor” | Directed by: Youth & Diogo Gameiro | Brazil, 2020
First Prize:
“APPyness” | Directed by: Ryan Turner | United States, 2019
Tied with:
“Zwart” | Directed by: Tommie Geraedts | Netherlands, 2019
Best Fantasy Short
Grand Prize:
“The Haunted Swordsman” | Directed by: Kevin McTurk | United States, 2019
First Prize:
“Girl and Robot” | Directed by: Joe Loftus | Ireland, 2020
Best Animated Short
Grand Prize:
“Abe’s Story” | Directed by: Adam H Stewart | Ireland, 2019
First Prize:
“One Last Monster” | Directed by: Gene Kim | United States, 2019
Tied with:
“Delivery” | Directed by: Kenna Hornibrook | United States, 2020
H.P. Lovecraft Award
“IMAGO” | Directed by: Remy Blaser | Switzerland, 2019
Best Director
“Hungry Joe,” Paul Nicholas Holbrook & Sam Dawe, Directors | United Kingdom, 2019
Best Screenplay
Grand Prize:
“Carmentis,” Directed by: Antony Webb | Australia, 2020
First Prize:
“Odd Girl,” Directed by: Rami Kahlon | Canada, 2019
Directoral Discovery Award
Tiago Teixeira, Director, “Dog Skin” | United Kingdom, 2019