“The Whirlpool,” a mystical thriller directed by Denis Kryuchkov, took the Grand Prix prize at the 8th Vienna Independent Film Festival. Austrian actor Wolfgang Cerny received the Best Actor prize for starring in the film on the life of Lyuba, who, on the verge of a nervous breakdown, seeks refuge in the Russian outback, where mysterious shamanic rituals challenge her perception of reality.

Other awards went to Graham Streeter who was recognized as the Best Director for “Unfix,” an independent drama film tackling the sensitive issues of conversion therapy and mental health. The film follows Ari’s journey as he grapples with his authentic self after enduring traumatic experiences in his youth.

“W,” a surrealist art-house film directed by Anna Eriksson, who also composed the films score, was awarded Best Feature Film. The story revolves around the terminally ill Madame Europa and her complex relationship with a Chinese man-machine as they navigate a world shadowed by an impending war. The film also received the Best Film Score award.

“Have a Nice Apocalypse!” by Dávid Géczy has achieved acclaim as the Best Short Film. The film tells the story of an elderly man who is left alone in the village after an accident at a power-plant. The film explores themes of isolation, change, and human connection in a changing world, combining humor and heartwarming moments in the midst of chaos and uncertainty.

American director and actress Persia White’s music video for ‘Vampire’ received the Best Music Video award. The video tells the story of a woman’s descent into madness as she falls in love with a vampire, creating a haunting and hypnotic narrative.

Full list of the winning films of 2023 Vienna Independent Film Festival

Grand Prix
The Whirlpool (director Denis Kryuchkov)

Best Director
Graham Streeter (Unfix)

Best Feature Fillm
W (director Anna Eriksson)

Best Short Film
Have a Nice Apocalypse (director Dávid Géczy)

Best Short Film Director
Deirdre Lorenz (Return to New York)

Best Actor
Wolfgang Cerny (The Whirlpool)

Best Screenplay
8-Ball (director and writer Adrien Marquet)

Best Experimental Film
Little Planet 7406 (director Goran Šporčić)

Best Documentary Film
My Two Lives (director Sarita Gold)

Best Film Score
W (composer and director Anna Eriksson)

Best Cinematography
La Pietra (director Nikita Hattangady)

Best Editing
Touching Moon (director Sophia Liu)

Best Art Direction
An Occurrence (director Dien Vo)

Best Music Video
Vampire (director Persia White)

Best Unproduced Script
Stay With Me (writer Zsolt Poszgai)

Best Song
Fearless (music by J Edna Mae Thomas)