Winners of the Trieste Science+Fiction Festival 22nd edition

““I couldn’t be more thrilled that my first year as artistic director of the Trieste Science+Fiction Festival has culminated in our Juries of seasoned professionals choosing what I also consider the best sci-fi 2022 has to offer. From the provocative and compelling THE ARTIFICE GIRL with its stunning script and THE VISITOR FROM THE FUTURE landing the smiles and spectacle to the fabulously inventive LOLA and the alternate world building masterpiece VESPER, Trieste S+F has shown it importance and stature as a festival of international standing on the world, the universe even, stage. And now on to preparing for our 60th Anniversary event in 2023 which is already looking like an extravaganza of epic proportions… “ – Alan Jones

Asteroide Award

The international competition for the best science fiction, horror and fantasy film is reserved for the first, second or third works by emerging directors. The prize is awarded by an international jury composed by Neil Marshall, Buddy Giovinazzo and Monica Garcia Massague.

TS+FF 2022 Asteroide Award winner
“The Artifice Girl” by Franklin Ritch (USA, 2022)
Statement
We believe that the film weaves an intelligent story, brilliantly played and is very challenging. This film demonstrates a beneficial use of technology in a future full of questions about humanity and its coexistence with artificial intelligence.

Special mention to
“The Visitor From the Future” by François Descraques (France, 2022)

Méliès d’argent Award – Feature Films
The competition is organized in collaboration with the Méliès International Festivals Federation (MIFF) and is reserved for European fantastic feature films. The prize is awarded by an international jury composed by Giles Edwards, Loris Curci and Maura McHugh.

TS+FF 2022 Méliès d’argent Award winner – Feature Films
“LOLA” by Andrew Legge (UK / Ireland, 2022)

Statement

The jury was impressed with the quality and range of work submitted for this year’s award and we enjoyed a robust conversation about the films under review.

We choose the winner based on the inventive execution of its unique vision, its captivating performances, and its joyful recognition of the essential human need for music as a form of expression, especially during periods of turmoil. After all, who can live in a future without David Bowie?

Special Mention
“Vesper” by Kristina Buozyte and Bruno Samper (Lituania/Francia/Belgio, 2022), to acknowledge the film’s well-conceived world and nuanced acting.

Méliès d’argent Award – Short Films
The competition is organized in collaboration with the Méliès International Festivals Federation (MIFF) and the award goes to the best European short film. The winner of the competition is chosen by the theatre audience votes and also wins the nomination to the Méliès d’or annual competition.

TS+FF2022 Méliès d’argent Award winner – Short Films
“68.415″ di Antonella Sabatino e Stefano Blasi (Italia, 2022)

Wonderland – Rai4 Award
The award is given by the Rai 4 channel of Italian television, media partner of the Trieste Science+Fiction Festival, to one of the movies of the Neon section.

TS+FF2022 Rai 4 Award winner
“Piove” by Paolo Strippoli (Italia, 2022)

Motivazione
Per aver saputo rielaborare il canone classico dell’horror delineato dagli archetipi di Romero e Cronenberg, padroneggiando il genere come strumento funzionale alla rappresentazione di un profondo “disagio della civiltà”; per la capacità di testimoniare il crescente e spaventoso deficit di umanità che investe le nostre disgreganti società, mentre la terrificante melma nera rigurgita dal sottosuolo e travolge la Capitale; per la scelta di uno sguardo visionario, aspro e geometrico al servizio dell’impianto allegorico della narrazione il Premio Wonderland 2022 va a PIOVE di Paolo Strippoli.

Special Mention Wonderland – Rai4 Award TS+FF 2022
“LOLA” bu Andrew Legge (UK / Ireland, 2022)

Motivazione
Un mockumentary che è anche una commedia rock; che è anche un found footage film; che è anche un’ucronia fantascientifica; che è anche una riflessione sulla manipolazione delle informazioni; che è anche, e soprattutto…una salutare, intelligente lezione di cinema critico e…a basso costo. Menzione Speciale Wonderland all’irresistibile LOLA di Andre Legge.

CineLab Spazio Corto Award
The CineLab Spazio Corto Award is organized in collaboration with DAMS (Arts, Music and Entertainment department) of the Universities of Udine and Trieste. The award is given by a jury of students to the best Italian short film in the Spazio Italia | Spazio Corto section.

Vincitore Premio CineLab Spazio Corto TS+FF 2022
“L’isola dei resuscitati morti” di Domenico Montixi (Italia, 2022)

Motivazione
Risate in sala! Il pubblico pervaso da una sceneggiatura e messa in scena devota all’ironia della cultura pop anni 80. Questo spirito satirico pone in secondo piano la trama, enfatizzando problematiche contemporanee. L’autore condanna l’umanità con un esplosivo fermo immagine.

Menzione Speciale Premio CineLab Spazio Corto TS+FF2022
“Un’ora sola” di Serena Corvaglia, (Italia, 2023)