AFI FEST 2024 Short Film Award Winners: ‘Two People Exchanging Saliva’ and More

Winners for Live Action Short, Documentary Short and Animated Short Qualify for Academy Award Consideration

The American Film Institute (AFI) announced today the Grand Jury Award winners and Special Mentions for AFI FEST 2024 presented by Canva, including Natalie Musteata and Alexandre Singh’s Two People Exchanging Saliva, Nicholas Stachurski’s Land of Lost Toys and Paris Baillie’s Humanitas.

The Grand Jury Award winners for Live Action Short, Documentary Short and Animated Short will be eligible for the 2024 Best Live Action Short, Best Documentary Short and Best Animated Short Academy Awards. This year’s jury was comprised of Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Sophia Nahli Allison, film programmer Nora Bernard and comedian, actor, filmmaker, podcaster and author Paul Scheer.

The 2024 festival lineup included 6 Red Carpet Premieres, 13 Special Screenings, 13 Luminaries selections, 15 Discovery films, 12 World Cinema selections, 14 Documentaries, 4 After Dark titles, 54 films in the Short Film Competition, and 28 films from the AFI Conservatory Showcase presented by AMC Networks. Of the official selections 48% were directed by women and non-binary filmmakers and 26% were directed by BIPOC filmmakers. There were 4 World Premieres, 6 North American Premieres and 7 U.S. Premieres. The program represented 44 countries and included 9 Best International Feature Oscar submissions.

This year’s festival welcomed a record number of attendees with ticket and pass sales reaching 30% higher than the previous year.

The festival also presented two special events: Directors Spotlight: Robert Zemeckis in Conversation with Tom Hanks and Pitch Perfect: Crafting Impactful Visual Decks from a Storyteller’s Perspective.

Here is the complete of short film winners from AFI FEST 2024.

Grand Jury Prize – Live Action Short

TWO PEOPLE EXCHANGING SALIVA (DEUX PERSONNES ÉCHANGEANT DE LA SALIVE) (DIR Natalie Musteata and Alexandre Singh)

Jury Statement: “At a commendable 36 minutes, this film illustrates how desire and yearning can clash in a capitalistic society while showcasing queerness as commonplace.”

Grand Jury Prize – Documentary Short

LAND OF LOST TOYS (DIR Nicholas Stachurski)

Jury Statement: “This revealing documentary challenges our conceptions and explores the humanity of a group of people in Detroit who fight not only for their survival but also for companions who can’t on their own.”

Grand Jury Prize – Animated Short

HUMANTIS (DIR Paris Baillie) Jury Statement: “HUMANTIS is a stunning work of art that delves into the complexities and challenges of change and the unexpected beauty that emerges from self-transformation and acceptance. The stop motion breathes new life into an otherworldly visual narrative, showcasing the depths of a vibrant imagination and skillful craftsmanship.”

Special Jury Mentions

Special Jury Mention for Freedom and Expression – Live Action Short

A SHORT FILM ABOUT KIDS (DIR Ibrahim Handal)

Jury Statement: “Through a breezy style and cinematic language, we were drawn into a world where, with a little ingenuity, burdened youth can experience joy and self-determination.”

Special Jury Mention for New Voice – Documentary Short

YOU’RE TOO SENSITIVE (DIR Dan Chen)

Jury Statement: “YOU’RE TOO SENSITIVE receives a special mention for its unique approach to reimagining home movies, not only as documentation of what we wish to be seen and remembered but also reveals the private moments that speak to the complexities of family dynamics. “

Special Jury Mention for Craft – Animated Short

SILENT PANORAMA (DIR Nicolas Piret)

Jury Statement: “The jury would like to acknowledge SILENT PANORAMA with a special mention for artistic craftsmanship as this subtle and immersive story comes to life beautifully and meticulously on a single sheet of paper.”

Canva was the exclusive Presenting Sponsor of AFI FEST. FIJI Water was the festival’s Official Water Sponsor. Corporate Partners for AFI FEST 2024 included Premium Sponsor Apple Original Films, AMC Networks, First Entertainment Credit Union, Amazon MGM Studios and Netflix. The Envelope by The Los Angeles Times was the festival’s Primary Media Partner. Official Media Partners are The Wall Street Journal, Variety, The Hollywood Reporter and ABC7 On the Red Carpet. Affiliate Media Partners include TheWrap, IndieWire, Screen International and KCRW.