COMPETITION WINNERS – SILK ROAD INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL 2022

SILK ROAD INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL 2022

COMPETITION WINNERS

The 10th Silk Road International Film Festival (SRIFF) took place online from the 17th
to 22nd December in Ireland and awarded talented filmmakers.
In 2022, SRIFF the festival continues to grow and evolve in it’s mission to bring diverse and
moving stories to audiences. The festival successfully celebrates the diversity of cultures and
beliefs through a shared love of film. SRIFF has crafted a communal experience that is shared
for all to enjoy but it’s ultimately the filmmakers and artists who make this possible. This year the
level of competition was staggeringly high and the task of judging the films was especially
difficult. But it’s with great pleasure that the festival would like the commemorate the skill and
excellence of a number of films for the 2021 and 2022 competitions respectively.

2021 WINNERS
Best Doc-Spicy Calbria
Best Feature- Nomad meets the City
Best Animation- Kapaemahu
Best Short- The Black Veil
Best Student Film-Under the Safe Sky

2022 WINNERS
Best Doc- Freshwater
Best Feature – A Man of the People
Best Animation-Fall of the Ibis King
Best Short- Brothers
Best Student Film-Cocon

Spicy Calbria- Best Doc
Giacomo Arrigoni’s inspiring and energetic documentary is bursting with passion for culture and
is a celebration art and tradition. The documentary really brings a spiciness back into life with its
fresh and vibrant outlook and entertaining interviews and insights.

Nomad meets the City- Best Feature
This documentary depicts the lives of Mongolian nomads as they transition to more modern
lifestyles. The film is timely and prophetic, it’s a testament for future generations to learn from.

Kapaemahu Best Animation
This animation is a tapestry of colour and fantasy that lights up the imagination and the heart.

The Black Veil- Best Short
The Black Veil is an insightful and arresting moral drama that shows the great difficulty in
challenging and following certain cultural beliefs. The sincerity of the filmmaking and the stylish camerawork indicate a strong creative vision between the director, the writer, and the
cinematographer.
Under the Safe Sky Best- Student Film
This film is a grounded and moving portrait of life, that captures empathetic and moving
performances with ease. It the rawness of these central performances that give this film a reality
that’s truly special.

Freshwater- Best Doc
This documentary succeeds in crafting a story that on one level is highly educational and on
another level is very funny and engaging. It’s the humanity and light touch of the film making
that really make this a stand out.

A Man of the People- Best Feature
Xianhe Lei directs this emotive and taught political drama that depicts the hardship a person can
endure in order to secure a better future for his people. This film is a feat of deft cinematic craft
that triumphs because of its sophisticated direction and its strong central performances, this is
filmmaking at its best.

Fall of the Ibis King- Best Animation
This film is awe-inspiring and magical meditation on creative relationships. It captures the
viewer from the very first frame with the beauty of its animation and its characters.

Brothers- Best Short
This drama is an epic and nuanced study of how people can handle grief. The film tastefully
balances the script’s dark subject matter with light humor and subtle direction.

Cocon- Best Student Film
This is a knockout student film…the cynical humor and eye candy visual made this an instant
hit. It’s a film that sheds light on the difficulties of being a teenager and experiencing puberty in
the modern world.

For further information on the festival and how to submit next year be sure to check the website
here, on facebook, and on other social media platforms, or subscribe to our newsletter.

The Festival would like to thank all the filmmakers and audiences for making the festival a truly
memorable event and we look forward to continuing the journey.

We hope you all have happy Christmas and new year and see you in 2023.
The Silk Road Team,

Silk Road International Film Festival