Sergei Loznitsa's 'Imperium' Crowned Best Film at Prestigious BFI London Festival

The 70th BFI London Film Festival concluded with the unveiling of its prestigious awards on Sunday. Sergei Loznitsa’s film “Imperium,” which offers a poignant look at the Soviet Union in the early 1970s through rare Italian archival footage, was honored with the best film award in the main competition. The jury, presided over by filmmaker Sam Pollard (known for “MLK/FBI” and “Citizen Ashe”), praised “Imperium” as “richly evocative and emotionally engaging on all levels, giving us a visually arresting perspective of life before the Soviet Union was broken apart.” The jury also included “Life of Jorge Luis Borges” filmmaker Mariano Llinás and DDA chief strategy officer Julie La Bassiere.

In the first feature competition, the coveted Sutherland Award was presented to Thailand’s Oscar submission, “9 Temples to Heaven,” the debut fiction feature from Sompot Chidgasornpongse. This film thoughtfully explores themes of faith, kinship, and the transition from life to death. Actor Amir El-Masry (“Giant,” “Limbo”) led this jury, alongside producer Alemberg Ang (“Moonglow”) and sales and distribution strategist Rosa Bosch. The jury recognized Chidgasornpongse for his “accomplished first feature paving his own path in the well-established tradition of filmmaking in the Southeast Asian region.” Additionally, Bertil Nilsson’s “Masc,” a debut tracking Robin’s search for belonging amidst short-term jobs and uncertain relationships, received a special mention in this section. Nilsson was lauded as a fresh British talent with an unusual concept and a humorous script.

The Grierson Award for best documentary was bestowed upon Asmahan Bkerat’s directorial debut, “Concrete Land.” The film intimately portrays several generations of a mixed-race family in Jordan as they confront displacement and hostility. The documentary jury, headed by “Santosh” director Sandhya Suri, and featuring Melbourne International Film Festival senior programmer Kate Fitzpatrick and BAFTA and Emmy-winning producer Andee Ryder, commended the film: “In a noisy and often polemical world it was refreshing, humbling and deeply relevant to see the quiet resilience and dignity of this family in the face of the erasure of their culture and traditions.” A special mention in the documentary category went to Theo Rollason’s “Queer Edward II,” a work entirely composed of archive material. It delves into the making of Derek Jarman’s “Edward II,” set against the backdrop of anti-LGBTQIA+ laws in 1980s Britain, with the jury applauding it as a compelling portrait of Jarman as both an artist and an activist.

The Short Film Award was claimed by Rahul Roye’s “Aman,” a film centering on a trans man who discovers he is pregnant just before his gender-affirming surgery, profoundly challenging his self-perception as a man and a father. This film is currently available for free streaming on BFI Player until October 25. The shorts jury, led by writer-producer Helen Simmons (“100 Nights of Hero”) and including comedian Leo Reich and script editor Jack Casey, praised the film’s “painterly cinematography, and expansive and assured storytelling, which guided us through the world with care.” Elizabeth Hobbs’ “Daughters of the Late Colonel,” which depicts two middle-aged sisters adrift after their domineering father’s death, also received a special mention for its innovative visual style.

While the main competition winners have been announced, audience voting for the festival’s best feature film and best British discovery prizes remained open until October 21, with their respective winners to be revealed at a later date. Reflecting on previous successes, Chloé Zhao’s “Hamnet” won the audience prize for best feature last year, while Yemi Bamiro’s “Black Is Beautiful: The Kwame Brathwaite Story” was recognized as the best British discovery.