KONTRA by Jonas Risvig wins Grand Prix and Youth Competition Best Film Awards at Tallinn Black Nights - Just Film
The winners of Just Film 2024 have been announced – the Grand Prix goes to Denmark!
On Saturday, November 23rd, at the prestigious awards gala of the Black Nights Film Festival held at the Alexela Concert Hall, the jury announced the films deemed the best. For the first time in history, the Grand Prix is awarded to a film where the opinions of the youth jury and the international jury align.
Read more to discover this year’s best youth and children’s films, who was named the best "young filmmaker," and who will take home the Grand Prix award worth €3,000!
The winning films of the 2024 Youth and Children's Film Festival Just Film are:
JUST FILM #YOUNGFILMMAKER AWARD
Jury: Piia Parktal, Kaupo Kruusiauk, Alesja Suzdaltseva
“40 DAYS FOR INGE”
Director: Betra Käsper
Estonia, 2024
JUST FILM JUNIOR’S JURY BEST FILM AWARD
Jury: Kadri-Liis Kivistik, Sverre Silm, Adam Oja
“NIKO: BEYOND THE NORTHERN LIGHTS”
Director: Kari Juusonen
Finland, Germany, Ireland, Denmark, 2024
Jury comment: This film taught us about friendship, kindness, teamwork, and the importance of always being there to help your friends!
JUST FILM CHILDREN’S BEST FILM AWARD
Jury: Milene Unt, Juhan Rohtla, Mark Leetsar
“I ACCIDENTALLY WROTE A BOOK!”
Director: Nóra Lakos
Hungary, Holland, 2024
Jury comment: This film was beautifully made, the story resonated deeply and touched on several important themes, teaching us the value of pursuing our dreams.
JUST FILM YOUTH JURY BEST FILM AWARD
Jury: Armand Gudmundur Mets, Aleksander Tõnurist, Sofia Fe Soe
“KONTRA” / “KONTRA”
Director: Jonas Risvig
Denmark, 2024
Jury comment: We watched 11 films, each unique and captivating in its own way, but one of them grabbed our attention from the very first frames and held it until the end credits. This is a film that knows how to speak to young people while standing out for its artistic qualities, acting, and visuals. That film is Kontra.
Jury special mention:
“Rolling Papers”
Director: Meel Paliale
Estonia, 2024
Jury comment: A deeply realistic and heartfelt film, where the dialogues between the characters felt logical, sincere, and incredibly genuine. Leaving the theater, it left a warm feeling inside.
JUST FILM ECFA AWARD
Jury: Elisabeth Wenk, Teresa Lima, Eva-Maria Schneider-Reuter
“LIVING LARGE”
Director: Kristina Dufková
Czech Republic, France, Slovakia, 2024
Jury comment: The ECFA-Jury awards Living Large by Kristina Dufková for its outstanding technical quality, beautiful stop-motion animation, and deeply detailed storytelling that captures the universal yet highly personal journey of transitioning from childhood to youth. The film’s authentic depiction of feeling strange in one’s own body, paired with its mix of humor, heart, and realism, creates a profound connection with audiences. Its European storytelling style, relatable characters, and supportive relationships emphasize the importance of self-acceptance and speaking up for oneself, making it a must-watch for children and young audiences. Living Large is a testament to the power of being yourself, with a main character who inspires strength, empathy, and positivity.
JUST FILM GRAND PRIX
Jury: Diana Iljine, Koen Mortier, Tanel Toom
“KONTRA”
Director: Jonas Risvig
Denmark, 2024
Jury comment: Just Film’s Grand Prix goes to a film that boldly asks: How strong can you be? How strong can you remain when confronted with a group you desperately wish to belong to—one that refuses to let you in?
This remarkable work explores the fragility of status and belonging, challenging us to consider: Is it better to have one real, genuine friend or a circle of peers who offer only superficial acceptance? Through its vibrant and emotional storytelling, nuanced performances, immersive sound design, and masterful direction, this unforgettable film captivated us from start to finish, reminding us of the power of authenticity and the cost of conformity.
The winning film can be seen for the last time on November 24 at 1:00 PM in Hall 7 at Apollo Cinema Coca-Cola Plaza. Tickets available HERE.
Jury special mention:
“Toxic”
Jury comment: The Special Award goes to Saulė Bliuvaitė's film “Toxic” for its bold portrayal of a young girl who hopes to escape her everyday life by becoming a model. An intriguing story with interesting cinematography.
To see the trailer or more information about KONTRA, please click here.
Source: Tallinn Black Nights Youth & Children’s Festival Just Film