"Great cinema" at Austria's oldest film festival
Golden unicorn and creative encounters
Films are far more than just moving images. At their best, they are magical stories that touch, captivate or inspire reflection. The art of filmmaking consists of skillfully weaving creativity, technology and emotion into an overall experience. Short film is a very special form of this art.
The Alpinale Short Film Festival in Bludenz - one of the oldest film festivals in Austria - is dedicated to the magic of this genre. The first event of this kind took place back in 1985, and the Alpinale has since established itself internationally, as impressively demonstrated by the submissions from almost all parts of the world. "We receive over 1000 films for viewing. Of these, we ultimately select 60 to 70 entries for various categories," explains director Manuela Mylonas. In addition to clearly defined formal criteria, the organizers are particularly interested in the realization, the originality of the works and the most gripping content possible. "The entries are all of a very high standard and are in no way inferior to major feature films," Manuela emphasizes. The festival is characterized by a diverse selection of different genres and themes, including animation, live action, local short films (v-shorts) and horror.
The winners receive a Golden Unicorn as an award, a prize that is closely associated with the Alpine town of Bludenz and has a special symbolic power, as the festival director explains with a smile: "The unicorn is the heraldic animal of Bludenz and at the same time an old symbol for good and we want to show the audience good films." The trophy, which is handmade in a manufactory, is so popular that some filmmakers take part in the Alpinale Short Film Festival several times to finally receive the coveted award. The Golden Unicorn is not only pretty to look at, but also an important milestone - especially for filmmakers at the beginning of their career. The creative energy and inspiring atmosphere of the open-air festival attract not only filmmakers but also a wide audience every year, who gather at Raiffeisenplatz in Bludenz for a shared viewing experience. The event also offers various workshops and discussion opportunities that give visitors a deeper insight into the art of film. The compact, diverse program as well as the consistently high level of the event are appreciated by both the participants and the audience, Manuela emphasizes. Ultimately, it is the combination of cultural exchange and the impressive mountain scenery that surrounds Bludenz that makes the Alpinale a unique experience both in the film industry and in the event calendar.
