Spoilers will meow one last time.

It’s always a whirlwind when you’re in the middle of it, but sadly there comes a time in which Fantasia has to stop and life returns to normal. Yes, I’ve gone through all stages of grief already but it’s a bittersweet moment since the body is tired but the heart wants to just catch one more. Now, it’s once again time for the Wrap-Up Awards and, in case you’re new here, these have no official status whatsoever. They rarely (aka almost never) match the official festival’s awards, which does help me highlight other films here. Drumroll, please!

The One Not To Be Missed: This is, plain and simple, the one that I feel should be at the top of your list. And I know tastes vary, but for Fantasia’s 30th I couldn’t help but pick an Asian film. This goes to Yuen Woo-Ping ‘s BLADES OF THE GUARDIANS. Is it an action film? Yes. Is it visually compelling and full of engaging characters and world building? Also yes. More importantly, it’s pure fun and adventure. Runner-ups: I LOVE PARIS, ANYMART.

Happy Fun City: This awards goes to the film that is bright, colourful, positive and full of life. Hands down, this one goes to Wregas Bhanuteja’s LEVITATING. It’s innocent and idealistic, even a little naive but it’s also hopeful and comedic enough to make you smile throughout. Most importantly, it’s the happiest film I saw this year. Runner-ups: none.

The Mind Bender: It’s time to talk meta-films and this one is just about a film inside a film where the script spills into the screenwriter’s life and viceversa. Don’t worry, this makes satire and comedy amusing instead of just jaded. Of course I am talking about Amanbek Azhymat’s BACKSTAGE MADNESS. Runner-ups: ANYMART, BUDDY.

The Crowd Booster: The equivalent to the audience award, but with an emphasis on audience engagement during the film. None is more worthy than Yeon Sang-Ho’s COLONY, which continues to add brilliant tricks and innovation to the zombie genre. If you think you’ve seen every zombie film out there, you really need to see this. Runner-ups: BLADES OF THE GUARDIANS, BUDDY.

Kickstart my Heart: The action film that ruled the screen. Another win for Yuen Woo-Ping ‘s BLADES OF THE GUARDIANS. Perhaps I should have watched more action films, but then again this one had everything I wanted and nothing I didn’t. Runner-ups: COLONY.

Total Eclipse of the Soul: Dark humour and bleak endings can still be admired for the craft it takes to makes you laugh even when the dystopian world they depict just mirrors our own. This goes to Yusuke Iwasaki’s excellent dark horror comedy ANYMART. Runner-ups: COLONY, RECLUSE.

The Slowburner: Slow burn horror definitely needs a category of their own. Creating a dread atmosphere that permeates the narrative until the final act without any rush is a feat onto itself, but it also satisfies a craving you don’t know you had. This goes to Henry Chaisson’s RECLUSE. Runner-ups: none.

Whiskey Tango Foxtrot: And now let’s go for maximum crazyness while maintaining some deranged idea of a narrative. This was very close, but I prefer the sharp tongue and bloody horror of Casper Kelly’s BUDDY. Runner-ups: BACKSTAGE MADNESS, SOUR MINNOWS.

And with that, we once more go back to our hives and wait patiently for another year. Thanks to everyone in Fantasia, thanks to all the volunteers and thanks to the audience for always supporting this amazing festival. Bon cinema!

That will do for now.