Films honored at FLIC festival

Winners of the 12th annual Flathead Lake International Cinemafest in Polson have been announced in 13 categories with Corey Payette’s “Les Filles du Roi” taking Best Picture for a feature-length film and Best Director.

Best Original Score went to Payette and Julie McIsaac, for the work on the musical drama.

Set in 17th-century Quebec, “Les Filles du Roi (The King’s Daughters),” is the story of a Mohawk girl and her brother who “forge an unlikely relationship” with a French woman “whose dream of a new life is more complicated than she could have imagined,” according to https://urbanink.ca.

This year’s FLIC submissions included a variety of shorts, features, documentaries and animated films from 15 countries. 

D. Mitry’s “Hedgehog (Yizhachok)” also received multiple awards including Best Picture in the short film category. Best Cinematography went to Mark David for his work on the film. Best Actress went to Emma Pearson for her performance in “Hedgehog.” 

“Hedgehog” is a film about the Ukrainian-Russian conflict told through the perspective of a 6-year-old girl, according to www.thehedgehogfilm.com.

Best Actor went to Rasmus Hammerich for his performance in “On My Mind.”

“Out There: A National Parks Story,” which profiles a young filmmaker who sets out on a 10,000-mile exploration of the national parks, received the Best Documentary Feature award. Filmmaker Brendan Hall was in attendance and participated in a question-and-answer session following a screening of his documentary. 

In other awards: Best Documentary Short went to “From the Heartland.” “Saving for the Day” was named Best Montana Film and Toni Young Whealon received FLIC’s Impact Award for 2024. Best Animation went to “Manny.” 

Audiences have one last chance to see some of the films with encore screenings starting at 4 p.m. Feb. 22 at the Showboat Stadium 6, 416 Main St., Polson.

“FLIC 2024 was very special from start to finish, with so much life, creativity, gratitude, and wonder all around. I was also struck by the humility and gracious demeanors exhibited by these exceptionally talented artists,” said film festival director David King.

For more information visit www.flicpolson.com.