Student films from Russia, Cuba and New York's NYU have won prizes in the 15th Cinefondation section at the Cannes Film Festival, organizers announced on Friday.
"Doroga Na" ("The Road to"), a Russian film from Taisia Igumentseva of the VGIK school, was awarded first place, which carries with it a 15,000 Euro prize.
NYU student Matthew James Reilly won second place and 11,250 Euros for his film "Abigail," while Miguel Angel Moulet from EICTV in Cuba won third place and 7,500 Euros for "Los Anfitriones" ("The Hosts").
Winners were chosen by a jury headed by director Jean-Pierre Dardenne (pictured). The prizes were awarded during a ceremony at the Buñuel Theatre, followed by screenings of the winning short films.
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More than 1,700 films were submitted to Cinefondation this year, and 15 films from 14 different countries were chosen to compete.
Past winners of Cinefondation prizes include Romanian director Corneliu Porumboiu, who went on to direct the acclaimed 2009 film "Police, Adjective."