by FilmInk Staff
Australian independent feature film Lenore, directed by David Ward, has won the Audience Choice Award at the 46th edition of Fantasporto International Film Festival in Porto, Portugal.
The award was presented following the film’s European Premiere at the renowned genre festival, one of Europe’s most respected showcases for fantasy, horror, and speculative cinema.
Lenore resonated strongly with Fantasporto audiences, who overwhelmingly voted the film as their favourite of the festival — a significant honour given Fantasporto’s international reputation, passionate genre-film audience and being one of the oldest genre based festivals in the world.
Directed by David Ward, Lenore is an Australian independent feature produced by Madeline Claire French, Nicholas Jaquinot, Riley Sugars and David Ward.
Director David Ward said the recognition from audiences at Fantasporto was deeply meaningful for the entire team.
“Winning the Audience Award at Fantasporto, which is such a prestigious European festival and one of the world’s great genre festivals, is an incredible honour.
We are deeply grateful to the entire festival team, the programmers, staff and organisers, and to the wonderful people we’ve met here in Porto Portugal who have made our time so special.
This award belongs to our entire cast and crew who poured their hearts into the film, and we hope it helps continue building momentum for Australian independent cinema finding an audience around the world.”
Fantasporto has long been recognised as one of Europe’s most influential genre festivals, launching and celebrating filmmakers from across the globe.
The win marks a significant milestone for Lenore as it begins its international festival journey.
ABOUT THE FILM
Title: Lenore
Director: David Ward
Writer: Josie Hess, David Ward
Producer: Madeline Claire French, Nicholas Jaquinot, Riley Sugars, David Ward
Cast: Nicholas Jaquinot, Ruby Duncan, Sam Mcdonald, Caithlin O’Loghlen, Scott Mackenzie, Bobby James, Joshua Dawe, Abbie James, Richard Mueck, David Gannon, Freya Callahan
Production Company: Veronica Brand Productions, MCF Productions and Sugarland Productions
Country: Australia
Language: English
Genre: Psychological / Drama / Thriller
Runtime: 88 minutes
ABOUT FANTASPORTO
Founded in 1981, the Fantasporto – Porto International Film Festival is one of the world’s most prestigious festivals dedicated to fantasy, science fiction, horror, and bold cinematic storytelling. Held annually in Porto, Portugal, Fantasporto is renowned for championing innovative films and emerging voices from around the globe. 2026 marked the festival’s 46th year.
