FFW WorldPulse Festival Newswire - Wide Angle

34th Hong Kong International Film Festival -2010 Film Awards

Tue, 19 Oct 2010 03:49:00 PST

Awards were presented in the Asian Digital Competition, Humanitarian Awards for Documentaries, FIPRESCI Prize, SIGNIS Awards and the inaugural Short Film Competition.

The Asian Digital Competition encourages young filmmakers in Asia to explore the potential of the digital media. The Golden Digital Award at the Asian Digital Competition went to Sun Spots by previous FIPRESCI Prize winner at the 31st HKIFF, Yang Heng (Betelnut). The film features the intensity of human relationships expressed in an original cinematic language of powerful visuals that leads to a new art form of film. The Silver Digital Award went to the director, Zhao Dayong for his feature debut, The High Life.

Zhao Dayong also received the FIPRESCI Prize for The High Life, for its poetic, profound and modern style of fragmented beauty with an aesthetic critique of society. The FIPRESCI Special Mention went to Tangle, the directorial debut by the award-winning cinematographer of Blind Shaft, Liu Yonghong. Presented by the International Federation of Film Critics since the 23rd HKIFF, the FIPRESCI Prize aims to promote film-art and encourages new and young cinema.

The Humanitarian Award for Documentaries went to director Zhao Liang for his film Petition, which offers an epic-scale analysis of some key social and psychological issues in present-day China. The Outstanding Documentary Award went to Enemies of the People by Rob Lemkin and Thet Sambath. The film offers a frank (and still shocking) account of what happened on Cambodia’s “killing fields”.

The first recipient of the Short Film Competition Grand Prize was Hanasaari A, an experimental Finnish documentary jointly directed by Hannes Vartiainen and Pekka Veikkolainen, for its recognition of a disappearing environment and the transience of time. The Jury Prize went to The Berlin Wall directed by Brighton-born filmmaker, Paul Cotter. The film successfully shows how emotions towards the Berlin Wall still run high 20 years after it was torn down.

Co-organised with SIGNIS Hong Kong since 2004, the SIGNIS Awards is a salute to quality films with significant artistic, human, social, and spiritual values. The SIGNIS Award this year went to A Brand New Life, a semi-autobiographical tale by French-Korean Ounie Lecomte who, with her artistic talent, can point out those almost insignificant details that actually really matter. The SIGNIS Commendation was presented to the Finish director Klaus Härö (Mother of Mine) for his latest film, Letters to Father Jacob.

2010 TRIBECA FILM FESTIVAL AWARDS

Mon, 18 Oct 2010 04:38:00 PST

The ninth annual Tribeca Film Festival announced the winners of its competition categories.

WORLD COMPETITION CATEGORIES:

The jurors for the 2010 World Narrative Competition were Hope Davis, Aaron Eckhart, John Hamburg, Cheryl Hines, John Ridley, Gary Ross and Gary Winick.

• The Founders Award for Best Narrative Feature – When We Leave (Die Fremde), directed and written by Feo Aladag. (Germany). Winner receives $25,000 cash and the art award “Study: Northern City Renaissance” (Mass MoCA #379K) 2008, commissioned by Sting, created by Stephen Hannock. Sponsored by AKA Hotel Residences. The award was presented by Robert De

Niro and Jane Rosenthal.

Special Jury Mention: Loose Cannons, directed by Ferzan Ozpetek and written by Ferzan

Ozpetek and Ivan Cotroneo.

• Best New Narrative Filmmaker – Kim Chapiron for Dog Pound, written by Kim Chapiron and

Jeremie Delon. (France). Winner receives $25,000 cash. Sponsored by American Express. The

award was presented by Gary Winick.

• Best Actor in a Narrative Feature Film – Eric Elmosnino as Serge Gainsbourg in Gainsbourg,

Je t’Aime…Moi Non Plus, directed and written by Joann Sfar. (France). Sponsored by Delta Air

Lines. Winner receives two BusinessElite ticket vouchers for anywhere Delta travels. The award

was presented by Hope Davis.

• Best Actress in a Narrative Feature Film – Sibel Kekilli as Umay in When We Leave (Die

Fremde), directed and written by Feo Aladag. (Germany). Sponsored by Delta Air Lines.

Winner receives two BusinessElite ticket vouchers for anywhere Delta travels. The award was

presented by Aaron Eckhart.

The jurors for the 2010 World Documentary Competition were Jessica Alba, Margaret Brown, Abbie

Cornish, Marshall Curry, Whoopi Goldberg, Aidan Quinn and Eric Steel.

• Best Documentary Feature – Monica & David, directed by Alexandra Codina. (USA).

Sponsored by HBO. Winner receives $25,000 in cash and the art award “Jorge, 2003/2009” by

Vik Muniz. The award was presented by Jessica Alba.

Special Jury Mention: Budrus directed by Julia Bacha (USA, Palestine, Israel).

• Best New Documentary Filmmaker – Clio Barnard for The Arbor (UK). Winner receives

$25,000 cash. Sponsored by American Express. The award was presented by Abbie Cornish.

Jury Comments: “Imagination is a word you don’t often associate with documentary filmmaking,

but this director bends the boundaries of the form, beautifully crafting an innovative and detailed

film wherein great storytelling is paramount.”

NEW YORK COMPETITION CATEGORIES:

The 2010 Best New York Narrative Competition jurors were Selma Blair, Zach Braff, Zoe Cassavetes,

Darko Lungulov and Andrew McCarthy.

• Best New York Narrative – Monogamy, directed by Dana Adam Shapiro, written by Dana

Adam Shapiro and Evan M. Weiner. (USA). Winner receives $10,000 cash, $50,000 in postproduction services donated by Company 3, and the art award “SeaScape Frame” by Valerie

Hegarty. The award was presented by Selma Blair.

Special Jury Mention: Melissa Leo for her performance in The Space Between, directed and

written by Travis Fine. (USA).

The 2010 Best New York Documentary Competition jurors were America Ferrera, Dave Karger, Dan

Klores, Scott Neustadter and Kate Snow.

• Best New York Documentary – The Woodmans, directed by C. Scott Willis. (USA, Italy,

China). Sponsored by Polaroid. Winner receives $10,000 cash, $50,000 in post-production

services donated by Company 3, and art award “New York Studio n.21” by Maurizio Galimberti.

The award was presented by America Ferrara.

SHORT FILM COMPETITION CATEGORIES:

The 2010 Best Narrative Short Competition jurors were Justin Bartha, Katherine Dieckmann, Jack

Dorsey, Peter Facinelli and Brooke Shields.

• Best Narrative Short – Father Christmas Doesn't Come Here, directed by Bekhi Sibiya,

written by Sibongile Nkosana, Bongi Ndaba. (South Africa). Winner receives $5,000 cash, 5,000

feet of 35mm film stock donated by Kodak, and the art award “A Box of Smile, 1967/89” by

Yoko Ono. The award was presented by Peter Facinelli.

Special Jury Mention: The Crush, directed and written by Michael Creagh. (Ireland).

The 2010 Best Documentary and Student Short Competition jurors were Perry Miller Adato, Tim

Armstrong, Jared Cohen, Scandar Copti, Larry Gagosian, Alicia Keys and Shirin Neshat.

• Best Documentary Short – White Lines & The Fever: The Death of DJ Junebug, directed and

written by Travis Senger. (USA). Winner receives $5,000 cash, 5,000 feet of 35mm film stock

donated by Kodak and the art award “Fruits of War” by Spencer Platt. The award was presented

by Academy Award® nominated filmmaker Scandar Copti.

Special Jury Mention: Out of Infamy: Michi Nishiura Weglyn, directed and written by Nancy

Kapitanoff, Sharon Yamato. (USA).

• Student Visionary Award – some boys don't leave, directed by Maggie Kiley, written by

Matthew Mullen, Maggie Kiley. (USA). Winner receives MacPro Desktop with Final Cut Pro and

a 24-inch monitor provided by Apple and the art award “Inauguration Angel” by Maira Kalman.

This award was also presented by Copti.

Special Jury Mention: The Pool Party, directed and written by Sara Zandieh. (Iran, USA).

TRIBECA FILM FESTIVAL VIRTUAL CATEGORIES:

The 2010 Tribeca Film Festival Virtual winners were voted on by the TFF Virtual premium passholders.

• Tribeca Film Festival VIRTUAL Best Feature Film: Spork, directed and written by J. B.

Ghuman, Jr. (USA). Winner receives $25,000 cash. Sponsored by American Express. The award

was presented by Geoff Gilmore, Chief Creative Officer of Tribeca Enterprises.

• Tribeca Film Festival VIRTUAL Best Short Film: Delilah, Before, directed by Melanie

Schiele. Winner receives $5,000 cash. Sponsored by American Express. The award was

presented by Julie La’Bassiere, Director of Marketing and Industry for Tribeca Enterprises.

SXSW Film Awards 2010 & Feature Film Jury Awards

Mon, 18 Oct 2010 04:24:00 PST

DOCUMENTARY FEATURE

Winner: Marwencol

Director: Jeff Malmberg

Special Jury Winner: War Don Don

Director: Rebecca Richman Cohen

NARRATIVE FEATURE

Winner: Tiny Furniture

Director: Lena Dunham

Special Jury Award - Best Ensemble: Myth of the American Sleepover

Director: David Robert Mitchell

Special Jury Award - Best Individual Performance: Brian Hasenfus in Phillip the Fossil

Director: Garth Donovan

Feature Film Audience Awards

DOCUMENTARY FEATURE

Winner: For Once in My Life

Director: Jim Bigham & Mark Moormann

NARRATIVE FEATURE

Winner: Brotherhood

Director: Will Canon

24 BEATS PER SECOND

Winner: When You're Strange - a film about the Doors

Director: Tom DiCillo

EMERGING VISIONS

Winner: NY Export: Opus Jazz

Director: Jody Lee Lipes

LONE STAR STATES

Winner: Thunder Soul

Director: Mark Landsman

MIDNIGHTERS

Winner: Tucker and Dale vs. Evil

Director: Eli Craig

SPOTLIGHT PREMIERES

Winner: Richard Garriott - Man on a Mission

Director: Mike Woolf

Short Film Jury Awards

NARRATIVE SHORTS

Winner: Cigarette Candy

Director: Lauren Wolkstein

Special Jury Award: Teleglobal Dreamin'

Director: Eric Flanagan

DOCUMENTARY SHORTS

Winner: Quadrangle

Director: Amy Grappell

Special Jury Award: White Lines and The Fever: The Death of DJ Junebug

Director: Travis Senger

ANIMATED SHORTS

Winner: The Orange

Director: Nick Fox-Gieg

Special Jury Award: One Square Mile of Earth

Director: Jeff Drew

EXPERIMENTAL SHORTS

Winner: Night Mayor

Director: Guy Maddin

Special Jury Award: Kids Might Fly

Director: Alex Taylor

MUSIC VIDEOS

Winner: Cinnamon Chasers, "Luv Deluxe"

Director: Saman Keshavarz

Special Jury Award: Grizzly Bear, "Forest"

Director: Allison Schulnik

TEXAS SHORTS

Winner: Petting Sharks

Director: Craig Elrod

Special Jury Award: The Big Bends

Director: Jason William Marlow

TIME WARNER CABLE & OVATION YOUNG FILMMAKER SCHOLARSHIP for TEXAS HIGH SCHOOL SHORT

Winner: Give the Dog a Bone

Director: Edward Kelley

Special Jury Award: The Sleep Project

Director: Whitney Bennett & Matthew Cunningham

SXSW Special Jury Awards

SXSW WHOLPHIN AWARD

Winner: Quadrangle

Director: Amy Grappell

SXSW Chicken & Egg Emergent Narrative Woman Director Award

Winner: Lena Dunham for Tiny Furniture

Special Award - The Chicken & Egg Pictures "We Believe in You" Award

Martha Stephens for Passenger Pigeons

SXSW Film Design Awards

EXCELLENCE IN POSTER DESIGN

Winner: Feeder

Designer: Joseph Ernst

Special Jury Award: Amer

Designer: Gilles Vranckx

Audience Award Winner: Richard Garriott: Man on a Mission

Designer: Michael Anderson

Special Jury Award: Equestrian Sexual Response

Designers: Martim Vian & Zeke Hawkins

EXCELLENCE IN TITLE DESIGN

Winner: Zombieland

Designer: Ben Conrad

Special Jury Award: earthwork

Designer: Stan Herd

Audience Award Winner: earthwork

Designer: Stan Herd

Special Jury Award: Enter the Void

Designer: Gaspar Noé and Tom Kam

The annual SXSW Film Awards Ceremony took place on Tuesday, March 16 at the Austin Convention Center Theater. The 2010 SXSW Film Festival Awards were hosted by Ovation TV.

Palm Springs International ShortFest 2010 Announces Festival Winners

Tue, 29 Jun 2010 07:25:00 PST

The 2010 Palm Springs International ShortFest award winners are:

JURY AWARDS:

BEST OF FESTIVAL AWARD - The winner of this award becomes eligible for Academy Awards consideration. The Gold Mine (La Mina de Oro) (Mexico), Jacques Bonnavent

FUTURE FILMMAKER AWARD - Pierre Ferrière, The Story of My Life (Toute ma Vie) (France)

PANAVISION GRAND JURY AWARD – Off Season (Canada/USA), Jonathan van Tulleken

JURY SPECIAL CITATION – The jury presented a special mention to Flawed (Canada) directed by Andrea Dorfman "for the originality of its artistic expression, its genre-defying aesthetic and its emotional resonance."

AUDIENCE AWARDS:

AUDIENCE FAVORITE LIVE ACTION SHORT - Wish 143 (UK), Ian Barnes

Runner-up: The Butterfly Circus (USA), Joshua Weigel

AUDIENCE FAVORITE DOCUMENTARY SHORT - Born Sweet (Cambodia), Cynthia Wade

Runner-up: Flawed (Canada), Andrea Dorfman

AUDIENCE FAVORITE ANIMATION SHORT - Ormie (Canada), Rob Silvestri

Runner-up: The Gruffalo (UK), Jakob Shuh and Max Lang

JURY CATEGORY AWARDS:

BEST LIVE ACTION SHORT 15 MINUTES AND UNDER First Place – The Gold Mine (La Mina de Oro) (Mexico), Jacques Bonnavent

Second Place – Pretty Little Doggie (USA), E. Ivan Infante

BEST LIVE ACTION SHORT OVER 15 MINUTES - First Place – Hermann (Germany/UK), Hana Geissendorfer

Second Place – Aquarium (Norway), Bard Rossevold

BEST ANIMATED SHORT - First Place – Angry Man (Sinna Mann) (Norway), Anita Killi

Second Place – The Lost Thing (Australia/UK), Andrew Ruhemann & Shaun Tan

BEST DOCUMENTARY SHORT - First Place – The Shutdown (Scotland), Adam Stafford

Second Place – Cohen on the Bridge: Rescue at Entebbe (Israel/UK), Andrew Wainrib

Jury Special Citation - The jury presented a special mention to The Lucky Ones (Szczesciarze) (Poland), directed by Tomasz Wolski "for transforming a routine look at bureaucratic procedures into a wry, poignant and subversive exploration of the human experience."

STUDENT CATEGORIES:

BEST STUDENT LIVE ACTION SHORT 15 MINUTES AND UNDER

First Place – Daughters (China/USA), Chloé Zhao

Second Place – Side by Side (Nebeneinander) (Germany), Christoph Englert

BEST STUDENT LIVE ACTION SHORT OVER 15 MINUTES

First Place – The Road Home (India/USA), Rahul Gandotra

Second Place – God of Love (USA), Luke Matheny

BEST STUDENT ANIMATED SHORT

First Place – Prayers for Peace (USA), Dustin Grella

Second Place – Urs (Germany), Moritz Mayerhofer

BEST STUDENT DOCUMENTARY SHORT

First Place – The Little Snow Animal (Lumikko) (Finland), Miia Tervo

Second Place – A Moth in Spring (Canada/USA), Yu Gu

KODAK AWARD FOR BEST STUDENT CINEMATOGRAPHY

First Place - Jaron Henrie-McCrea (cinematographer), Sinkhole (USA)

Second Place - Ilyeon Kim (cinematographer), A Scene at the Sea (Gu Yeo-Rum-Eui Ba-da) (South Korea/USA)

The Alexis Award for Best Emerging Student Filmmaker went to Some Boys Don't Leave (USA), directed by Maggie Kiley. Special citation went to A Wink of the Eye (France/USA), directed by Ambarish Manepalli

The Cinema Without Borders Best International Film Award went to War (Uerra) (Italy), directed by Paolo Sassanelli. The Gold Mine (La Mina de Oro) (Mexico) received second place.

This year's jury members were Dan Ireland, director; Lael Lowenstein, President Los Angeles Film Critics Association; and Guinevere Turner, writer, director and actor.

63rd Festival del film Locarno - Open Doors Factory 2010: The selected projects

Tue, 29 Jun 2010 07:06:00 PST

12 film projects from Central Asia, from a total of 114 applications, were selected for participation in the co-production lab of the Festival del film Locarno. The Open Doors Factory will take place 7 -10 August 2010, during the 63rd edition of the Festival.

The selected projects are:

Kazakhstan:

Harmony Lessons by Emir Baigazin

The Fierce Horse Rustlers by Adilkhan Yerzhanov

Sunny Days by Nariman Turebayev

Kyrgyzstan:

Jolbakan by Elnura Osmonalieva

Princess Nazik by Erkin Saliev

The Singing Grannies by Nurlan Asanbekov

Tajikistan:

Halola by Bakhtyar Khudojnazarov

Buzkashi! by Najeeb Mirza

Turkmenistan:

Ener by Bayram Abdullayev and Lora Stepanskaya

Uzbekistan:

Aral by Ella Vakkasova

Barzagh by Saodat Ismailova

Gaulish Village by Shukrat Karimov

Olivier Père, the Festival’s Artistic Director, comments “The quality of the projects submitted, as well as their enormous diversity, from romance to social drama, documentary to science-fiction, confirms the strength of the talent pool in Central Asia, in terms of both the older and younger generations.”

“The numerous directors and producers we met during our various journeys to the region have to deal with countless problems on a daily basis, notes Martina Malacrida, Head of Open Doors. Given this context, foreign co-productions are all the more crucial. We firmly believe that the 12 projects selected all have the potential required to attract international partners.”

Launched in 2003 with support from the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Open Doors is organised in close collaboration with the Festival’s Industry Office. With a strategy that has proven its value, the chosen directors and producers are invited to Locarno, in order to find co-production partners and finalise their film project.

At the end of the three day workshop, a production grant worth 50,000 CHF (about 35,000 Euros), funded from the Open Doors initiative, will be allocated by a jury composed of representatives of the Festival and "visions sud est", a Swiss production support fund. Continuing its collaboration with Open Doors, the CNC (Centre national du cinéma et de l’image animée, France) also offers a grant of 7,000 Euros to support a film in development.

The 2010 edition will also mark the inauguration of the new International Relations ARTE Prize, worth 6,000 Euros. Finally, Open Doors will once again invite the six directors who participated in the most recent Residency run by the Cannes Festival’s Cinéfondation (March-July session 2010), so that they can present their film project to producers and buyers attending Locarno.

For more information on the selected projects, check the website in the Open Doors section.

Award WInners for MEDIAWAVE’2010

Wed, 23 Jun 2010 08:57:00 PST

THE HUNGARIAN STUDENT JURY'S AWARD

Rene Bo Hanssen (Sweden/Germany):

Die Stimme des Adlers /The Eagle Hunter's Son

AWARD FOR THE BEST FILM EDITING

Jean-Paul Liilienfeld (France):

La journée de la jupe/Skirt Day

The editor: Aurique Delannoy (France)

AWARD FOR THE BEST ACTOR

Hannu-Pekka Björkman (Finland):

Haarautuvan rakkauden talo/The House of Branching Love

(dir. Mika Kaurismaki)

AWARD FOR THE BEST ACTRESS

Rifka Lodeizen (The Netherlands):

Kan Door Huid Heen/Can go through skin

(dir.: Esther Rots)

AWARD FOR THE BEST DIRECTOR

Trencsényi Klára (Hungary) and Vlad Naumescu (Romania):

Drumul Pasarilor/Birds' Way

The award was offered by Duna Workshop

AWARD FOR THE BEST EXPERIMENTAL

Jörn Staeger (Germany):

Reise zum Wald/Journey to the forest

AWARD FOR THE BEST ANIMATION

Francois Alaux, Hervé de Crécy & Ludovic Houplain (France):

Logorama

AWARD FOR THE BEST SHORT FICTION

Jonas Matzow Gulbrandsen (Poland):

Darek

AWARD FOR THE BEST DOCUMENTARY

Responsible Society Award offered by KPMG

Fabian Daub & Andreas Gräfenstein (Germany):

Was übrig bleibt / Left behind

AUDIENCE CHOICE

Bertóti Attila (Hungary/Romania):

Ariadné fonala/Ariadne’s thread

AWARD FOR THE BEST FEATURE FILM & the MAIN PRIZE OF MEDIAWAVE'2010

George Ovashvili (Georgia):

Gagma napiri /The Other Bank

The award was offered by the Hungarian Motion Picture Public Foundation

The 5th Jubilee Documentary Program - "Free Thought" at MIFF 2010

Fri, 18 Jun 2010 11:36:00 PST

"Free Thought" at MIFF 2010

Moscow International Film Festival 2010 - Documentary Program "Free Thought"

Fri, 18 Jun 2010 11:31:00 PST

One of the most successful programs of the Moscow International Film Festival - documentary section "Free Thought" was organized five years ago by prominent Russian documentary director Sergey Miroshnichenko (author of the 7UP Russian version project, Emmy Awards winner) and producer Grigory Libergal. The aim of this noncompetitive program is to present a selection of outstanding documentaries from last year - winners of prestigious film festivals. This year 23 documentaries will be screened in the program. Winners of the AMPAS "Oscar", IDFA, Sundance, DOK Leipzig, Yamagata IFF, Guangzhou IDF, Krakow IFF and many other festivals will have their Russian premiere. Last year, more then 7500 people attended screenings of the program.

Sergey Miroshnichenko and Grigory Libergal, curators of the program: "We are glad that this year's documentary program leads us to believe that a man can do much to protect nature, to defend the oppressed. He can deride foolishness and thus restrict its powers. There is another thing that inspires us in this program. Whenever a clever, talented hero comes along, like-minded people immediately rally around him."

The 5th Jubilee Documentary Program - Free Thought:

THE COVE, dir. Louie Psihoyos, USA

THE YESMEN FIX THE WORLD, dir. Andy Bichlbaum, Mike Bonanno, Kurt Engfehr, USA

PIANOMANIA, dir. Lilian Frank, Robert Gibis, GERMANY, AUSTRIA

POSTE RESTANTE, dir. Marcel Lozinsky, POLAND

CHEMO, dir. Pawel Lozinsky, POLAND

THE MOST DANGEROUS MAN IN AMERICA, dir. Judith Ehrlich, Rick Goldsmith, USA

THE PLAYER, dir. John Appel, THE NETHERLANDS

WE LIVE IN PUBLIC, dir. Ondi Timoner, USA

ANOTHER PERFECT WORLD, dir. Femke Wolting, Jorien van Nes, THE NETHERLANDS

RESTREPO, dir. Sebastian Junger, Tim Hetherington, USA

LA VIDA LOCA, dir. Christian Poveda, FRANCE, MEXICO, SPAIN

A FILM UNFINISHED, dir. Yael Hersonski , ISRAEL, GERMANY

THE WOMAN WITH THE FIVE ELEPHANTS, dir. Vadim Jendreyko, SWITZERLAND, GERMANY

LA DANSE - THE PARIS OPERA BALLET, dir. Frederick Wiseman, FRANCE, USA

OCEANS, dir. Jacques Perrin, FRANCE, SWITZERLAND, SPAIN, MONACO, USA

THE LAST SCREENPLAY, dir. Javier Espada, Gaizka Urresti, SPAIN

IRON CROWS, dir. Bong-Nam Park, SOUTH KOREA

LUMIKKO, dir. Miia Tervo, FINLAND

WASTE LAND, dir. Lucy Walker, UK, BRASIL

LAST TRAIN HOME, dir. Lixin Fan, CANADA, CHINA

THE FORTRESS, dir. Fernand Melgar, SWITZERLAND

BANANAS!*, dir. Fredrik Gertten, SWEDEN, AUSTRIA, USA, SWITZERLAND

FROM ARARAT TO ZION, dir. Edgar Baghdasaryan, ARMENIA

More information about the festival and program "Free thought" you сan find on the official site of the Festival or by e-mail: doc@moscowfilmfestival.ru

Culinary Cinema - A Berlinale 2010 Sidebar Menu

Wed, 12 May 2010 03:18:00 PST

A good film, a nice dinner, an exquisite drink and exhilarating entertainment – these are the ingredients of the Culinary Cinema. In this special annual program the Berlinale presents a selection of films on culinary and ecological topics. After the main screenings the audience is served a menu. The events are rounded out with discussions on culinary themes – completing, for some, the perfect evening.

The chefs of the 4th Culinary Cinema, among Germany’s finest, were: Thomas Kammeier, Michael Kempf, Lea Linster, Christian Lohse and Tim Raue, The nights began in the cinema of the Martin-Gropius-Bau. After the screenings the audience was guided to the neighboring “Gropius Mirror” restaurant where a menu was served, inspired by the previous film, Then, a discussion with the protagonists of the film and experts on the subject. After the main program was a late show, followed by a la carte food and drinks in the “Gropius Mirror” restaurant.

The 11 films screening as part of the 2010 Culinary Cinema lineup included: an inside look at a pastry competition in Chris Hegedus and D. A. Pennebaker's "Kings of Pastry" and "The Botany of Desire," Michael Schwarz's adaptation of the book on plant passion by "Food, Inc." author Michael Pollan. On ecological and social themes were: Fredrik Gertten's "Bananas!" about the legal battle between Nicaraguan fruit pickers and Dole Food over the use of a banned pesticide; and Chris Smith's "Collapse" presenting radical reporter Michael Ruppert’s apocalyptic vision of a world without crude oil. Tilda Swinton, last year's Berlin jury president, returned to present Luca Guadagnino's melodrama "I Am Love," which, despite tenuous culinary connections, got a seat at the table. As did "Iranian Cookbook" director Mohammad Shirvani's look at six housewives in Tehran preparing a meal during Ramadan.

The Culinary Cinema fosters its ideal partnership with the international Slow Food movement. Culinary Cinema head Thomas Struck explains: “The commitment of Slow Food to biodiversity corresponds to the Berlinale’s commitment to cultural diversity. On the morning of the last day of the Berlinale there was a Culinary Cinema screening for children and youths, its aim was to strengthen the consciousness for healthy nutrition in schools and promote the international school gardens movement.

SARAJEVO FILM FESTIVAL 2009 Film Awards

Sun, 21 Mar 2010 05:48:00 PST

Jury:

President of the Jury: Mirjana Karanović, actress

Jury members:

BENEDEK FLIEGAUF, Director, Hungary

CHRISTIAN JEUNE, Director of the Film Department of the Cannes Film Festival, France

ANAMARIA MARINCA, Actress, Romania

WIELAND SPECK, Director of Panorama Programme, Berlin International Film Festival, Germany

Heart of Sarajevo for Best Film:

ORDINARY PEOPLE

Director: Vladimir Perišić

Serbia, France, Switzerland

Explanation of the Jury: ORDINARY PEOPLE, as a pure moment of cinema, explores the universal pattern of abuse of male youth through the military structure.

Main award of the Sarajevo Film Festival’s Competition Programme provided by Council of Europe (25,000 €)

The Special Jury Award:

DOGTOOTH / KYNODONTAS

Director: Yorgos Lanthimos

Greece

Explanation of the Jury: DOGTOOTH depicts in a metaphorical way, with elements of clinical humour how the traditional family structure had to retreat into a fortress of control and safety, inflicting its members with psihological damage that resonates with us all.

Financial award provided by Agnes B. (10,000 €)

Heart of Sarajevo for Best Actress:

AGGELIKI PAPOULIA

MARY TSONI

DOGTOOTH / KYNODONTAS

Greece

Financial award provided by the International Airport Sarajevo (2,500 €)

Heart of Sarajevo for Best Actor:

RELJA POPOVIĆ

ORDINARY PEOPLE

Serbia, France, Switzerland

Financial award in amount of 2,500 €

COMPETITION PROGRAMME – SHORT FILM

Jury:

President of the Jury:

HANNAH MCGILL, Artistic Director, Edinburgh International Film Festival, Scotland

Jury members:

MARIAN CRISAN, Director, Romania

IGOR STANKOVIĆ, Founder and director of the MCF MegaCom Film Distribution Company, Serbia

Heart of Sarajevo for Best Film:

PARTY / TULUM

Director: Dalibor Matanić

Croatia

Financial award in the amount of 3,000 €

Special Jury Mentions:

CIAO MAMA

Director: Goran Odvorčić

Croatia

THE HISTORY OF AVIATION / A REPÜLÉS TÖRTÉNETE

Director: Balint Kenyeres

Hungary, France

Financial awards in the amount of 1,000 €

COMPETITION PROGRAMME – DOCUMENTARY FILM

Jury:

President of the Jury:

ZIJAH GAFIĆ, Photographer, B&H

Jury members:

ALICE KLARA ARNOLD, Filmmaker and a film lecturer, Switzerland

CHRIS MCDONALD, Executive director of Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival, Canada

Heart of Sarajevo for Best Documentary Film:

THE CAVIAR CONNECTION / KAVIJAR KONEKŠN

Director: Dragan Nikolić

Serbia

Award in the amount of 3,000 € is granted by The Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs

Special mention:

CONSTANTIN AND ELENA / CONSTANTIN SI ELENA

Director: Andrei Dascalescu

Romania

Human Rights Award:

HEATED BLOOD / VRELA KRV

Director: Marko Mamuzić

Serbia

Award in the amount of 3,000 € is granted by The Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs

HONORARY HEART OF SARAJEVO AWARD: MANFRED SCHMIDT, Executive Director Of The MDM Fund

The Award is offered in recognition of the recipient’s outstanding contribution to film industry and support in development of the Sarajevo Film Festival.

Through the commitment and vision of its leading executive, the MDM Fund has played a significant role in aiding the development of regional film industry through numerous co-productions facilitated through the festival’s Industry Section and CineLink Project. Over the past 5 years, MDM has supported an outstanding 31 regional films, while their participation at the Sarajevo Film Festival, guided by the immense enthusiasm of Manfred Schmidt, has demonstrated a common understanding and recognition of potential that led to the realization of 5 CineLink projects that went on to screen at festivals around the world and receive numerous awards and critical recognition. MDM further supported two of the most recent Bosnia and Herzegovina films, „Snow“ by Aida Begic and „On The Path“ by Jasmila Zbanic. Though all this, Sarajevo Film Festival recognizes the immense contribution of Manfred Schmidt and MDM towards not only the enablement and promotion of this region’s cinema and authors but also the enrichment of the international film scene with new voices, outlooks and film language.

CINELINK AWARDS

Jury: Georges Goldenstern, Cedomir Kolar, Behrooz Hashemian, Jacqueline Ada, Ulf Sigvardson, Annamaria Lodato i Mainholf Zurhorst

EAVE Scholarship:

Snežana Marić

Excellence Award:

The Exchange by Eran Kolirin

Restart Award:

Zincograph by Javor Gardev

Goeteborg International Film Festival Fund Award:

The Scab by Srđan Vuletić

CNC Award:

Come To My Voice by Huseyin Karabey

International Relations ARTE Award:

The Key by Timur Makarević

SYNCHRO Film And Video Award:

The Scab by Srđan Vuletić

Come To My Voice by Huseyin Karabey

The Key by Timur Makarević

CineLink Work in Progress Award:

THE POST REPUBLIC AWARD

Jury: Rebekka Garrido, Laurent Danielou, Bernd Buder

If I Want to Whistle I Whistle by Florin Serban

15th SARAJEVO FILM FESTIVAL – PARTNERS AWARDS

SHORT FILM NOMINEE SARAJEVO FOR THE EUROPEAN FILM AWARDS 2009

Jury: Corneliu Porumboiu, Dylan Leiner, Eva Vezer

The Herd

Director: Ken Wardrop

Ireland

The winner also receives a nomination for the European Film Academy (EFA) Best Film Award.

CICAE

Jury: Erdmann Lange, Turi Edit Csenkine, Giovanni Petricciani

Eastern Plays

Director: Kamen Kalev

Bulgaria

The International Confederation of Art Cinemas (CICAE) awards a film from the Competition Programme – Features. The awarded film will receive CICAE support in terms of distribution, exhibition and audience outreach, through a network of 3.000 cinemas.

FIPRESCI

Jury: Leo Soesanto, Damir Radić, Nadezhda Marinchevska

Ordinary People

Director: Vladimir Perišić

Serbia, France, Switzerland

EDN TALENT GRANT

On The Way To School

Director: Orhan Eskikoy, Ozgur Dogan

Turkey

EDN Talent Grant has been created as co-operation between the Sarajevo Film Festival and the European Documentary Network with the purpose of supporting promising new documentary filmmakers from the region.

HT ERONET AUDIENCE AWARD

SEVDAH

Director: Marina Andree

Croatia, B&H

ATLANTIC GROUP AWARD

LIBERATION IN 26 PICTURES

Ivan Ramljak, Marko Škobalj

KATRIN CARTLIDGE FOUNDATION

This year, the Katrin Cartlidge Foundation marks the fifth year of presenting an award, in the form of a one-year scholarship, inspired by the life and work of late British actress Katrin Cartlidge. This year's scholarship recipient is Juanita Wilson. This year's award winner was selected and presented to viewers at SFF by actor Stellan Skarsgard.

AWARDS OF THE 25th WARSAW INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

Sat, 20 Mar 2010 05:01:00 PST

The awards in the five competitive sections of the 25th Warsaw Film Festival and the FIPRESCI Prize were presented to the winners on Saturday evening, 17 October.

The Warsaw Grand Prix, the main prize in the International Competition, funded by the city of Warsaw, went to LOURDES directed by Jessica Hausner (Austria / France / Germany). The prize was presented by Mayor of Warsaw Hanna Gronkiewicz-Waltz.

The Special Jury Prize went to LA PASIÓN DE GABRIEL / THE PASSION OF GABRIEL directed by Luis Alberto Restrepo (Colombia). The prize was funded by RWE.

The winners of the 1-2 Competition were SHEVA DAKOT BE'GAN EDEN / SEVEN MINUTES IN HEAVEN directed by Omri Givon (Israel) and EASTERN PLAYS directed by Kamen Kalev (Bulgaria). The prizes were funded by Alior Bank.

The Free Spirit Awards went to PURGATORIO / PURGATORY directed by Roberto Rochin Naya (Mexico) and MAL DÍA PARA PESCAR / BAD DAY TO GO FISHING directed by Alvaro Brechner (Uruguay). The prizes were funded by Empik.

The award for the best full-length documentary went to DISCO AND ATOMIC WAR directed by Jaak Kilmi and Kiur Aarma (Estonia). The prize was funded by BenQ.

In the Shorts Competition the winner was APUNTES SOBRE EL OTRO / NOTES ON THE OTHER directed by Sergio Oksman (Spain). The prize was funded by the Polish Filmmakers' Association.

The FIPRESCI Prize (from the International Federation of Film Critics, www.fipresci.org) for the best Eastern European debut went to REWERS / REVERSE directed by Borys Lankosz (Poland).

RESULTS OF THE AUDIENCE POLL

Two films received exactly the same mark for the first time ever - 4.77. In the feature film category, the joint winners were:

Dom zły / The Dark House, dir. Wojciech Smarzowski (Poland)

and Welcome, dir. Philippe Lioret (France).

In the documentary category, the winner was Hashmatsa / Defamation, dir. Yoav Shamir (Israel / Denmark / Austria / USA).

In the shorts category, the winner was The Pig, dir. Dorte W. Hogh (Denmark).

The festival guests came from 41 different countries. They included 192 filmmakers linked to the projects presented at the festival (directors, producers, actors, scriptwriters, cameramen) and jury members. It is a tradition of the WFF that meetings with filmmakers are held after screenings. The 25th WFF had as many as 112 such meetings, involving 128 makers of 68 films. WFF audiences had the opportunity to meet filmmakers such as Alex van Warmerdam, Annet Malherbe, Michael Imperioli, Yves Hinant, Tarik Saleh, Urszula Antoniak, Agnieszka Grochowska, Robert Gliński, Janusz Mrozowski, Wojciech Smarzowski, Paweł Borowski.

The festival was held in the heart of Warsaw, with screenings at Multikino Złote Tarasy, Kinoteka, and Kultura.

Awards for the 2009 Shanghai International Film Festival

Fri, 19 Feb 2010 03:39:00 PST

Award for Best Feature Film

ORIGINAL directed by Antonio Tublén / Alexander Brøndsted

Jury Grand Prix

THE SEARCH directed by Pema Tseden

Jury Award

EMPIRE OF SILVER directed by Christina Yao

Award for Best Director

Julius Sevcik for NORMAL

Award for Best Actor

Sverrir Gudnason in ORIGINAL directed by Antonio Tublén / Alexander Brøndsted

Award for Best Actress

Simone Tang in ACHING HEARTS directed by Nils Malmros

Award for Best Screenplay

Fabio Bonifacci / Giulio Manfredonia for WE CAN DO THAT

Award for Best Cinematography

Nicolas Guicheteau / Hans Meier for NOWHERE PROMISED LAND

Award for Best Music

Hyoung-woo ROH for ROUGH CUT

Film awards at the 30th Durban International Film Festival

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 09:54:00 PST

The landmark 30th edition of the Durban International Film Festival announced that the winner of the Best Feature Film award is No Puedo Vivir Sin Ti ( Taiwan ). Directed by Leon Dai, it was lauded by the International Jury as a “film that surprises and charms at the same time.” “It is a real story with the feel of a melodrama. It is new and original but creates the impression that it was already in your heart for a long time.” The Best Feature Film award carries a cash prize of R30 000. Cash prizes of R10 000 are also awarded to the winners of the Best South African Feature Film and Best First Feature Film.

The Best South African Feature Film was awarded to Shirley Adams, directed by first-time filmmaker Oliver Hermanus. The jury praised the film's “true excellence in performance, cinematography, directing, and editing”. Calling it a South African masterpiece, the jury commented: “Through a meticulously observed minimalism, the film tackles numerous relevant social issues with both subtlety and a mature sensitivity. Its themes of love, human endurance, and forgiveness are universal, and give it audience appeal both locally and abroad.” The Best First Feature Film was also awarded to Shirley Adams . The Jury noted: “ Shirley Adams is a special movie in which the director takes a number of risks. Moving his camera around as if it was an extra character in the story, he follows his main actress ceaselessly. The result is a powerful movie with great emotions that works all the more since the emotions mostly stay beneath the surface. And these emotions are definitely felt by the viewer.”

The International Jury comprised filmmakers Tunde Kelani ( Nigeria ) and Cheick Oumar Sissoko ( Mali ), actress Rosie Tebogo Motene ( South Africa ) and Gert Jan Zuilhof (The Netherlands), programmer at International Film Festival Rotterdam. The jury awarded the Best Director award to Philippe Lioret for Welcome ( France ). “Lioret has made a remarkable film about the brutal and tragic reality of immigration. The gamut of human experiences and emotions are represented through his excellent direction of his actors Vincent Lindon and Firat Ayverdi,” the Jury said.

The Documentary Film Jury picked two music-themed films for Best Documentary and Best South African Documentary. Intangible Asset No 82 (Australia/Japan) by Emma Franz, was awarded Best Documentary. The jury commented: “In her directorial debut, which explores the journey of a jazz drummer determined to meet a shaman and grandmaster musician, Emma Franz connects with two very different worlds in such an imaginative and compelling way that deepens our appreciation of diverse cultural forms and shows us how we can become immeasurably enriched when we open up ourselves to different cultural experiences.” The Best South African Documentary was awarded to The Silver Fez, directed by Lloyd Ross, for its “fascinating depiction of a duel between two men from opposite ends of the social spectrum as they compete for a coveted music trophy.” “Having gained the trust of the two competing factions, the director and his camera captures all the textures of this battle - its impact on individuals, families and community. Within the beautiful melodies and musical refrains lurks a tale of unfulfilled dreams, passion, pride and revenge.”

The Short Film Jury awarded Best Short Film to A Better Life (Spain), directed by Luis Fernandez Reneo, a tale of immigrant smuggling on the USA-Mexico border, praising its authenticity, fantastic acting by its child stars and a story, which despite its locale, resonated with African viewers. The Best South African Short Film was awarded to Coming Home, directed by Bobby Heaney, starring television actor Hlomla Dandala and based on a story by young writer/actress Amber Jay van Rooyen. The jury called the film “touching, with a deep, sincere story and a strong message of personal strength.”

Special Mention Documentary : Sea Point Days (South Africa), directed by Francois Verster and Nollywood Babylon (Canada), directed by Ben Addelman and Samir Mallal.

Special Mention Short Film: Miss Sgodiphola ( South Africa ), directed by Andy “The Admiral” Kasrils

Audience Choice Best Film Award: Saving Luna ( Canada ), directed by Suzanne Chisholm and Michael Parfit … ... through its story of a lost Orca named Luna, veiwers discover an emotional connection between human and animal which calls into question the present understanding of human-to-nature relationships.

Wavescapes Surf Film Festival Audience Award: Surfica Musica ( Australia ), directed by Mick Sowry … ... a melodic surfing documentary that resonates with the spiritual duet between a violin virtuoso and surfing provocateur as they embark upon a radical experiment to explore creative expression.

Amnesty International Durban Human Rights Award : Rough Aunties (United Kingdom/South Africa), directed by Kim Longinotto. “This affecting documentary is about an Amanzimtoti-based NGO, Operation Bobbi Bear and its small group of remarkable workers, mostly women, who battle to rescue and rehabilitate young victims of abuse and courageously pursue the perpetrators to bring them to justice. This film is expertly constructed from intimate footage of the different environments people live in, and the things that they say or struggle to say, resulting in a movie that is both authentic and compelling.”

The 12th annual Savannah Film Festival, hosted by the Savannah College of Art and Design

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 08:34:00 PST

Films to receive special gala screenings will include Jean-Marc Vallee's "The Young Victoria"; Oren Moverman's "The Messenger," with Moverman and stars Woody Harrelson and Ben Foster in attendance; Grant Heslov's "The Men Who Stare at Goats"; Pedro Almodovar's "Broken Embraces"; Lone Sherfig's "An Education"; the United States premieres of James Ivory's "The City of Your Final Destination," with Ivory in attendance, and Nick Moran's "Telstar," with Moran and star Con O'Neill in attendance; Jodie Markell's "The Loss of a Teardrop Diamond" (from a screenplay by Tennessee Williams); Cannes Palme d'Or winner Michael Haneke's "The White Ribbon"; and Lee Daniels' "Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire," winner of the Grand-Jury Prize at Sundance and the Audience Award at the Toronto Film Festival. Daniels and star Gabourey Sidibe will be in attendance.

Academy Award nominee Patricia Clarkson ("Pieces of April," "Vicki Cristina Barcelona") will receive an Outstanding Achievement in Cinema Award after a screening of Woody Allen's "Whatever Works". Emmy and Academy Award nominee Woody Harrelson ("Cheers," "The People vs. Larry Flynt") and Ben Foster ("3:10 to Yuma") will also receive Outstanding Achievement in Cinema Awards prior to their screening of "The Messenger." Emmy Rossum ("The Phantom of the Opera") will receive the Young Hollywood Award prior to a screening of her film "Dare," and Jeremy Renner will receive the Spotlight Award for his performance in "The Hurt Locker," which will also screen at the festival. Scott Caan ("Ocean's 11"), the writer and star of "Mercy," one of the festival's competition films, also will attend.

In addition to the special screenings, the festival will showcase 22 professional films (features, documentaries, shorts and animation) and 12 student films in competition. The jurors for the competition are actress Patti D'Arbanville ("Rescue Me"), actress/producer Rita Gam, writer/director Ingrid Rockefeller, writer/director Michael Sucsy (Emmy-Award winning "Grey Gardens") and writer/director David Twohy ("Pitch Black").

2009 Atlanta Film Festival Award Winners

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:54:00 PST

Audience Award for Feature: "Living is Winning"

Audience Award for Short: "Poison Tree"

Narrative Awards

Best Narrative: "That Evening Sun"

Special Jury-Narrative Breakthrough: "Mississippi Damned"

Special Jury-Visual Achievement: "Idiots & Angels"

Pink Peach

Pink Peach Award: "Training Rules"

Special Jury Award: "Greek Pete"

Documentary Awards

Best Documentary: "The Way We Get By"

Special Jury Awards-Directing: "Art & Copy"

Special Jury Awards-Cinematography: "At the Edge of the World"

Shorts Awards

Best Narrative Short: "Love You More"

Best Animated Short: "French Roast"

Best Documentary Short: TIE - "Salt" & "The Beekeepers"

Special Jury Awards-Innovative Filmmaking: "Between You and Me"

Special Jury Awards-Directing: "Pop Art"

Special Jury Awards-Storytelling: "Locker 13: Down and Out"

2009 Ashland Independent Film Festival Award Winners

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:10:00 PST

Juried Best Feature: PAPER COVERS ROCK

Juried Best Documentary Feature: THEY KILLED SISTER DOROTHY

Rogue Creamery Audience Award: Documentary: GARRISON KEILLOR: THE MAN ON THE RADIO IN THE RED SHOES

John C. Schweiger Audience Award: Dramatic Feature: PAPER COVERS ROCK

Juried Best Documentary: Short Subject: THE WAR OF 33

Audience Award Best Short Film Dramatic or Documentary: KICK LIKE A GIRL

Juried Best Short: ACHOLILAND

Special Jury Mention: Short Film: TRECE ANOS (THIRTEEN YEARS)

Juried Best Animated Short: SEBASTIAN’S VOODOO

Juried Best Acting Ensemble: MAN MAID

Special Jury Mention: Acting: Jeannine Kaspar in PAPER COVERS ROCK

Best Cinematography, The Gerald Hirschfeld, ASC Award: Feature: PAPER COVERS ROCK

Family Choice Audience Award: THE FAN AND THE FLOWER

Rogue Award: Elvis Mitchell

Artistic Achievement Award: Bill Plympton

Award Winners at the 2009 Nantucket Film Festival

Tue, 11 Aug 2009 04:24:00 PST

The 2009 Nantucket Film Festival finished up it’s four day run on Sunday, June 21, after presenting more than 40 features and shorts.

"The Cove," directed by Louie Psihoyos, won both Best Storytelling in a Documentary Film, and the Audience Award for Best Feature.

Showtime's Tony Cox Award for screenwriting was presented to Mark Boal for "The Hurt Locker"

Showtime's Tony Cox Screenplay Competition Award was presented to Jenny Deller for her script “Future Weather”

Cherien Dabis ("Amreeka") received the third annual Adrienne Shelly Excellence in Filmmaking Award, a cash prize awarded to a female filmmaker in honor of the late director.

Teen View on NFF Award went to short "Charlie Thistle," directed by Bragi Schut Jr.

The Audience Award for Best Short went to "Abuelo" directed by Mary Ann Kellogg.

Award Winners for the 2009 Rhode Island International Film Festival

Tue, 11 Aug 2009 04:02:00 PST

This year’s RIIFF ran August 4-9th and showcased 235 cinematic works submitted from over 57 countries and 31 states in the United States. The 2009 RIIFF presented 38 World Premieres and 21 US/North American Premieres. Festival films were selected from over 3,400 international submissions.

The RIIFF Awards 2009:

Best Short

Grand: Celestial Avenue, Directed by Cameron Cairnes and Colin Cairnes (2009, Australia)

First: Oscar & Jim, Directed by Iain Weatherby (2009, United Kingdom/France)

Tied with: Looking at Animals, Directed by Marc Turtletaub (2009, U S A)

Second: Magellan, Directed by Sebastian Davis (2009, U S A)

Best Feature:

Grand: ISSIZ ADAM (ALONE), Directed by Cagan Irmak (2008, Turkey)

First: Fifty Dead Men Walking, Directed by Kari Skogland (2008, United Kingdom)

Tied with: Not Dead Yet, Directed by: Sam Hull (2008, U S A)

Best Feature Documentary:

Grand: No.4 Street of Our Lady, Directed by Barbara Bird, Judy Maltz, Richie Sherman

(2009, U S A / Israel, U S A, Ukraine)

First: The Good Mother, Directed by Sarah Klein, (2009, France)

Second: Sweet Crude, Directed by Sandy Cioffi, (2008, Nigeria/U S A)

Best Documentary Short

Grand: Team Taliban, Directed by Benjamin Kegan (2008, U S A)

First: AMERIKA IDOL, Directed by Barry Avrich (2008, Serbia/Montenegro/Canada)

Second: TIRA BAKAL (striking metal), Directed by: Scott Wurth (2009, Australia / Philippines)

RIIFF International Ambassador Award

Víctor Bárcena, director of Las manos de Abel from Spain

Directorial Discovery Award:

Grand: Who Killed Chea Vichea? Directed by Bradley Cox (2009, Thailand/U S A)

First: HOME IS WHERE YOU FIND IT, Directed by Alcides Soares (2009, U S A)

Tied With: HouseQuake Directed by Karen Price (2009, U S A)

International Discovery Award:

Grand: Danse Macabre, Directed by Pedro Pires (2009, Canada)

First: Echo, Directed by Magnus von Horn (2009, Poland)

Second: An Unfinished Romance, Directed by Alison Heather (2009, Australia)

Best Cinematography

Grand: Out of the Blue, Directed by Michael Lavelle, (2009, Ireland)

First: The Taxidermist, Directed by Bert & Bertie, Cinematographer/DP: Lynda Hall (2009, United Kingdom)

Second: Garbage Dreams, Directed by Mai Iskander (2009, Egypt/U S A)

RIIFF Director’s Choice Award

Underwear, Directed by Tomer Gendler (2009, U S A

“Helping Hand” International Humanitarian Award

Given annually to a film or filmmaker that inspires social change, community outreach and a better understanding of the world in which we live

FEAT: 63 Marathons in 63 Days, Directed by Deborah Carr (2009, U S A)

Providence Film Festival

Grand: Home Across Lands, Directed by John Lavall (2008, Ethiopia, U S A)

First: The Impact of Your Choice: Breast Health Awareness-When Is Too Young!

Directed by Deborah A. Hoch, Megastar Productions (2009, U S A)

Second: Shooting Beauty, Directed by George Kachadorian (2008, U S A)

Editing:

Grand: School Play, Directed by Eddie Rosenstein, Rick Velleu, Edited by Tom Griffin (2008, USA)

First: War Against The Weak, Directed and edited by Justin Strawhand, (2008, Germany, Poland, U S A)

Tied with: My Son the Pornographer, Directed by Peter Campbell, Edited by Zsolt Sandor

(2009, Canada / Canada, Czech Republic)

Screenplay:

Grand: ROAR, Directed by Adam Wimpenny, Written by J.S. Hill, (2009, United Kingdom)

First: The Stars Don't Twinkle In Outer Space, Directed by Peter Thwaites, Written by Hank Isaac (2008, United Kingdom/Hungary)

Second: The Butler's In Love, Directed by David Arquette, Written by Curtis Reynolds, (2008, USA)

Best Experimental:

Grand: LoopLoop, Directed by Patrick Bergeron, (2008, Viet Nam/Canada)

First: Jelly Fishers, Directed by Steven Subotnick, (2009, U S A)

Second: Schizofredric, Directed by Andy Poyiadgi, (2009, United Kingdom)

Alternative Spirit:

Grand: Claiming the Title: Gay Olympics On Trial, Directed by Jonathan Joiner and Robert Martin (2009, U S A)

First: The Single Mother, Directed by Ryan Logan (2009, U S A)

Tied with: Out in the Silence, Directed by Dean Hamer and Joe Wilson (2009, U S A)

Best Soundtrack:

Rock Prophecies, Directed by John Chester (2009, U S A, United Kingdom)

Best Original Musical Composition (Score):

Grand: Another Harvest Moon, Directed by: Greg Swartz

Music Composed by Rick Garcia and William V. Malpede (2009, U S A)

First: Conrad the Wise, Directed by Alan Miller, Original Music/Composer: Adam Fulton

(2009, Canada)

KIDSEYE INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

KidsEye (Films Made for Kids):

Grand: Leonardo, Directed by Jim Capobianco (2009, U S A)

First: The Curiosity of Penny Parker, Directed by Ryan Hanson (2009, Canada)

KidsEye (Films Made by Kids):

Grand: Thunder & Lightning, Directed by Susan and Katherine Procopio (2009, Canada)

Tied with: My Crisis, Directed by Joseph Procopio (2009, Canada)

Best Comedy Short:

Grand: I Can Speak Swedish! Directed by Charlene Loh (2009, Australia)

First: The Enchanted Island, Directed by Noel Kearns (2009, Ireland)

Second: Our Neck of the Woods, Directed by Rob Connolly (2008, U S A)

Best Animation:

Grand: LOST AND FOUND, Directed by Philip Hunt (2008, United Kingdom)

First: Pigeon: Impossible, Directed by Lucas Martell (2009, U S A)

Tied with: Lightheaded, Directed by Mike Dacko, (2009, U S A)

Best Acting:

Love, Directed by Cristian Solimeno

Featuring Amanda Ray-King and Brett Allen

(2008, United Kingdom)

Vortex Sci-Fi & Fantasy:

Hector Corp., Directed by Gary Lee (2009, U S A)

Brooklyn International Film Festival Awards Night

Sat, 04 Jul 2009 07:56:00 PST

Brooklyn International Film Festival Awards

Night:How they triumphed

By Desmond Parks

scallywag & vagabond

Published: June 17, 2009

www.wbff.org/press/coverage/2009/Scallywag.Awards.pdf

Award Winners for the 2009 Brooklyn International Film Festival

Sat, 04 Jul 2009 07:46:00 PST

GRAND CHAMELEON AWARD

BREAKING UPWARDS by DARYL WEIN

BEST NARRATIVE FEATURE

BREAKING UPWARDS by DARYL WEIN

BEST DOCUMENTARY (AKA Diane Seligman Award)

THE HILLSIDE CROWD by BERNI GOLDBLAT

BEST NARRATIVE SHORT

THE CHAMBERMAID by ANN HOLMGREN

BEST ANIMATION

PASSAGES by MARIE-JOSEE SAINT-PIERRE

BEST EXPERIMENTAL

SOARING, ROARING, DIVING by MIRIAM HARRIS & JULIET PALMER

SPIRIT AWARDS

Short Subject THE DINNER by KARCHI PERLMANN

Experimental Film NAIADE by NADIA MICAULT & LORENZO NANNI

Documentary THE SARI SOLDIERS by JULIE BRIDGHAM

Animation TRICKSTER by ALEXANDER POHL

Feature Narrative DR. ALEMÁN by TOM SCHREIBER

Best New Director

CARLO MIRABELLA-DAVIS for KNIFE POINT

AUDIENCE AWARDS

Short Subject PINCHAS by PINI TAVGER

Experimental Film FLYING LOTUS by DANIEL GARCIA

Documentary BETWEEN THE FOLDS by VANESSA GOULD

Animation SKHIZEIN by JEREMY CLAPIN

Feature Narrative SEA LEGS by CRAIG BUTTA

CERTIFICATES OF OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT

Screenplay VINKO MODERNDORFER for LANSCAPE No. 2

Producer JIM JERMANOK and HARRY GREGSON-WILLIAMS for EM

Cinematography STEEVE ASSELIN for BORDERLINE

Editing JUSTIN KELLY for CRYPTIC

Original Score BEN LOVETT for THE LAST LULLABY

Actor Female KATE LYN SHEIL for KNIFE POINT

Actor Male JOSH PEACE for YOU MIGHT AS WELL LIVE

Morelia International Film Festival 2008 Awards

Mon, 10 Nov 2008 02:15:00 PST

MEXICAN FEATURE FILMS

BEST MEXICAN FEATURE FILM–

"Los Bastardos"

Directed by: Amat Escalante

Prize includes: Diploma, “El Ojo,” a sculpture by Javier Marin, 100,000 pesos cash provided by Cinépolis

35mm film provided by Kodak, Digital still-photography camera provided by Kodak

THE PUBLIC’S PRIZE FOR BEST MEXICAN FEATURE FILM: "Cinco días sin Nora"

Directed by Mariana Chenillo

Prize includes: Diploma

MEXICAN SHORT FICTION AND ANIMATED FILMS

BEST SHORT FICTION FILM: "La canción de los niños muertos"

Directed by David Pablos

Prize includes: Diploma, “El Ojo,” a sculpture by Javier Marín, 100,000 pesos cash provided by Coca Cola Lite

100,000 pesos in kind: sound post-production provided by MCO Filmworks Image post-production package provided by Newart, 35mm film provided by Kodak

Digital still-photography camera provided by Kodak

SPECIAL MENTION IN SHORT FICTION FILM: "La luz de la oscuridad"

Directed by Gabriela Retes

Prize includes: Diploma

GARCÍA BROSS PRIZE FOR A SHORT FICTION FILM: "Roma"

Directed by Elisa Miller

Prize includes: 3 days of Super 16mm filming of a fiction short

BEST ANIMATED SHORT FILM: "Jacinta"

Directed by Karla Castañeda

Prize includes: Diploma, “El Ojo,” a sculpture by Javier Marín, 100,000 pesos cash provided by FICM, 100,000 pesos in kind: sound post-production provided by MCO Filmworks Image post-production package provided by Newart, 35mm film provided by Kodak, Digital still-photography camera provided by Kodak

MEXICAN DOCUMENTARY

BEST FEATURE-LENGTH MEXICAN DOCUMENTARY: "Trazando Aleida"

Directed by Christiane Burkhard

Prize includes: Diploma, “El Ojo,” a sculpture by Javier Marín, 100,000 pesos cash provided by the Fundación Televisa, 35mm film provided by Kodak, Digital still-photography camera provided by Kodak

SPECIAL MENTION IN FEATURE-LENGTH MEXICAN DOCUMENTARY: "El ciruelo"

Directed by Carlos Rossini and Emiliano Altuna

Prize includes: Diploma

MUSA PRIZE FOR BEST FEATURE-LENGTH DOCUMENTARY BY A WOMAN: "Siete instantes"

Directed by Diana Cardoza

Prize includes: Diploma, Sculpture by Elena Somonte provided by the Mexican Association of Women in Film and Television

BEST MEXICAN DOCUMENTARY SHORT: "Zoogocho"

Directed by Bernardo Arrellano

Prize includes: Diploma, “El Ojo,” a sculpture by Javier Marín, 100,000 pesos cash provided by FICM

100,000 pesos in kind: sound post-production provided by MCO Filmworks Image post-production package provided by Newart, 35mm film provided by Kodak

Digital still-photography camera provided by Kodak

SPECIAL MENTION IN DOCUMENTARY SHORT: "Susurros de luz"

Directed by Alberto Reséndez Gómez

Prize includes: Diploma

SPECIAL MENTION IN DOCUMENTARY SHORT: "Nosotros los que hablamos la lengua completa"

Directed by Bernardo Porraz

Prize includes: Diploma

MICHOACAN SELECTION

MICHOACAN PRIZE: "Clandestino"

Directed by Juan Pablo Arroyo and Edurne Farías

Prize includes: Diploma, 50,000 pesos cash provided by FICM, 100,000 pesos in kind: sound post-production provided by MCO Filmworks Image post-production package provided by Newart, 35mm film provided by Kodak, Digital still-photography camera provided by Kodak

MICHOACÁN CONTEST PRIZE FOR SHORT FILM SCREENPLAY: "La lluvia que no llueve"

Directed by Adrián González Camargo

Prize includes: Diploma, 10,000 pesos cash provided by FICM

SPECIAL MENTION IN MICHOACAN SECTION: "Aquí ya no entra Don Inés" (Casimiro Leco)

Directed by: Raúl Máximo.

Prize includes: Diploma

MORELIA LAB

MORELIA LAB MEXICO PRIZE: "Condones Encanto" (Encanto Condoms)

Directed by Ximena Urrutia (Mexico)

Prize includes: Diploma, 50,000 pesos cash provided by Imcine

LATIN AMERICA PRIZE: "Proyecto 54" (Project 54)

Directed by Gerardo Aguilar (Honduras)

Prize includes: Diploma, 50,000 pesos cash provided by Cinépolis

BEST PITCHING PRIZE: "Nada sobre mi padre" (Nothing About My Father)

Directed by Luciana Freitas (Brazil)

Prize includes: Diploma, HD camera provided by Sony

MORELIA LAB SPECIAL MENTION: "Ciclo" (Cycle)

Directed by Andrea Martínez (México)

Prize includes: Diploma

MORELIA LAB SPECIAL MENTION: "2008 Ciudad de México y sereno" (2008 Mexico City and Serene)

Directed by Nestor Sampieri (Mexico)

Prize includes: Diploma

CDI PRIZE

BEST INDIGENOUS FILM OR VIDEO: "Snuu ViKo, el lugar de las nubes y algunas palabras perdidas"

Directed by Nicolás Rojas Sánchez

Prize includes: Diploma, 50,000 pesos cash provided by the National Commission for the Development of Indigenous Peoples (CDI)

SPECIAL MENTION IN INDIGENOUS FILM: "Reencuentros: entre la memoria y la nostalgia"

Director by Yolanda Cruz

Prize includes: Diploma

2008 Award Winners for Sitges! Jennifer Lynch, Amat Escalante, Tomas Alfredson and Na Hong-jin take Top Prizes

Mon, 10 Nov 2008 01:28:00 PST

OFFICIAL FANTÀSTIC JURY: Marina Anna Eich, Àlex Gorina, Umberto Lenzi, David Pirie, Fred Williamson

Best Motion Picture: "Surveillance"

Directed by: Jennifer Lynch

Special Jury Award: "Eden Lake"

Directed by: James Watkins

Best Director: Kim Jee-woon for "The Good, The Bad, The Weird"

Best Actor: Brian Cox for "Red"

Best Actress: Semra Turan for "Fighter"

Best Script: Alexis Alexiou for "Tale 52"

Best Cinematography: Angus Hudson for "The Broken"

Best Production Design: Tulé Peak for "Blindness"

Best Make Up FX: Bendit Lestang & Adrien Morot for "Martyrs"

Best Special Effects: Kim Wook for "The Good, The Bad, The Weird"

Best Original Soundtrack: Kenji Kawai for "The Sky Crawlers"

Best Short Film: "Next Floor"

Directed by: Denis Villeneuve

Jury Special Mention to the Shortfilm "Centigrade"

Directed by: Collin Cunningham

Visions Awards- NOVES VISIONS

JURY: Velasco Broca, Guillermo Jure, Xavi Serra

Best Motion Picture: "Los Bastardos"

Directed by: Amat Escalante

Special Mention: "God's Puzzle"

Directed by: Takashi Miike

Non Fiction Motion Picture Diploma: "Religulous"

Directed by: Larry Charles

Discovery Motion Picture Diploma: "Ramírez"

Directed by: Albert Arizza

NOVA AUTORIA SGAE AWARD

JURY: Albert Espinosa, Albert Guinovart, Àngel Quintana, Roser Aguilar

Best Director: Dögg Mósesdóttir for "Eyja"

Best Screenplay: Dea Pompa for "Restaurando a Héctor"

Best Original Score: Hilmar Örn Hilmarsson & Örn Eldjàrn for "Eyja"

Orient Express-Casa Àsia Award goes to "The Chaser"

ORIENT EXPRESS - CASA ÀSIA

JURY: Todd Brown, Xavi Sánchez Pons, Carles Arenes

Best Motion Picture: "The Chaser" by Na Hong-jin

AUDIENCE AWARD EL PERIÓDICO DE CATALUNYA

Best Motion Picture: "Blindness"

Directed by: Fernando Meirelles

ANIMA'T - Gertie Award

JURY: Todd Brown, Xavi Sánchez Pons, Carles Arenes

Best Animated Film: "From Inside"

Directed by: John Bergin

Best Animated Short film: "The facts in the case of Mr. Hollow"

Directed by: Rodrigo Gudiño & Vincent Marcone

THE CARNET JOVE JURY GIVES THE MIDNIGHT X-TREME AWARD

CARNET JOVE JURY: Albert Elduque, Cristina Álvarez, Manuel Bocero, Covadonga de la Cuesta, Sergio Morera

Best Motion Picture "FANTÀSTIC"

EX AEQUO:

"The Sky Crawlers"

Directed by: Mamoru Oshii

"Vinyan"

Directed by: Fabrice du Welz

Best Motion Picture MIDNIGHT X-TREME: "Encarnaçaô do Demônio"

Directed by: José Mojica Marins

SILVER MÉLIÈS

JURY: Diego López, Zak Kadison, Javier Gutiérrez

Silver Méliès for Best European Motion Picture: "Martyrs"

Directed by: Pascal Laugier

Silver Méliès Award for Best European Short Film: "Afterville"

Directed by: Fabio Guaglione & Fabio Resinaro

GOLDEN MÉLIÈS

Golden Méliès for Best European Motion Picture: "Let the Right One In"

Directed by: Tomas Alfredson

Golden Méliès for Best European Short Film: "Of Cats & Women"

Directed by: Jonas Govaerts

CRITIC AWARDS

JURY: Beatriz Martínez Gómez, Alejandro G. Calvo, Carlos Losilla

Jose Luis Guarner Critic Award: "The Sky Crawlers"

Directed by: Mamoru Oshii

Citizen Kane Award to an up-and-coming director: "Home Movie"

Directed by: Christopher Denham

SHORT FILM COMPETITION

JURY: Juanjo Lleó, Toni Benages, Jaime Quesada

Best short film: "La Victoria de Félix"

Directed by: Jordi Pastor & Albert Miró

Filmmakers honored with Awards at the 2008 Pusan International Film Festival

Mon, 10 Nov 2008 12:28:00 PST

The Pusan International Festival hosted 315 films from 60 countries and 827 screenings. 198,818 audience members enjoyed 85 world premier, 48 International Premieres and 95 Asian Premieres. 4,640 industry delegates insured a successful film market.

PIFF awarded films as follows:

New Currents Award (Best Film): "Land of Scarecrows" Directed by: Roh Gyeong-tae (South Korea)

and "Naked Of Defenses"

Directed by Masahide Ichii ( Japan)

Special Mentions: "Members of the Funeral"

Directed by Baek Seung-bin (South Korea)

and "Er Dong"

Directed by Jin Yang (China)

Sonje Award: "Andong"

Directed by Milo Tolentino ( Philippines)

and "Girl"

Directed by Hong Sunghoon (South Korea)

Mecenat Award: "Mental"

Directed by Kazuhiro Soda (Japan)

and "Old Partner"

Directed by Lee Chung Ryoul (South Korea)

FIPRECI Award: "Jalainur"

Directed by Ye Zhao (China)

NETPAC Award: "Members of the Funeral"

Directed by Baek Seung-bin (South Korea)

and "Treeless Mountain"

Directed by Kim So Yong (South Korea)

KNN Movie Award (Audience Award): "100"

Directed by Chris Martinez (Philippines)

Celebrating its 10th Anniversary, Woodstock Film Festival Honors Filmmakers for their Contributions to the "Fiercely Indpendent" Spirit of Filmmaking

Mon, 27 Oct 2008 01:05:00 PST

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD: Haskell Wexler

HONORARY TRAILBLAZER AWARD: James Schamus

HONORARY MAVERICK AWARD: Kevin Smith

The Lee Marvin award for BEST NARRATIVE FEATURE

Jury Members:

Matt Dentler, Mark Duplass, Ted Hope, Mary Stuart Masterson

New Orleans Film Festival 2008 Award Winners

Mon, 27 Oct 2008 12:01:00 PST

The 19th Annual New Orleans Film Festival is over for 2008 and was a resounding success.

NOFF announces the winners of the first-ever Audience Awards:

Best Narrative Feature: "How to Be"

Directed by: Oliver Irving

Best Documentary Feature: "Hori Smoku Sailor Jerry"

Directed by: Erich Weiss

Other Awards:

Helen Hill Best Animation Award: "Chainsaw"

Directed by: Dennis Tupicoff

“Appaloosa” Named Best Film and Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Actor Award Presented to Greg Kinnear, “Flash of Genius” at the 24th Boston Film Festival

Sat, 25 Oct 2008 03:17:00 PST

“Appaloosa” was named Best Picture and Best Adapted Screenplay at The 24th Boston Film Festival, announced by Robin Dawson, executive and creative director.

The following is a list of this year’s ten award recipients:

Best Documentary: “Neshoba,”

Co-Directors Micki Dickoff, Tony Pagano

Mass Impact: “A Soviet Story,”

Director Edvin Snors

Best Short: “The Confession”

Best Actor: Greg Kinnear, “Flash of Genius”

Best Actress: Jacqueline Bisset, “Death In Love”

Best Screenplay Adaptation: “Appaloosa,” Screenwriters: Ed Harris, Robert Knott

Best Film: “Appaloosa”

Creative Visionary: Director and writer Charlie Levi, “Childless”

Best Director: Boaz Yakin, “Death In Love”

Best International Filmmaker: Jamil Rostami

Producer/Director of “Jani Gal”

Audience Favorite: Clear Lake, WI

This year’s BFF sponsors are: A&E Indie Films, NBC Universal, Bravo, Liberty Hotel, American Airlines, Lindor Truffles, and Sundance Channel.

The 12th Annual Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival (LALIFF) honors filmmakers at the Award Ceremony and Closing Night Gala

Sat, 25 Oct 2008 01:33:00 PST

The events took place at the Egyptian Theater in Hollywood and celebrated the work of the filmmakers who presented their work in competition.

The red carpet star-studded event included appearances by Gustavo Santaolalla (LALIFF’s GABI Lifetime Achievement Award 2008 recipient), Demián Bechir, Carina Ricco, Alexa Vega, Maya Zapata, Lupe Ontiveros, Rick Najera, Montserrat Roig de Puig, Marlene Forte, Simon Rex, Jesse Garcia and other celebrity guests, along with community leaders and entertainment industry experts.

LALIFF co-founder, Executive Director and programmer Marlene Dermer dedicated the night to acclaimed filmmaker Humberto Solás who passed away on Wednesday, September 17th in his native Cuba. Solás, one of Cuba’s brightest and most outstanding figures in cinema, directed many films that gave voice to his country around the world including: Lucía, a film considered as the birth of the Golden Age of Cuban filmmaking, Un hombre de éxito (1986), El siglo de las luces (1991), and Barrio Cuba (2005).

Dermer also acknowledged the wishes of festival co-founder Edward James Olmos to be present at the ceremony to celebrate the closure of the festival. Olmos is currently directing a film and was unable to attend the festival.

The following includes a list of the winners for the 12th Annual Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival:

Features/ Best Film (RITA AWARD)

2008 Awards Given to Honor Cinematic Achievement at the Riga International Film Forum Arsenals

Sat, 25 Oct 2008 01:13:00 PST

INTERFILM’s Jury Prize for best International Competition Film: “Silent Light”

Directed by: Carlos Reygadas

Special Mention to Ramin Bahrani’s film “Chop Shop”

Baltic Film Show Award: “The Class”

Directed by: Ilmar Raag.

Special Mention: Edmunds Jansons’ short documentary animation “Little Bird’s Diary”

The jury of INTERFILM was composed of three members of the Lutheran Church, coming from Germany (Dietmar Adler), Latvia (Agris Sutra) and Denmark (me).

The FIPRESCI jury announced that the award in the Baltic film show was given to “Vogelfrei”

directors: Jānis Kalējs, Jānis Putniņš, Anna Viduleja, Gatis Šmits

FIPRESCI International film competition: “Andalucia” director: Alain Gomis

The award “Best Documentary” of the Baltic film competition jury was given to the Estonian director Priit Valkna’s film “The Headwind Hall”

The award “Best Animation” was given to Edmunds Jansons’ film “Little Bird’s Diary”

The award “Best Feature Film” was given to “Autumn Ball” by Veiko Ounpuu.

The award “Best Baltic Film” was given to “Vogelfrei” by Jānis Kalējs, Gatis Šmits, Jānis Putniņš and Anna Viduleja. This award and 5000 euro were presented by Inga Šīna, vice-president of Rietumu Banka.

Audience Prize: “The Class” by Ilmar Raag

“Arsenals” main prize, with an award of $20,000 US, for “Chop Shop” by Ramin Bahrani

2008 Milano Film Festival Awards

Sat, 25 Oct 2008 12:54:00 PST

Awards for the 13th edition

Feature films: "Ainda Orangotangos" (Still Orangutans) Director: Gustavo Spolidoro, Brazil, 2007

Special Mentions: "Jin bi hui huang" (Fujian Blue)

Director: Weng Shou-ming, China, 2007

"Lassú TükÖr" (Slow Mirror)

Director: Igor and Ivan Buharov, Hungary, 2007

"De Ofrivilliga" (Involuntary)

Director: Ruben Ostlund, Switzerland, 2008

"Ztracená dovolená" (Lost Holiday)

Director: Lucie Králová, Czech Republic/China/Switzerland, 2007

Short films: "Smàfuglar" (Two Birds)

Director: Rúnar Rúnarsson, Iceland, 2008

Special Mentions: "Pour de Vrai" (For Real)

Director: Blandine Lenoir, France, 2007

"Le jour de gloire" (The Day of Glory)

Director: Bruno Collet, France, 2007

"Za horyzont" (Beyond the Horizon)

Director: Kuba Czekay, Poland, 2007

Aprile's award: "Lassú TükÖr" (Slow Mirror)

Director: Igor and Ivan Buharov, Hungary, 2007

Special Mentions: "Pour de Vrai" (For Real)

Director: Blandine Lenoir, France, 2007

"Operator"

Director: Matthew Walker, UK, 2007

"Vertigo Rush"

Director: Johann Lurf, Austria, 2007

Encore Award: "Socket"

Director: Patricio García, Argentina, 2007

A2A's award Giovani Energie: "What's next?"

Director: Claudia Roethlin and Adrian Flueckiger, Switzerland, 2007

Corti ma buoni: "Rice and Meat"

Director: Diego Ongaro, USA 2007

Best Animation: "La maison en petits cubes" (The House of Small Cubes)

Director: Kunio Kato, Japan, 2008

Staff Award: "The Blindness of the Woods"

Director: Martin Jalfen and Javier Lourenço, Argentina, 2008

Students's Jury Award: "La théorie des ensembles"

Director: Juliette Hamon Damourettes, Jao Eka M'Changama and Marc Hericher, France, 2007

The Fukuoka International Film Festival Honored Shoaib Mansoor with the 2008 Audience Award

Sat, 25 Oct 2008 12:30:00 PST

The Fukuoka Audience Award was selected based on the results of a vote by the audience on the first festival showing of 23 officially invited titles. The voting, which graded the selections on a scale of 1-5, took place between September 13-15.

THE FUKUOKA AUDIENCE AWARD WINNER:

"IN THE NAME OF GOD"

A Pakistani film/ 2007

Directed by Shoaib Mansoor

Starring Shaan, Iman Ali

At the award ceremony, the Award Winner was presented with an Award Certificate, a trophee and prize money.

The 2008 Atlantic Film Festival Honors Filmmakers with Awards

Sat, 25 Oct 2008 12:23:00 PST

Best Atlantic Short: "Bedroom"

Director: Jordan Canning

Best Atlantic Feature: "Down to the Dirt"

Director: Justin Simms

Michael Weir Award for Best Original Screenplay: "Down to the Dirt"

Director: Justin Simms, Sherry White

Rex Tasker Documentary Award: "Norm"

Director: Kent Nason, Teresa MacInnes

Ed Higginson Cinematography Award: "Passage"

Director: Kent Nason

Best Director: "Passage"

Director: John Walker

CBC Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Industry

Bill Niven, Producer, Idlewild Films

PowerPost Craft Awards:

Best Art Direction: "Growing Op"

Director: Taavo Soodor, Alan MacLeod

Best Editing: "Treevenge"

Director: Jason Eisener

Best Sound Design: "For Wendy"

Director: Jacquelyn Mills, Andreas Mendritzki

Best Original Score: "Outside Afghanistan"

Director: David Christensen

Canadian Awards:

Best Canadian Short: "Next Floor"

Director: Denis Villeneuve

Honourable Mention: "Passages"

Director: Marie-Josée Saint-Pierre

Best Canadian Feature: "C'est pas moi, je le jure!"

Director: Philippe Falardeau

Best Canadian Documentary: "That’s My Time"

Director: Adamm Liley

Best Actor: "C'est pas moi, je le jure!"

Director: Antoine L’Écuyer

Best Actress: "Nurse.Fighter.Boy"

Director: Karen LeBlanc

Inspired Script: "Dot’s Will"

Director: Scott Simpson

International Award:

People's Choice Award for Best Picture: "Summerhood"

Director: Jacob Medjuck

Emily Atef was the Big Winner at the 2008 Oldenburg International Film Festival with her film “The Stranger in Me”

Sat, 25 Oct 2008 12:14:00 PST

“The Stranger in Me” was the big surprise of the festival’s Closing Night. Emily Atef’s social drama won all three of the festival’s awards:

The German Independence Award – Best German Film, the German Independence Award – Audience Award and the Otto-Sprenger-Award.

The 15th Oldenburg International Film Festival ended on the evening of September 14 with the award ceremony for the German Independence Award and the Otto-Sprenger-Award.

The winner of the German Independence Award – Best German Film is Emily Atef’s “The Stranger in Me”. The award is worth 5000 Euro and was presented by jury-president LeVar Burton and Mayor Dr. Gerd Schwandner.

The jury praised the film’s “originality, the strength of the story and the exceptional quality of the actors”.

This year the jury specially mentioned two performances of female actors. Susanne Wolff displayed her impressive multilayered talents in two films at the festival: “The Stranger in Me” (Emily Atef) and “Happy People” (Jan Georg Schütte). Irina Potapenko gave a convincing newcomer performance with her emotional and powerful acting in “Revanche” by Götz Spielmann.

The German Independence Award – Audience Award also went to “The Stranger in Me” by Emily Atef. The EWE-sponsored award is worth 2000 Euro. The winner also receives an Avid editing software suite.

The third award won by Emily Atef’s “The Stranger in Me” is the Otto-Sprenger-Award also worth 2000 Euro.

During the Cinema-brunch on Sunday September 14th the winner of the 500 Euro short film competition was announced at the CinemaxX: “Side Effect” by Liz Adams.

Helsinki International Film Festival Awards the Finnkino Prize for the first time. And the winner is...

Sat, 25 Oct 2008 11:53:00 PST

Helsinki International Film Festival – Love & Anarchy launched a competition after operating for 20 years as a non-competitive festival. The Finnkino Prize is a nation-wide distribution contract, given to one of the ten nominees. The winner of the first Finnkino Prize is the Jordanian film "Captain Abu Raed" (dir. Aman Matalqa).

The audience competition for the Finnkino Prize is arranged in co-operation with Finnkino, the biggest distribution company in Finland. The audience voted for their favorite film from ten nominees shown at the Helsinki IFF.

"Captain Abu Raed" tells the story of an elderly airport janitor, whom the kids in his neighborhood mistake for a pilot. "Abu Raed" doesn’t correct the misunderstanding but uses the situation to tell the poor and abused kids amazing stories about the far away places, that he has never been to. "Captain Abu Raed" is the first feature film by Aman Matalqa (b. 1976).

"Captain Abu Raed" also won the Audience Award for World Cinema (dramatic section) at the Sundance Film Festival, earlier this year, and is Jordan’s choice for Oscar Nomination.

The Finnkino Prize winner was announced at the beginning of the Helsinki IFF’s Closing Film, "The Class," (dir. Laurent Cantet) and at the screening of the Surprise Film, "Rachel Getting Married" (dir. Jonathan Demme). "Captain Abu Raed " will be released theatrically by Finnkino on the 19th of December. The ten nominees for the Finnkino Prize were all first or second feature films by their director:

• Captain Abu Raed (director: Amin Matalqa, Jordan 2007)

• Love and Other Crimes (director:Stefan Arsenijevits, Serbia 2008)

• Lake Tahoe (director: Fernando Eimbcke, Mexico 2008)

• Autumn Ball (director: Veiko Öunpuu, Estonia 2007)

• Vanaja (director: Rajnesh Domalpalli, India 2006)

• Involuntary (director: Ruben Östlund, Sweden 2008)

• Me (director: Rafa Cortés, Spain 2007)

• Wonderful Town (director: Aditya Assarat, Thailand 2007)

• Better Things (director: Duane Hopkins, United Kingdom 2008)

• Tulpan (director: Sergei Dvortsevoy, Kazakhstan 2006)

The Award Winners of the 2008 Festival of Deauville for American Cinema

Fri, 24 Oct 2008 02:29:00 PST

GRAND PRIX: "The Visitor"

Director: Tom McCarty

PRIX DU JURY: "Ballast"

Director: Lance Hammer

PRIX DE LA CRITIQUE INTERNATIONALE: "Gardens of the Night"

Director: Damian Harris

PRIX DU JURY DE LA RÉVÉLATION CARTIER: "Ballast"

Director: Lance Hammer

PRIX MICHEL D'ORNANO: "Johnny Mad Dog"

Director: Jean-Stephane Sauvaire

The 2008 Hawaii International Film Festival closes another successful year with Film Awards!

Tue, 21 Oct 2008 08:12:00 PST

Halekulani Golden Orchid Award for Best Documentary:

"Noho Hewa: The Wrongful Occupation of Hawai'i"

Director: Anne Keala Kelly

Halekulani Golden Orchid Award for Best Narrative:

"Cape No. 7"

Director: Wei Te-Sheng

Honolulu Magazine Award for Best Short Film:

"Coffee and Allah"

Director: Sima Urale

Honorable Mention: "Texas Girl"

Director: Hyung Hyup Kim

NETPAC Award: "Brutus: The Adventure"

Director: Tara Illenberger

Honorable Mention: "The Little Heart"

Director: Luigi Falomi

Viewers Choice Award Powered by Oceanic Time Warner Cable: "The Hollow"

Director: Dana Ledoux Miller

Film in Hawai'i Award: Joan Lander and Puhipau

(Na Maka o ka 'Aina)

Achievement in Acting: Woo-sung JUNG

Maverick Award: Ji-Woon KIM

Audience Award Winners:

Favorite Feature: "Departures"

Director: Takita Yojiro

Favorite Documentary: "Patsy Mink: Ahead of the Majority"

Director: Kimberlee Bassford

Favorite Short: "Chief"

Director: Brett Wagner

James Newton Howard Film Composer of the Year 2008

Tue, 21 Oct 2008 05:58:00 PST

Tonight the World Soundtrack Academy announced the winners of the World Soundtrack Awards 2008, the closing event of the 35th Ghent International Film Festival. The 8th edition of the World Soundtrack Awards was once again a highlight for film music professionals and fans. James Newton Howard was chosen as Film Composer of the Year 2008, Dario Marianelli took home the award for Best Orginal Score of the Year (Atonement). Marc Streitenfeld was the Academy’s new discovery with his score for American Gangster and Angelo Badalamenti was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award given by Marianne Faithfull.

Both the ceremony and the concert were attended by world famous composers such as James Newton Howard, Dario Marianelli, Angelo Badalamenti, David Arnold, Clint Mansell, Trevor Jones, and Shigeru Umebayashi. After the World Soundtrack Awards ceremony the Brussels Philharmonic conducted by Dirk Brossé performed film music by Angelo Badalamenti, Dario Marianelli, Andres Goldstein & Daniel Tarrab and local talent Tuur Florizoone. Special guests of the evening were Siouxsie Sioux and Beth Rowley, both singing music of The Edge of Love.

The results:

FILM COMPOSER OF THE YEAR

presented in respect of the body of work in the year 2008

JAMES NEWTON HOWARD: CHARLIE WILSON'S WAR, MICHAEL CLAYTON, I AM LEGEND

BEST ORIGINAL SCORE OF THE YEAR 2008

ATONEMENT BY DARIO MARIANELLI

BEST ORIGINAL SONG WRITTEN DIRECTLY FOR FILM 2008

'DOWN TO EARTH' FROM WALL-E

Music by Thomas Newman and Peter Gabriel, lyrics by Peter Gabriel, performed by Peter Gabriel

DISCOVERY OF THE YEAR 2008

MARC STREITENFELD: AMERICAN GANGSTER

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD 2008

ANGELO BADALAMENTI

PUBLIC CHOICE AWARD

TUUR FLORIZOONE: MOSCOW, BELGIUM

SABAM AWARD FOR BEST BELGIAN YOUNG COMPOSER

CEDRIC MURRATH

The World Soundtrack Awards are organized in cooperation with Port of Ghent, Sabam, the province East-Flanders, the Ghent City Marketing Fund and Belgacom.

In its 12th Year, Arab Film Festival Hosts the 2nd Noor Awards Ceremony

Tue, 21 Oct 2008 03:04:00 PST

Filmmakers Recognized for their Outstanding Work

On October 16th, at the Opening Night of the 12th annual Arab Film Festival, juried awards were given to Arab filmmakers who have been recognized for their contributions to cinematography.

The Noor Awards were given at the Castro Theatre in San Francisco. A jury composed of distinguished members of the film and academic communities selected the winning films. Cash prizes were given to the director in four categories: Best Long Fiction, Best Long Non-Fiction, Best Short Fiction and Best Short Non-Fiction.

In addition, the Arab Film Festival's board of directors presented a Lifetime Achievement Award honoring the work of the late Egyptian film director Youssef Chahine.

"Each year the festival offers inspiring films that illuminate Arab lives and present authentic narratives as well as provide insights into the beauty, talent and diversity of Arab culture," said Michel Shehadeh, executive director of the Arab Film Festival. "The Noor Awards shine a special light on filmmakers from the Arab world and from the Arab diaspora who break new artistic and cultural ground. This award recognizes their artistic excellence and their work at building cultural, artistic and human bridges. These are filmmakers who receive little visibility in the United States."

"Paloma Delight" (full length fiction, Algeria 2007) by Nadir Mokneche was selected as the Noor Award winner for Best Long Fiction Film.

"The Yellow House" (Algeria, 2008) by Amor Hakkar received an Honorable Mention in the Long Fiction Film.

In the Best Short Fiction category "Clean Hands Dirty Soap" (Egypt, 2007) directed by Karim Fanous was selected.

The Honorable Mention was presented to "Tenbak" (United Arab Emirates, 2008) directed by Abdullah Hassan Ahmed.

"Life After the Fall" (Iraq, 2008) directed by Kasim Abid, and shot over four years, was selected as the Noor Award winner for Best Long Non-Fiction Film.

"Out of the Frame" (Iraq, 2007) directed by Nizar Annadawi was selected as the Best Short Non-Fiction film.

After the Noor Awards ceremony the festival's Opening Night film "Waiting for Pasolini," a U.S. premiere, was shown to a packed house.

From the Arabic word for "light," the Noor Awards were established to celebrate filmmakers whose enlightened and original works outshine others in their category. The directors of the winning films received cash prizes as follows: Best Long Fiction ($2,000); Best Long Non-Fiction ($2,000); Best Short Fiction ($500) and Best Short Non-Fiction ($500).

This year's Noor Awards jury members were: Professor Nezar Al Sayyad, chair of the Center for Middle Eastern Studies at UC Berkeley; Jamal Dajani, Senior Director of Middle East Programming for LinkTV; Dr. Jess Ghannam, Clinical Professor of Psychiatry and Global Health Sciences at UCSF and president of the san Francisco Arab Cultural and Community Center; Irina Leimbacher, filmmaker and co-programmer of Kino 21; Simone Nelson, artist, producer and entertainment industry consultant; and Torange Yeghiazarian, playwright, director and actor as well as the founding artistic director of Golden Thread Theatre.

This year's Arab Film Festival features more than 70 films from 18 countries in 18 in San Francisco, Berkeley, San Jose and Los Angeles. In addition, films were shown on Bay Area university campuses and, as part of the Festival in the Schools, to more than 1,000 high school students.

2008 Tabor FIlm Festival Awards

Mon, 20 Oct 2008 01:36:00 PST

The International Jury (Ron Holloway, Rosa Reitsamer and Tomislav Pavlic) decided to hand out the festival Grand Prix called Veronika's Skull (+ a sum of 2.000 euros) to the film "Icicle Melt" by Amy Neil.

The Domestic Competition award went to the film "Leviathan" by Simon Bogojeviæ Narath. The film was also awarded with Veronika's Skull (+ a sum of 1.000 euros), handed out by the Domestic Jury members - last year Domestic Competition winner Renata Poljak and Jude Goldrey from Lifesize Pictures, UK.

The reAnimated Veronika award for best animation went to the film "One Rat Short" by Alex Weil. Croatian film "I'll Kill You" by Nikola Strasek was presented with the award for best documentary and the award for best experimental film went to Raymond by BIF (all the film were also awarded with a sum of 500 euros).

The audience award, Vox Veronika, went to the Belgian film "Tango" by Guido Thys (with a remarkable average grade of 4.85).

The International Jury also gave out two special mentions, to the film "Graphitti" by Vano Burduli from Georgia, and the film "Family Reunion" by Isold Uggadottir from Island.

Jury Awards 2008 Announced for th St. George Bank Brisbane International Film Festival

Thu, 09 Oct 2008 05:10:00 PST

NETPAC Award- The Network For the Promotion of Asian Cinema: "Foster Child"

Directed by: Brillante Mendoza

NETPAC (The Network for the Promotion of Asian Cinema) is an international organisation that comprises filmmakers, critics, festivals, programmers, distributors, exhibitors, and film educators. Its fundamental aim is to promote Asian cinema's role in the development of cultural diversity and integrity in a contemporary, globalized world.

One of the ways of promoting Asian cinema is through the presentation of the NETPAC Award, which recognises exceptional and emerging filmmaking talents, at film festivals. The Brisbane International Film Festival is proud to host this award in Australia.

INTERFAITH- Interfaith Award is for Promoting

Humanitarian Values: "The Visitor"

Directed by: Thomas McCarthy

BIFF's Interfaith Award was inspired by the first Interfaith jury, convened at the 2003 Tehran Film Festival by SIGNIS president Father Peter Malone. SIGNIS, the World Catholic Association for Communication, organizes ecumenical juries to judge films on criteria that take into account artistic qualities as well as human, social, and spiritual dimensions.

Now in its fifth year, BIFF's Interfaith jury, comprising three jurors from diverse religious and/or spiritual backgrounds, will present the award to the film that most successfully espouses humanitarian values.

High commendation was given to "Little Moth"

Directed by: Peng Tao

The FIPRESCI award- Fédération Internationale de la Presse Cinématographique: "Good Cats"

Directed by: Ying Liang

Founded in the late 1920s in France, Belgium, and Italy, FIPRESCI (Fédération Internationale de la Presse Cinématographique) is the international federation of film critics, whose members reside in 60 countries and which is represented at many of the major international film festivals.

FIPRESCI's charter is to promote film art and to encourage new and young cinema. Its first jury prize was presented at the 1946 Cannes Film Festival to David Lean's Brief Encounter and Georges Rouquier's Farrebique. FIPRESCI awards the prestigious International Film Critics Prize at film festivals around the world.

Cine Sparks Jury Award: "The King of Ping Pong"

Directed by: Jens Jonsson

The Courier-Mail Queensland Short Film Competition Winners

The Courier-Mail Queensland Short Film Competition Audience Favourite Award (Apple Mac Book Pro and iPod Touch 16GB valued at $3300 from our sponsor Cirrus): "Nine Miles Beautiful," directed by Marty Moynihan and produced by Peter Blackburn.

The Courier-Mail Queensland Short Film Competition Critics Choice Award ($5000 cash from our sponsors The Courier-Mail) "Seize the Day," directed by Alex Chomicz and produced by Wade Savage.

Chauvel Award:

This year the 2008 Chauvel Award goes to Heath Ledger for his outstanding and significant contribution to Australian Cinema.

Kinetone Award 2008:

For significant contribution to the Queensland film industry

The Kinetone Award is voted both by industry peers and the public. Each year the nominations reflect the generosity and commitment of the industry's established professionals. Previous recipients have supported the industry through many avenues, including education, training, mentorship, and network development.

In 2008, the recipient of the Kinetone Award is Gary Keir. Gary's long history with film processing laboratory Atlab has seen him involved in many productions, from feature films to television commercials, since 1977. Gary opened Atlab Queensland as manager in 1991 and has since become a figurehead in the state's film and television industry.

His extensive involvement in the emerging local industry-for example, the establishment of the Kodak TVC Competition in 2001, festival sponsorships, participation in industry groups and panels, and avid support of the annual Warner Roadshow Studios Queensland New Filmmakers Awards-clearly demonstrates Gary's unswerving commitment.

For many years, Gary has selflessly devoted himself to mentoring newcomers, passing on to them his boundless/contagious enthusiasm and technological knowledge, and in 2000 the Australian Cinematographers Society recognised Gary's service to the industry with the Edwin Scragg Award.

Gary is highly respected by his peers and revered among filmmakers across the state. He has been instrumental in building Queensland's film industry-without people like Gary, Queensland would lack the sense of family, tradition, and close-knit support that currently enriches this creative industry.

2008 Toronto International Film Festival Honors Filmmakers with Awards

Thu, 02 Oct 2008 11:23:00 PST

The 33rd Toronto International Film Festival announced its awards at the Awards Reception at the Intercontinental on Front Street on September 13, 2008.

AWARD FOR BEST CANADIAN SHORT FILM

The award for Best Canadian Short Film goes to Chris Chong Chan Fui's "Block B." The film examines the lives of an expatriate Indian community weaving itself through the contradicting soundscapes of contemporary Malaysia. The jury notes: "simple, graphic, hypnotic - this is an achievement of bringing cinema to its bare essentials." A special citation goes to Denis Villeneuve's Next Floor. The short film jury members are filmmakers Louise Archambault and Min Sook Lee, and Rotterdam International Film Festival programmer Peter van Hoof. The award offers a $10,000 cash prize and is supported by the National Film Board of Canada.

CITYTV AWARD FOR BEST CANADIAN FIRST FEATURE FILM

The Citytv Award for Best Canadian First Feature Film goes to Marie-Hélène Cousineau and Madeline Piujuq Ivalu's "Before Tomorrow" "for its arresting beauty, its humanist, innovative storytelling and its artistic integrity in capturing the narrative of a people through an intimate tale." Based on the novel by acclaimed Danish author Jørn Riel, "Before Tomorrow" is a moving drama about a strong Inuit woman and her beloved grandson, who become trapped on a remote island as they face the ultimate challenge of survival. A special citation goes to Lyne Charlebois' "Borderline." Established by Citytv, the award carries a cash prize of $15,000.

CITY OF TORONTO-CITYTV AWARD FOR BEST CANADIAN FEATURE FILM

The City of Toronto-Citytv Award for Best Canadian Feature Film goes to Rodrigue Jean's "Lost Song." Elisabeth (Suzie LeBlanc), Pierre (Patrick Goyette) and their new-born baby move to a summer cottage in a remote area north of Montreal. Isolation and the difficulty of coping with her new situation and surroundings send Elisabeth into a spiral of depression. The jury described the film as "constantly surprising," and "profound, masterful and devastatingly sad." A special citation goes to Atom Egoyan's "Adoration." Generously co-sponsored by the City of Toronto and Citytv, the City of Toronto-Citytv Award for Best Canadian Feature Film carries a cash prize of $30,000.

CANADIAN FEATURE FILM AWARDS JURY

Winners of the Citytv Award for Best Canadian First Feature Film and the City of Toronto-Citytv Award for Best Canadian Feature Film were selected by a jury of film industry professionals, consisting of filmmaker Ann Marie Fleming, filmmaker and actor Sarah Polley, programmer for the Locarno Film Festival Vincenzo Bugno, and producer Michael Burns.

DIESEL DISCOVERY AWARD

The Diesel Discovery award goes to Steve McQueen's Hunger. The film follows Bobby Sands and the other political inmates of Northern Ireland's Maze Prison in 1981 as they seek to gain special category status for republican prisoners. The Festival press corps, which consists of 1000 international media, voted on the Diesel Discovery Award. The award offers a $10,000 cash prize and a custom award sponsored by DIESEL Canada.

PRIZE OF THE INTERNATIONAL CRITICS (FIPRESCI PRIZE)

The Festival welcomed an international FIPRESCI jury for the 17th consecutive year. This year's jury was expanded and considered eligible films in the Discovery and Special Presentation programs. The jury members consist of jury president Jonathan Rosenbaum (USA), Nick Roddick (United Kingdom), Elie Castiel (Canada), Ranjita Biswas (India), Kim Linekin (Canada) and Pablo Scholz (Argentina).

The Prize of the International Critics (FIPRESCI Prize) for Discovery is awarded to Derick Martini's Lymelife. From the filmmaking team behind Smiling Fish and Goat on Fire (TIFF 1999) comes an examination of first love, family dynamics and the American Dream in late 1970s Long Island, as seen through the innocent eyes of a 15-year-old. Scott Bartlett (Rory Culkin) is a gentle boy - a direct contrast to his blustery father, Mickey (Alec Baldwin). After an outbreak of Lyme disease hits their suburban community, the lives of the Bartletts and their neighbours begin to crumble in the wake of illness, confrontation and paranoia.

The Prize of the International Critics (FIPRESCI Prize) for Special Presentations is awarded to Steve Jacobs' "Disgrace." Professor David Lurie's (John Malkovich) life falls apart after he has an impulsive affair with one of his students. Forced to resign from Cape Town University, he escapes to his daughter's farm in the Eastern Cape. Their relationship is tested when they both become victims of a vicious attack. In order not to lose the love of his daughter, David stands by her as she accepts her tragic circumstances. She continues her life on the farm and their individual disgrace finally settles to an uneasy grace.

CADILLAC PEOPLE'S CHOICE AWARD

The Cadillac People's Choice Award is voted on by Festival audiences. This year's award goes to Danny Boyle's "Slumdog Millionaire." From acclaimed director Danny Boyle comes a story about a kid with nothing, who has everything to lose. Jamal Malik, an 18-year-old orphan from the slums of Mumbai, is just one question away from winning a staggering 20 million rupees on India's "Who Wants to be A Millionaire?" Arrested on suspicion of cheating, he tells the police the amazing tale of his life on the streets, and of the girl he loved and lost. But what is a kid with no interest in money doing on the show? And how does he know all the answers? First runner-up is Kristopher Belman's "More Than A Game" and the second runner-up is Cyrus Nowrasteh's "The Stoning of Soraya M." The award offers a $15,000 cash prize and custom award, sponsored by Cadillac.

Festival de Gramado Announces the Winners for the 2008 Festival Awards- in Portuguese

Mon, 15 Sep 2008 08:55:00 PST

Longa-Metragem Brasileiro:

Melhor filme de longa-metragem: NOME PROPRIO de Murilo Salles

Melhor Diretor: Domingos Oliveira pelo filme JUVENTUDE

Melhor Ator: Daniel de Oliveira pelo filme A FESTA DA MENINA MORTA

Melhor Atriz: Leandra Leal pelo filme NOME PROPRIO

Melhor Roteiro: Domingos Oliveira pelo filme JUVENTUDE

Melhor Fotografia: Lula Carvalho pelo filme A FESTA DA MENINA MORTA

Prêmio Especial do Júri: A Festa Damenina Morta de Matheus Nachtergaele

Premio de Qualidade Artística: para os Atores Aderbal Freire Filho,

Domingos Oliveira e Paulo Jose pelo filme JUVENTUDE

Melhor Diretor de Arte: Pedro Paulo de Souza pelo filme NOME PROPRIO

Melhor Música: Matheus Nachtergale pelo filme A FESTA DA MENINA MORTA

Melhor Montagem: Natara Ney pelo filme JUVENTUDE

Prêmio da Crítica: A Festa Da Menina Morta de Matheus Nachtergale

Melhor filme do Júri Popular: A Festa Da Menina Morta de Matheus Nachtergale

Longa-Metragem Estrangeiro:

Melhor Filme: COCHOCHI de Israel Cardenas e Laura Guzman

Melhor Diretor: Carlos Moreno pelo Filme PERRO COME PERRO

Melhor Ator: Marlon Moreno e Oscar Borda pelo filme PERRO COMOE PERRO

Melhor Atriz: Ana Carabajal pelo filme POR SUS PROPIOS OJOS

Melhor Roteiro: Liliana Paolinelli pelo filme “ POR SUS PROPIOS OJOS

Melhor Fotografia: Juan Carlos Gil pelo filme PERRO COME PERRO

Prêmio Especial do Júri: para POR SUS PROPIOS OJOS

Prêmio de Qualidade Artística: para COCHOCHI

Excelência de linguagem técnica: COCHOCHI de Israel Cardenas e Laura Guzman

Premio da Crítica: Perro come Perro de Carlos Moreno

Melhor Filme do Júri Popular: POR SUS PROPIOS OJOS de Liliana Paolinelli

CURTA METRAGEM

Melhor filme: Areia de Caetano Gotardo

Melhor Diretor: Jaime Lerner pelo filme Subsolo

Melhor Ator: Augusto Madeira pelos filmes Blackout e Noite de Domingo

Melhor Atriz: Malu Galli pelo filme Areia

Melhor Roteiro: César Cabral e Leandro Maciel por Dossiê Rebordosa

Melhor Fotografia: Heloisa Passos por Areia

Premio Especial do Júri: Booker Pittman de Rodrigo Grota

Melhor Diretor de Arte: José de Aguiar pelo filme Booker Pittman

Melhor Música: Booker Pittman pelo filme Booker Pittman

Melhor Montagem: César Cabral e Leandro Maciel pelo filme Dossiê Rê Bordosa

Prêmio da Crítica: : Booker Pittman de Rodrigo Grota

Mostra Gaúcha

Melhor Filme: Um dia como hoje de Eduardo Wannmacher

Melhor Direção: Diego Muller por Cortejo Negro

Melhor Roteiro: Eduardo Wannmacher por Um dia como hoje

Melhor Fotografia: Fernando Vanelli por Cortejo Negro

Melhor Direção de Arte: Rita Faustini por O Sete Trouxas

Melhor Música: Fausto Prado por Subsolo

Melhor Montagem: Fábio Lobanowsky por Um dia como hoje

Melhor Edição de Som: Cristiano Scherer por Rosário dos Navegantes

Melhor Produtor/ Produtor Executivo: Pablo Muller por Cortejo Negro

Melhor Ator: Júlio Andrade por Um dia como hoje

Melhor Atriz: Carolina Sudat por Um dia como hoje

The Locarno Film Festival Announced the Official 2008 Awards

Mon, 15 Sep 2008 07:38:00 PST

The closing ceremony of the 61st Locarno International Film Festival took place on Saturday, August 16th 2008 at the Piazza Grande.

Golden Leopard: "PARQUE VIA"

Directed by: Enrique Rivero, Mexico

Special Jury Prize: "33 SCENY Z ZYCIA" (33 Scenes from Life)

Directed by: Malgoska Szumowska, Germany/Poland

Best Director: Denis Côte for "ELLE VEUT LE CHAOS," Canada

Leopard for Best Actress: Ilaria Occhini in "MAR NERO"

Directed by: Federico Bondi, Italy/Romania/France

Leopard for Best Actor: Tayanç Ayaydin in "THE MARKET – A TALE OF TRADE"

Directed by: Ben Hopkins, Germany/UK/Turkey/Kazakhstan

Prix Netpac: "DAYTIME DRINKING"

Directed by: Noh Young-seok, South Korea

Prix FIPRESCI: "PARQUE VIA"

Directed by: Enrique Rivero, Mexico

Prize of the Ecumenical Jury: "MAR NERO"

Directed by: Federico Bondi, Italy/Romania/France

Prix FICC / IFFS: "YURIEV DEN" (Yuri’s Day)

Directed by: Kirill Serebrennikov, Russia/Germany

Prix Art & Essai CICAE: "SONBAHAR" (Autumn)

Directed by: Ozcan Alpers, Turkey/Germany

Prix SRG SSR idee suisse /Semaine de la critique: "LATAWCE" (Kites)

Directed by: Beata Dzianowicz, Poland

C.P. Company Golden Leopard / Filmmakers of the Present Competition: "LA FORTERESSE"

Directed by: Fernand Melgar, Switzerland

Ciné Cinéma Special Jury Prize / Filmmakers of the Present Competition: "ALICIA EN EL PAÍS"

Directed by: Esteban Larraín, Chile

Leopard for the Best First Feature: "MÄRZ"

Directed by: Händl Klaus, Austria (International Competition)

Golden Leopard- SRG SSR idée suisse Prize for the International Leopard of Tomorrow Competition:

"DEZ ELEFANTES"

Directed by: Eva Randolph, Brazil

The Boccalino Prize for Best Actor: Kssenia Rappoport for "Yuriev Den"

Directed by: Kirill Serebrennikov

The Boccalino Prize for the Most Significant Film: "Beket"

Directed by: Davide Manuli

Silver Leopard- Eastman Kodak Company Prize for the International Leopard of Tomorrow:

"KAUPUNKILAISIA"

Directed by: Juho Kuosmanen, Finland

Golden Leopard- IKEA Prize for the Leopards of Tomorrow National Competition: "LA DÉLOGEUSE"

Directed by: Julien Rouyet, Switzerland

Silver Leopard- Eastman Kodak Company Prize for the

Leopards of Tomorrow National Competition: "UN DIA Y NADA"

Directed by: Lorenz Merz, Switzerland

Prix du Public UBS: "SON OF RAMBOW"

Directed by: Garth Jennings, UK/France/Germany

Variety Piazza Grande Award: "BACK SOON"

Directed by: Sólveig Anspach, Island/France

Filmmakers of the Present Competition Jury composed of:

Bertrand Bonello, director, composer and writer,France, Benedek Fliegauf, director and writer, Hungary, Cao Guimaraes, director and video artist, Brazil, Corso Salani, director, Italy, Franz Treichler, muscian and composer , Switzerland

The Leopards of Tomorrow Jury is composed of:

Fulvio Bernasconi, director, Switzerland, Eran Kolirin, director, Israel, Angele Paulino, TV5 Monde, Dick Rijneke,

director and producer, The Netherlands, Orsi Toth, actress, Hungary

The Bocaalino Prize Jury is composed of: Alberto Castellano, President, Angelo Franco Aschei, Ugo Brusaporco, Lorenzo Buccella, Valentina Cattaneo, Jordi Picatoste and Damiano Realini

The Netpac Jury is composed of: Sanling Chang,

Taiwan, Bee Thiam Tan, Singapore and Antonio Weinrichter, Spain

The Fipresci Prize Jury is composed of: Nicole Hess,

Swiss, Radovan Holub, Czech Republic, Emma Gray Munthe, Sweden, Javier Porta Fouze, Argentina, Mateusz Werner, Poland

The Ecumenical Jury Prize is composed of: Alexander Deeg, Germany, Alexander Deeg, Felipe Espinoza Torrese, Mexico, Douglas Fahlesone, Ireland, Serge Molla, Swizerland, Astrid Polz-Watzenige, Sham P. Thomas, India.

The FICC / IFFS Prize Jury is composed of: Csaba Bardose, Hungary, Briana Berg, Switzerland, Eoin Hayes, Ireland

Prix Art & Essai CICAE Jury is composed of: Sino Caracappa, Italy, Andre Ceuterick, Belgium, Rita Linda Potyondi, Hungary

Semaine de la Critique Jury is composed of: Stephanie Bunbury, Australia, Azzedine Mabrouki, Algeria, Mariano Morace, Switzerland

Images of the 61st Locarno Film Festival Awards Ceremony:

1.) Junior Jury Special award, Gideon Koppel, Director of the film SLEEP FURIOUSLY

2.) Federico Bondi, director of the film MAR NERO, third prize of the Junior Jury

3.) Richard Szyotori, director of the film AU CAFE ROMAND, Leopards of Tomorrow Junior Jury Award for the best Swiss short film

4.) Isamu Hirabayashi, director of the film BABIN, Junior Jury Leopards of Tomorrow Award

5.) Julien Rouyet, director of the film LA DELOGEUSE, Junior Jury Leopards of Tomorrow Award

6.) Malgoska Szumowska, director of the film 33 33 SCENY Z ZYCIA, Junior Jury Award

7.) Junior Jury Award, Denis Côté, director of the film ELLE VEUT LE CHAOS with the Jury

8.) Ecumenical Jury Award, from left Serge Molla, member of the Jury, Federico Bondi, director of the film MAR NERO, Alexander Deeg, member of the Jury

9.) Enrique Rivero, director of the film PARQUE VÍA, FIPRESCI Award

10.) Özcan Alper, director of the film SONBAHAR, Art & Essai CICAE Award

11.) SRG SSR idée suisse Award - Semaine de la critique, Beata Dzianowicz, director of the film LATAWCE

12.) Ilaria Occhini, Leopard for the best feminine interpretation for the film MAR NERO

13.) Tayanç Ayaydin, Leopard for the best male interpretation for the film THE MARKET - A TALE OF TRADE

14.) Fernand Melgar, director of the film LA FORTERESSE, C.P.Company Golden Leopard - Filmmakers of the Present

15.) Händl Klaus, director of the film MÄRZ, Leopard for the best first film, Prize of the City and Region of Locarno

16.) Malgoska Szumowska, director of the film 33 SCENY Z ZYCIA, Special award for the Jury, Award of the Country of Ascona and Losone

2008 Award Winners for the Seattle International Film Festival

Fri, 12 Sep 2008 02:41:00 PST

“Seattle’s enthusiastic film audiences continued to affirm SIFF’s prominence as a world-class showcase for extraordinary film experiences,” says Carl Spence, SIFF Artistic Director. “Almost half of this year’s feature films were from first or second time directors, and seventy percent entered the Festival without US distribution, maintaining SIFF’s reputation as a fiercely independent showcase for audience discovery.”

SIFF 2008 Awards

The Golden Space Needle Award winners were announced at a ceremony earlier today. More than 70,000 ballots were cast by SIFF audiences to determine the winner in six categories: Best Film, Best Documentary, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, and Best Short Film.

Also presented were six juried SIFF 2008 Competition Awards: New American Cinema Award, New Directors Showcase Award, Best Documentary Award, Best Narrative Short, Best Documentary Short, and Best Animated Short.

SIFF 2008 Competition Grand Jury Award winners receive a $5,000 cash prize, a hand-made glass creation by artist James Mongrain, Movie Magic Screenwriter software, and a DVD replication prize package from Discmakers. New American Cinema Competition winner receives an annual subscription to The Studio System from Baseline Studio Systems. New Directors Showcase and Documentary Competition winners receive an annual subscription to FilmTracker from Baseline Studio Systems.

SIFF 2008 New American Cinema Competition

Grand Jury Prize: "Em,"

directed by Tony Barbieri (USA)

Jury Statement: “In Em, writer-director Tony Barbieri tackles the timely and original subject of love and mental illness, with the help of his two excellent leads, Stef Willen and Nathan Wetherington. It’s a sweet, sad, scary movie that feels completely contemporary.”

Special Jury Prize: "The Bluetooth Virgin"

director: Russell Brown

Jury Statement: “The Special Jury Prize is awarded to The Bluetooth Virgin and writer-director Russell Brown for his fresh and squirmy script.”

The New American Cinema jury was comprised of: Rajendra Roy, Chief Curator, Film Department at MoMA; David Schmader, associate editor at The Stranger; and Kyle Thorpe, Vice President of Publicity at Focus Features.

SIFF 2008 New Directors Showcase Competition

Grand Jury Prize: "Everything is Fine,"

directed by Yves-Christian Fournier (Canada)

Jury Statement: “The New Directors Showcase Prize for director of a first or second feature goes to Yves-Christian Fournier from Quebec, Canada, and his film Everything is Fine, for its skillful avoidance of the nihilistic clichés in its treatment of contemporary youth. The jury would also like to commend the outstanding performance of Marie Turgeon in the role of the mother.”

Special Jury Prize: "Mermaid,"

directed by Anna Melikyan (Russia)

Jury Statement: “The jury would also like to award a special mention to Mermaid by Anna Melikyan from Russia for its entertaining portrait of Russia and its growing pains as it transitions into a capitalist society.”

The New Directors Showcase jury was comprised of: Frederic Boyer, programmer for Director’s Fortnight, Cannes Film Festival; Oliver Mahrdt, president of Hanns Wolters International, and East Coast representative of German Films; and Charles Taylor, ?lm critic for the Newark Star-Ledger and Bloomberg News.

SIFF 2008 Documentary Competition

Grand Jury Prize: "Derek,"

directed by Isaac Julien (UK)

Jury Statement: “The Grand Jury Prize is awarded to Isaac Julien’s Derek for the strength of both the subject and the filmmaking.”

Documentary Competition Special Jury Prizes:

Jury Statements:

"Combalion," directed by Raphaël Mathié (France), “…for its artistic integrity and visually arresting composition.”

"Accelerating America," directed by Timothy Hotchner (USA), “…for capturing the inspiration of the subject and the humanistic heart of the film.”

The Documentary jury was comprised of: Ken Eisen, president of Shadow Distribution; Julie Goldman, founding partner of Cactus Three; and Steven Raphael, founder of Required Viewing.

SIFF 2008 Short Film Jury Awards

SIFF 2008 Grand Jury Short Film Award winners receive a $2,500 cash prize, a hand-made glass creation by artist James Mongrain, Movie Magic Screenwriter software, a DVD replication prize package from Discmakers, and an annual subscription to FilmTracker from Baseline Studio Systems.

Documentary Grand Jury Prize:

“Self Portrait With Cows Going Home” and Other Works: A Portrait of Sylvia Plachy, directed by Rebecca Dreyfus, U

USA Documentary Special Jury Prize: "The Ladies," directed by Christina Voros, USA

Animation Grand Jury Prize:

"The Pearce Sisters," directed by Luis Cook, UK Animation Special Jury Prize: Home, directed by Kim Slate, USA

Narrative Grand Jury Prize: "Rewind,"

directed by Atul Taishete, India

Narrative Special Jury Prizes: "Walnut,"

directed by Amy Gebhardt, Australia

"Dog Altogether,"

directed by Paddy Considine, UK

"A Mate,"

directed by Teemu Nikki, Finland

"New Boy,"

directed by Steph Green, Ireland

Honorable Mentions for Inventive Filmmaking: "Introduction to Lucid Dreaming,"

directed by John Grigsby, USA

"On the Assassination of the President,"

directed by Adam Keker, USA

The Short Film jury was comprised of: Scilla Andreen, co-founder of IndieFlix; Seattle Filmmaker Douglas Horn, winner of the 2006 Golden Space Needle for Best Short Film; and Jeff Shannon, Film critic for the Seattle Times and P-I.

SIFF 2008 FutureWave Jury Award

SIFF 2008 FutureWave WaveMaker Award winner receives a $2,500 cash prize.

Grand Jury Prize (WaveMaker Award): "Disorder," directed by Rose McAleese

Honorable Mentions: "4th Floor,"

directed by Misami Kubo, “…for excellence in visual storytelling.”

"Driving to the New Age: American Automobiles and You,"

directed by Meng Mao, Eli Shalcross, Charlie Shelton, and Matt Yaggy, “…for delivering a serious message through outstanding use of satire.”

"New Perspective,"

directed by Dave Riff, “…for clarity of vision.”

The FutureWave jury was comprised of the participants in the 2008 Fly Filmmaking challenge: Cheryl Slean, Megan Griffiths, Rob Cunningham, Andy McCone and Joe Shapiro.

SIFF and IndieFlix 2008 MyFestival Winners

SIFF and IndieFlix MyFestival Feature Film winner receives a $1,500 cash prize; Short Film winner receives a $500 cash prize.

SIFF Official Selection and MyFestival Feature Film Winner:

"Perfect Sport," directed by Anthony O’Brien

SIFF Official Selection and MyFestival Short Film Winner:

Robbie’s Withdrawal, directed by John Burish

MyFestival Special Recognition Awards: "Eternal City," directed by Jason Goodman

"Hot Wind: America’s Fallout Casualties,"

directed by Kirsten Alaqidy

SIFF 2008 Golden Space Needle Audience Awards

SIFF 2008 Golden Space Needle Award winners receive a hand-made glass creation by artist James Mongrain. Golden Space Needle Award Best Short Film winner receives $1,000 of Color Negative Motion Picture Film from the Eastman Kodak Company Entertainment Imaging Division, and an Apple Intel 15" Laptop Computer loaded with the Final Cut Pro Suite of products from IrisInk and The Mac Store.

Best Film Golden Space Needle Award: "Cherry Blossoms – Hanami,"

directed by Doris Dörrie (Germany)

The remaining top ten audience favorites (in order)

"Frozen River,"

directed by Courtney Hunt (USA)

"Fugitive Pieces,"

directed by Jeremy Podeswa (Canada)

"Captain Abu Raed,"

directed by Amin Matalqa (Jordan)

"The Drummer,"

directed by Kenneth Bi (Hong Kong)

"Summer Heat,"

directed by Monique van de Ven (the Netherlands)

"Letting Go of God,"

directed by Julia Sweeney (USA)

"Late Bloomers,"

directed by Bettina Oberli (Switzerland)

"Bliss,"

directed by Abdullah Oguz (Turkey)

"Michou d’Auber,"

directed by Thomas Gilou (France)

Best Documentary Golden Space Needle Award: "The Wrecking Crew,"

directed by Denny Tedesco (USA)

The remaining top ten audience favorites (in order):

"Great Speeches From a Dying World,"

directed by Linas Phillips (USA)

"Man on Wire,"

directed by James Marsh (UK)

"Accelerating America,"

directed by Timothy Hotchner (USA)

"Creative Nature,"

directed by John Andres (USA)

"Emmanuel Jal: War Child,"

directed by C. Karim Chrobog (USA)

"Trouble the Water,"

directed by Carl Deal and Tia Lessin (USA)

"Stranded: I’ve Come From a Plane that Crashed in the Mountains,"

directed by Gonzalo Arijon (France)

"Good Food,"

directed by Melissa Young and Mark Dworkin (USA)

"They Killed Sister Dorothy," directed by Daniel Junge (USA)

Best Director Golden Space Needle Award:

Amin Matalqa, for "Captain Abu Raed" (Jordan)

The remaining top five audience favorites (in order)

Courtney Hunt, for "Frozen River" (USA)

Nina Paley, for "Sita Sings the Blues" (USA)

Dorota Kedzierzawska, for "Time to Die" (Poland)

Nic Balthazar, for "Ben X" (Belgium)

Best Actor Golden Space Needle Award:

Alan Rickman, for "Bottle Shock" (USA)

The remaining top five audience favorites (in order)

Nadim Sawalha, for "Captain Abu Raed" (Jordan)

Andrew Garfield, for "Boy A" (UK)

Zdenerk Sverák, for "Empties" (Czech Republic)

Greg Timmermans, for "Ben X" (Belgium)

Best Actress Golden Space Needle Award:

Jessica Chastain, for "Jolene" (USA)

The remaining top five audience favorites (in order)

Catinca Untaru, for "The Fall" (USA)

Melissa Leo, for "Frozen River "(USA)

Danuta Szaflarska, for "Time to Die" (Poland)

Melanie Diaz, for "American Son" (USA)

Best Short Film Golden Space Needle Award:

"Felix," directed by Andreas Utta (Germany)

The remaining top five audience favorites (in order)

"Sleeping Betty," directed by Claude Cloutier (Canada)

"Bailey-Boushay House: A Living History," directed by Terence Brown (USA)

"Zoologic," directed by Nicole Mitchell (USA)

"Spider," directed by Nash Edgerton (Australia)

Lena Sharpe Award:

"Frozen River," director Courtney Hunt (USA)

This award is given to the film by a woman director that receives the most votes from the public.

September 6th- Awards ceremony: the 65th Venice Film Festival comes to an end

Mon, 08 Sep 2008 03:13:00 PST

Biennale Cinema 65th Venice Film Festival Official Venezia 65 Awards

Venice, 6th September 2008

The Venezia 65 Jury, chaired by Wim Wenders and comprised of Juriy Arabov, Valeria Golino, Douglas Gordon, Lucrecia Martel, John Landis, and Johnnie To, having viewed all twenty-one films in competition, has decided as follows:

GOLDEN LION for Best Film: "The Wrestler"

Directed by Darren Aronofsky (USA)

SILVER LION for Best Director to:

Aleksey German Jr. for "Bumažnyj Soldat" (Paper Soldier) (Russia)

SPECIAL JURY PRIZE to: "Teza"

Directed by Haile Gerima (Ethiopia, Germany, France)

COPPA VOLPI for Best Actor: Silvio Orlando for "Il papà di Giovanna"

Directed by Pupi Avati (Italy)

COPPA VOLPI for Best Actress: Dominique Blanc for "L’autre"

Directed by Patrick Mario Bernard and Pierre Trividic (France)

MARCELLO MASTROIANNI AWARD for Best Young Actor or Actress: Jennifer Lawrence for "The Burning Plain" by Guillermo Arriaga (USA)

OSELLA for Best Cinematography to: Alisher Khamidhodjaev and Maxim Drozdov for "Bumažnyj Soldat" (Paper Soldier)

Directed by Aleksey German Jr. (Russia)

OSELLA for Best Screenplay to: Haile Gerima for "Teza" by Haile Gerima (Ethiopia, Germany, France)

SPECIAL LION for Overall Work to: Werner Schroeter

The Jury decided to award a Special Lion for his uncompromising and relentlessly innovative work over a period of 40 years to Werner Schroeter.

“LUIGI DE LAURENTIIS” AWARD FOR A DEBUT FILM

The “Luigi De Laurentiis” Award for a Debut Film Jury at the 65th Venice Film Festival, comprised of Abdellatif Kechiche (President), Alice Braga, Gregory Jacobs, Donald Ranvaud, and Heidrun Schleef, has unanimously decided to award the

“LUIGI DE LAURENTIIS” AWARD FOR A DEBUT FILM to:

"Pranzo Di Ferragosto" by Gianni Di Gregorio (SIC - International Critics’ Week, Italy)

Aurelio De Laurentiis and Filmauro award a cash prize, of 100,000 USD, to the winning first film (50,000 to the director, 50,000 to the producer). To the director, an additional film voucher for 40,000 Euro will also be awarded, offered by Kodak.

AWARDS OF THE 2008 MONTREAL WORLD FILM FESTIVAL

Tue, 02 Sep 2008 12:30:00 PST

FEATURE FILMS

Grand prix des Americas:

OKURIBITO (DEPARTURES) by Yojiro Takita (Japan)

Special Grand Prix of the jury :

THE NECESSITIES OF LIFE (CE QU'IL FAUT POUR VIVRE) by Benoît Pilon (Canada)

Best Director :

THE TOUR (TURNEJA) by Goran Markovic (Serbia/Bosnia and Herzegovina)

Best Actress :

BARBARA SUKOWA for the film THE INVENTION OF THE CURRIED SAUSAGE (DIE ENTDECKUNG DER CURRYWURST) by Ulla Wagner (Germany)

Best Actor :

ERI CAÑETE for the film TEO'S VOYAGE (EL VIAJE DE TEO) by Walter Doehner (Mexico)

Best Screenplay:

WELCOME TO FAREWELL-GUTMANN (BIENVENIDO A FAREWELL-GUTMANN) by Xavi Puebla, screenplay by Xavi Puebla and Jesús Gil (Spain)

NOBODY TO WATCH OVER ME by Riyoichi Kimizuka, screenplay by Riyoichi Kimizuka and Satoshi Suzuki (Japan)

Best Artistic Contribution :

WOLF (VARG) by Daniel Alfredson (Sweden-Norway-Finland)

Innovation Award:

IT ALL BEGINS AT SEA by Eitan Green (Israel)

SHORT FILMS :

1st prize :

THE NECKTIE (LE NŒUD CRAVATE) by Jean-François Lévesque (Canada)

Jury Award:

FAL by Hans Van Nuffel (Belgium)

JURY

President : MARK RYDELL, director (U.S.A.)

EVELYNE BOUIX, actress (France)

JOHANNE DUGAS, representing the general public (Canada)

XIE FEI, director (China)

VOJTECH JASNY, director (Czech Republic)

DANY LAFERRIÈRE, writer and director (Canada)

ZENITHS FOR THE BEST FIRST FICTION FEATURE FILMS 2008

Golden Zenith for the Best First Fiction Feature films :

FOR A MOMENT, FREEDOM (EIN AUGENBLICK, FREIHEIT) by Arash T. Riahi (Austria/France)

Silver Zenith for the First Fiction Feature Film :

WELTSTADT by Christian Klandt (Germany)

Bronze Zenith for the Fisrt Fiction Feature Film :

SUMMER BOOK (TATIL KITABI) by Seyfi Teoman (Turkey)

Members of the jury of the First Fiction Films :

Pierre-Henri Deleau (France)

Denis Héroux (Canada)

Armand Lafond (Canada)

PUBLIC AWARDS

The public was invited to vote for the most popular films among the feature films presented during the 2008 Montreal World Film Festival.

Public Award for the most popular film of the Festival:

THE NECESSITIES OF LIFE (CE QU'IL FAUT POUR VIVRE) by Benoît Pilon (Canada)

Public Award for the most popular Canadian Feature Film :

THE NECESSITIES OF LIFE (CE QU'IL FAUT POUR VIVRE) by Benoît Pilon (Canada)

Glauber Rocha Award for the Best Latin American Film :

DON'T LOOK DOWN (NO MIRES PARA ABAJO) by Eliseo Subiela (Argentina-France)

Award for Best documentary :

CHILDREN OF THE PYRE by Rajesh S. Jala (India)

Award for Best Canadian Short Film :

THE NECKTIE (LE NŒUD CRAVATE) by Jean-François Lévesque (Canada)

FIPRESCI PRIZE (INTERNATIONAL FILM CRITICS)

THE TOUR (TURNEJA) by Goran Markovic (Serbia/Bosnia and Herzegovina)

ECUMENICAL PRIZES

WOLF (VARG) by Daniel Alfredson (Sweden-Norway-Finland)

Special mention of the Ecumenical jury :

TEO'S VOYAGE (EL VIAJE DE TEO) by Walter Doehner (Mexico)

OTHER AWARDS

Special Awards for their exceptional contribution to the cinematographic art :

ALAN LADD JR.

TONY CURTIS

ISABELLE HUPPERT

MEMBERS OF THE JURY:

AWARDS OF THE 39th CANADIAN STUDENT FILM FESTIVAL

Tue, 02 Sep 2008 12:25:00 PST

Montreal, August 27, 2008

Award for the overall winner:

NORMAN MCLAREN AWARD offered by the National Film Board of Canada, a value of $2500 in technical services for the winner's next production.

« This Little Piggy » by Sarah Quinn and Sébastien Rist (Concordia University)

KODAK IMAGING AWARD

For the Best New Canadian Student Director, presented by Kodak Canada Entertainment Imaging. The winner will receive a camera and $4200 of film

« For Wendy » by Jacquelyn Mills (Concordia University)

BEST ANIMATION PRODUCTION:

« C Block » by Vladimir Kooperman (Sheridan College, Oakville, Ontario)

BEST DOCUMENTARY PRODUCTION:

« Forty Men for the Yukon » BY Tony Massil (Simon Fraser University, Vancouver)

BEST EXPERIMENTAL PRODUCTION:

« Presidio Modelo » by Pablo Alvarez (Simon Fraser University, Vancouver)

BEST FICTION PRODUCTION :

« Firebear Called Them Faith Healers » by Kelvin Redvers (Simon Fraser University, Vancouver)

SPECIAL MENTIONS:

« Amma » by Aparna Kapur (Emily Carr Institute of Art and Design, Vancouver)

« 16 ans » by Pierre-Luc Laganière (U.Q.À.M.)

The jury members were :

Francine Brücher, Swiss Films

Ravida Din, Executive Producer at the National Film Board of Canada

Pierre Jutras, Director of conservation and programming of the Cinémathèque.

Award WInners of the 2008 Palm Springs International ShortFest

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 01:27:00 PST

The 2008 Palm Springs International ShortFest & Short Film Market, the largest short film festival and market in North America, announced its Festival award winners on Tuesday, August 26, 2008. Setting new records all around, 318 short films screened throughout the Festival along with more than 2,700 filmmaker submissions available in the film market. Held from August 21-27, 2008, the Festival saw a large rise in attendance this year on all fronts, including ticket buyers, filmmakers and film industry delegates.

A total of 27 festival awards in 15 categories and three audience favorites were announced Tuesday evening at the Awards Presentation held at the Camelot Theatre in Palm Springs, CA, followed by the Closing Night Party at Wang's Restaurant. A total of $14,000 in cash prizes, $7,500 in Kodak film stock, $6,000 in software prizes and a $60,000 Panavision camera package were awarded. Award winners receiving a first place prize in four categories are automatically eligible to submit their films to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for Academy Award® consideration. Over the past 13 years, the Festival has presented 58 films that have gone on to receive Academy Award nominations.

Highlights from this year's Festival included actor Bill Pullman serving on the Festival's jury and teaching a Master Class on Acting for aspiring filmmakers. Actresses Jessica Biel and Kirsten Dunst attended the screening of their films, part of the Shooting Stars program. Biel starred and produced Hole in the Paper Sky, directed by William Purple and Dunst directed, wrote and produced Welcome starring Winona Ryder.

Commenting on the success of this year's Festival and Market, Festival Director Darryl Macdonald said, "Packed theatres, enraptured audiences, delighted filmmakers and a hyper-active film market with multiple buyers chasing the same film in many instances -- what's not to like? I got an email this morning from a filmmaker who told me he'd been trailed out of the theatre by several film festival directors wanting to invite his film to their events. It was a banner year for ShortFest, and an exceptionally good year for newly emerging filmmaking talent."

The 2008 Palm Springs International ShortFest award winners are:

JURY AWARDS

BEST OF FESTIVAL AWARD: $2,000 & Showbiz Software Package. The winner of this award is eligible to submit their film to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for Oscar consideration.

"6.5 Minutes in Tel Aviv" (Israel) Mirey Brantz

Lovers parting, families traveling, businessmen commuting -- a Tel Aviv bus station is the setting for an unexpected confrontation brought on by fear and panic in this part of the world where it only takes a minute for the landscape to become completely unrecognizable.

FUTURE FILMMAKER AWARD: $2,000, Showbiz Software Package & Ultimate Stock Footage Collection

Marçal Forés for "Friends Forever" (UK)

Returning to school following the death of his closest friend, Chris, young George is bedeviled by his friend's ghost, who seems to follow him everywhere. But who is doing the following?

Honorable mention for this award went to Nicolas Brault for "Hungu" (Canada).

PANAVISION GRAND JURY AWARD: Panavision Camera Package valued at $60,000 & two days studio time courtesy of Casablanca Studios, Palm Springs, CA.

"A Good Day for a Swim" (Romania), Bogdan Mustata

This harrowing short film, winner of the Golden Bear at this year's Berlin Film Festival, follows the trail of a trio of young sociopaths as they pick up a young woman they find at the side of the road and take her to the beach for a day of amoral pursuits. Not for the squeamish.

AUDIENCE AWARDS

All first place winners in these categories will receive a Showbiz Software package.

AUDIENCE FAVORITE LIVE ACTION SHORT

"Toyland" (Germany), Jochen Alexander Freydank

When a young boy's mother, responding to her son's question about the whereabouts of his best friend (whose family has been put on a train for the camps), tells her son that his friend has been sent to "Toyland," the boy sneaks off to join him.

Runner up: "On the Road to Tel-Aviv" (Israel), Khen Shalem

AUDIENCE FAVORITE DOCUMENTARY SHORT

"The Witness: The View from Room 306" (USA), Adam Pertofsky

This riveting short documentary recounts the incidents leading up to, during and immediately after the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, utilizing archival footage and photos, first-hand accounts, and interviews with a number of the people who participated in the events of that time.

Runner up: "One Bridge to the Next" (USA), Kim Snyder

AUDIENCE FAVORITE ANIMATION SHORT

"This Way Up" (UK), Adam Foulkes, Alan Smith

Two undertakers run into a number of slight problems delivering a body for burial.

Runner up: "Granny O'Grimm's Sleeping Beauty" (Ireland), Nicky Phelan

JURY CATEGORY AWARDS

All first place winners in these categories received a cash award of $2,000, Showbiz Software

Package. First place winners in the Animated and Live Action categories will be eligible to submit their films to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences for Oscar consideration. Second Place recipients received a $500 cash prize.

MINI MOVIE CHANNEL AWARD for BEST LIVE ACTION SHORT UNDER 15 MINUTES

First Place($2,000): "A Good Day for a Swim" (Romania), Bogdan Mustata

Second Place ($500): "È Finita la Commedia" (Belgium), Jean-Julien Collette, Olivier Tollet

BEST LIVE ACTION SHORT OVER 15 MINUTES

First Place ($2,000): "Cairn" (Norway), Hanne Larsen

Young Johan wants to be accepted by the cool guys at school, so he joins them in a cruel prank, shutting another boy from their class in a cold, dark cairn underground. When a series of circumstances cause him to leave the boy in the cellar, his actions have consequences that he could never have anticipated.

Second Place ($500): "The Radiant City" (France), Romain Raynaldy

BEST ANIMATED SHORT

First Place ($2,000): "Hungu" (Canada), Nicolas Brault

A deeply moving meditation on migration, traditions and family are visually imprinted in striking black and white animation.

Second Place ($500): "Skhizein" (France), Jeremy Clapin

BEST DOCUMENTARY SHORT

First Place ($2,000): "The Witness: The View from Room" 306 (USA), Adam Pertofsky

events of that time.

Second Place ($500): "Springtime in Sant Ponç" (Switzerland), Eugenia Mumenthaler, David Epiney

STUDENT CATEGORIES

All first place winners in these categories will receive $1,000 in Kodak film stock. Second Place recipients receive $500 in Kodak film stock. All student filmmakers in Festival competition are eligible for these awards.

BEST STUDENT LIVE ACTION SHORT UNDER 15 MINUTES

First Place ($2,000): "6.5 Minutes in Tel Aviv" (Israel), Mirey Brantz

Second Place ($500): "Small Change" (Australia), Anna McGrath

BEST STUDENT LIVE ACTION SHORT OVER 15 MINUTES

First Place ($2,000): "James" (Northern Ireland), Connor Clements

Young James struggles as the outsider kid at his school; his teacher Mr. Sutherland the only person James feels he can connect with. However, when James can finally put voice to the feelings he's been having, Mr. Sutherland's response isn't at all what James had hoped for.

Second Place ($500): "Friends Forever" (UK), Marçal Forés

BEST STUDENT ANIMATED SHORT

First Place: "Procrastination" (UK), Johnny Kelly

This winner of the Best British Animated Short at the London Short Film Festival is an amusing and visually lively meditation on the subject of inertia.

Second Place: "For the Love of God" (UK), Joe Tucker

BEST STUDENT DOCUMENTARY SHORT

First Place: "A Different Color Blue" (USA), Melanie Levy

Charles Curtis Blackwell, a semi-blind artist, lost most of his eyesight in an accident during his youth, but this adversity has only heightened his artistic gifts.

Second Place: "A Great Silence" (Germany), Eva Kosmas

KODAK AWARD FOR BEST STUDENT CINEMATOGRAPHY

First Place ($1,000 in Kodak film stock): Eduard Grau (cinematographer), "Friends Forever" (UK)

Returning to school following the death of his closest friend, Chris, young George is bedeviled by his friend's ghost, who seems to follow him everywhere. But who is doing the following?

Second Place ($500 in Kodak film stock): DeClan Keeney (cinematographer), "James" (Ireland)

Three special awards were presented at this year's Festival. The Alexis Award for Most Promising Student Filmmaker went to "Open Your Eyes" (USA), directed by Susan Cohen. In the film, a young wife going through the trauma of breast cancer finds her relationship with her husband strained by her inability to open up to him, until a chance meeting with an irreverent young woman casts everything in a different perspective. The recipient will receive a Final Cut Pro package, courtesy of Apple Computer valued at $2,500.

Presented by Jason Reitman's production company Hard C Productions, The Hard C Hi Five to Lo-Fi Award for Best Low Budget Short went to "My Rabit Hoppy" (Australia), directed by Anthony Lucas, where young Henry's Show and Tell school project about his pet rabbit goes horribly awry. The Cinema Without Borders Best International Film Award went to "Angels Die in the Soil" (Iran), directed by Babak Amini. On the border between Iran, Kurdistan and Iraq, a headstrong young woman who survived Saddam's chemical warfare attacks during the Iran/Iraq war encounters an American soldier, who's been shot and left for dead by his terrorist captors.

Jury members include actor Bill Pullman; Eileen Arandiga, Festival Director of the Worldwide Short Film Festival in Toronto; Dana Harris, editor Variety.com; Sydney Levine of Film Finders; and Dragan Milinkovic, Serbian film academic and producer.

Events and Programs of the 2008 Palm Springs International FIlm Festival

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 12:19:00 PST

The 2008 Palm Springs International ShortFest was held from August 21-27, 2008 at the Camelot Theatres in Palm Springs, CA.

Now in its 14th year, ShortFest screened 317 films, selected from a record of more than 2,700 worldwide entries, including 53 World Premieres, 47 North American Premieres and 24 U.S. Premieres. The selection of films for screening and competition featured star-studded casts as well as award-winning films from 40 countries around the world. All selections are structured into 51 themed programs covering a wide array of issues for specific and general audiences to enjoy.

Festival Director Darryl Macdonald commented, "This year's ShortFest line-up reflects a return to more personal themes in the world of short film storytelling, and a move away from the 'big issue' themes of recent years, like the Iraq War, immigration and 9/11. That and the increasingly sophisticated use of technical innovations in the short filmmaking process are the two big stories that emerge from the short film world this year."

"The quality of work from these films has been remarkable to watch, especially from countries where film production is on the rise," said ShortFest Film Curator Kathleen McInnis. "For example, we have strong and vital narrative stories from more African countries than we've ever seen before. Filmgoers will be inspired by the wealth and breadth of storytelling from the global diversity in our film line-up."

The selected short films were organized into 51 themed programs covering a variety of genres -- including thrillers, horror, animation, documentaries, and comedies -- and themes, including boy meets girl, siblings, security issues, crime, sins, romance, lust, friendship, parenthood, culture clashes, performance, travel, the Jewish experience, gay and lesbian lifestyles, and the event featured a special focus on films from France. ShortFest viewers experienced shorts from Kenya, Colombia, Romania, Chile, Burkina Faso, the Philippines, Malaysia and other exotic locales. This year's opening night screening on Thursday, August 21 at 6:30 p.m. will be highlighted by award-winning live-action and animated films including Life's Hard (Romania), Manon on the Asphalt (France), Procrastination (U.K.), Sikumi (On the Ice) (USA), Tadeo Jones and the Basement of Doom (Spain) and The Wednesdays (Ireland).

Festival attendees saw a roster of films featuring familiar faces in front of and behind the camera, including Kate Hudson directing Cutlass (USA) starring Dakota Fanning, Virginia Madsen, Kurt Russell and Chevy Chase; Kirsten Dunst directing Welcome (USA) starring Winona Ryder; and Matthew Modine directing and starring in I Think I Thought (USA). Other star-studded shorts include past Palm Springs International Film Festival Rising Star recipient Jessica Biel who stars in and produced Hole in the Paper Sky (USA); Dana Delany in Flying Lessons (USA) directed by Janet Grillo; David Arquette in Nosebleed (USA) directed by Jeff Vespa; Jordan Belfi and Rainn Wilson in Missing Pieces (USA); Tony Shalhoub in LA Actors (USA); Whoopi Goldberg narrating The Descendant (Germany); Sir Ian McKellan voicing a character in the animated For the Love of God; and Robert Redford narrating The New Environmentalists (USA).

A jury of five industry professionals will screen this year's short films selected for competition in eighteen categories including Best Animation, Best Documentary, Best Live Action, Best of Festival and the Future Filmmaker Award. A total of $86,000 in money and production prizes, including $14,000 in cash awards were given out. The Panavision Grand Jury Award winner will receive a digital or film camera package valued at $60,000 and two days studio time courtesy of Casablanca Studios. An additional $7,500 in Kodak film stock was presented to the film winners in the student award categories. Other prizes included copies of filmmaking software from Showbiz Software Store and Entertainment Partners, Apple Final Cut Studio 2, and the Ultimate Stock Footage Collection.

The illustrious Jury was comprised of Bill Pullman; Eileen Arandiga, Festival Director of the Worldwide Short Film Festival in Toronto; Dana Harris, editor Variety.com; Sydney Levine of Film Finders; and Dragan Milinkovic, Serbian film academic and producer. First place winners will automatically become eligible for consideration by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for a possible Academy Award nomination. Over the course of its first 13 years, the Festival has presented 58 films that have gone on to receive Academy Award nominations.

Designated by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences as an award-qualifying Festival and accredited by the International Short Film Conference, the Palm Springs International ShortFest and its Short Film Market, are the largest and most prominent short film showcase in North America. The Festival and its concurrent 2,700-film Film Market continues to serve as a scouting ground for new filmmaking talent and is well attended by those in the business of buying and selling short films. Companies attending this year's Market include Mini Movie Channel, Kodak, Nickelodeon, Panavision, Famous Frames Mobile Interactive, Metacafe, Big Film Shorts, Hollywood Shorts, Echo Lake Entertainment, Moviela, Current TV, Atom Films, Shorts International, Senator Films and more.

Several seminars and panels comprised of industry representatives were assembled to discuss trends and provide advice on short filmmaking. The Festival will feature three separate master classes, one with actor Bill Pullman and another with Academy Award nominated cinematographer William Fraker presenting and discussing their work with filmmakers. The third master class will be taught by film critics David Ansen (Newsweek) and Claudia Puig (USA Today) on film criticism. Tribeca Film Festival Short Film Programmer Sharon Badal will attend to discuss her new book Swimming Upstream along with several of her collaborators.

Workshops included Kodak Presents "Stop By. Shoot Film.," a hands on experience in using Super 16 mm film; Taking Your Short to Market; and Investigating New Media Opportunities. The Nickelodeon Writer's Lab is an invitation only event that will prepare applicants for submission to the Nickelodeon Writing Fellowship. For those who prefer a more personal environment, the Festival will continue its popular "One-on-One Program," an opportunity for participants to meet individually with publicists, agents, distributors, producers, exhibitors and festival programmers to answer any questions filmmakers may have.

The Palm Springs International ShortFest was supported by a growing number of sponsors with local, national and international prominence. The Title Sponsor is the City of Palm Springs with Presenting Sponsors The Desert Sun, Spencer's, the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians and Wessman Development Company. Major Sponsors include Mini Movie Channel, Kodak, Nickelodeon, Panavision, Famous Frames Mobile Interactive, The Bottom Line, Metacafe, CBS2 and the Kaiser Restaurant Group. Supporting foundations include the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences. The official host hotel and media center is located at the Hilton Palm Springs Resort.

Award Winners Announced for the 2008 Filmfest Munchen

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 12:55:00 PST

The Arri-Zeiss-Award being awarded for the first time goes to: "GOMORRHA"

Director: Matteo Garrone

Producer: Domenico Procacci

Arri-Zeiss-Award Jury Statement:

The jury awards its top prize to a film whose frightening portrait of a contemporary community transforms the familiar generic portraits of criminal life into a superbly enacted harshly realistic depiction of a modern day gomorrha. Its direction, its ensemble of creators and its fresh and original storytelling makes for a film experience that captures ones imagination as it effects our view of the everyday world.

The jury awards the ArriZeiss Award to GOMORRHA directed by Matteo Garrone and congratulates the Munich Film Festival on its accomplished and diverse program of feature films in this years international film competition.

The jury made its selection from a final nomination list of three films including Carlos Reygada's "SILENT LIGHT" and "IL DIVO" by Paolo Sorrentino and further wishes to congratulate all the filmmakers in the program and thank the Festival and its staff for their hard work and kindnesses.

CineVision Award: "EVERYBODY DIES BUT ME"

Director: Valeria Gaia Germanica

Producer: Igor Tolstunov

Jury Statement:

“Adolescents can laugh and cry almost at the same time. On the surface there are sudden fierce reactions, deeper down there is an innocence, a dreamy inner world.” That’s how Russian director Valeria Gaia Germanica describes the protagonists in her film "EVERYBODY DIES BUT ME." The excellent performances by her young cast bring the world of teenage emotions to the screen with authenticity and intensity. A lot of it may appear to be a horror scenario, but the characters’ strength and determination shows that there is hope for their future.

Also nominated: "HOME" and "LOS BASTARDOS."

The 2008 Moscow International Film Festival Announces their Award Winners

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 12:18:00 PST

The 30th MIFF Closing ceremony took place on the 28th of June at Pushkinsky cinema hall where tyhe following awards were announced:

The main prize “Golden St.George” for the best film "Be hamin sadegi"(As Simple As That)

Director: Reza Mir Karimi (Iran)

The prize for the best film of the "Perspectives" competition and the certificate for 10000 meters of Kodak tape: "Cumbia callera" (Cumbia Connection)

Director: Rene U Villareal (Mexico)

The for the best director- Javor Gardev for "Zift" (Bulgaria)

The prize for the best actress and watch Carrera y Carrera: Margherita Buy for "Giorni e nuvole" (Days and Clouds) (Italy / Switzerland)

The prize for the best actor and watch Carrera y Carrera: "Richard Jenkins" for "The Visitor" (USA)

The special jury prize – Director Marion Laine for "Un coeur simple" (The Simple Heart) (France)

The special prize "I believe. K. Stanislavsky" for the outstanding achievement in the career of acting: Isabelle Huppert (France)

Another Successful Year for the 2008 Edinburgh Film Festival Closes with Award Winners Announced

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 12:11:00 PST

The 62nd EIFF concluded with today's awards ceremony which saw "Somers Town" winning the Michael Powell Award, and Robert Carlyle walking away as best actor for his performance in Summer.

Bittersweet drama "Somers Town" scooped EIFF’s top prize this year at today’s awards ceremony presented by patron Sir Sean Connery.

The Michael Powell Award for Best New British Feature Film quadrupled in value this year.

The Michael Powell Jury, led by actor Danny Huston, recognized Shane Meadows' latest as “the freshest, most imaginative maverick work, deserving of the Award.”

“After viewing an impressive selection of films and a long deliberation we, the Jury, unanimously agreed that the award would go to 'Somers Town.'”

The prestigious PPG Award for Best Performance in a British Feature Film was handed to the multifaceted Robert Carlyle for his striking rendering of a man in conflict with his past in Summer. The Jury commended his work as “a flawless performance in a great, uncompromising film that touches the heart.”

The champion that emerged from the historically hefty documentary strand was Werner Herzog’s "Encounters at the End of the World." The Best Documentary Award Jury, chaired by Seamus McGarvey, commented: “the documentaries competing for this award were, in many cases, exemplary.”

“It was a powerful shortlist of contrasting styles and experience, but in the end there was one film which we all agreed was the outstanding entry, a poetic vision but one with an unflinching gaze focusing on an area which should concern us all.”

But it was another documentary that won over the public’s heart and the Standard Life Audience Award.

"Man on Wire," directed by James Marsh, is a thrilling reconstruction of daredevil Philippe Petit’s scheme to walk a high-wire strung between the twin towers of the former World Trade Centre.

Its first European screening on Thursday received a standing ovation and it was with equal enthusiasm that its audiences rewarded the film in their votes.

See below for the full list of award winners.

Michael Powell Award for Best New British Feature Film sponsored by the UK Film Council:

"Somers Town"

Director: Shane Meadows

PPG Award for Best Performance in a British Feature Film

Robert Carlyle for "Summer"

Standard Life Audience Award: "Man on Wire"

Director: James Marsh

Best Documentary Award: "Encounters at the End of the World"

Director: Werner Herzog

Skillset New Directors Award: Marianna Palka for "Good Dick"

UK Film Council Award for Best British Short Film: "Son" Director: Daniel Mulloy

European Film Academy Short Film 2008 – Prix UIP: "2 Birds"

Director: Rúnar Rúnarsson

Scottish Short Documentary Award supported by Baillie Gifford: "Christmas with Dad"

Director: Conor McCormack

McLaren Award for New British Animation in partnership with BBC Film Network: "Space Travel According to John" Director: Jamie Stone & Anders Jedenfors

Mirrorball Best British Music Video Award: "Happiness" by Goldfrapp

Director: Dougal Wilson

2008 Golden Impala Award Winners Announced

Fri, 27 Jun 2008 01:38:00 PST

The Amakula Film Festival 2008 announced the winners of the 2008 Impala Awards.

The Golden Impala Award: "Subira"

Directed by Ravneet Chadha.

"Subira" is the story of an 11 year old rebellious girl that struggles against her mother's wishes in order to break free from the norms of society.

Second Place tied with "Confession"

Directed by: Daddy Youssouf

and "Extracts from Me"

Directed by: Willie Owus.

"Confession" is a move about a man, psychologically tormented by something so grave he did in the past, he decides to go to a confessional. After talking to a priest, he doesn’t feel any better and he adopts an original way of asking for forgiveness…

"Extract from Me" is a short film about a woman who has been raped, her ordeal and how she has to cope with the aftermath.

Award Winners fo the 2008 Jeonju International Film Festival

Fri, 27 Jun 2008 01:28:00 PST

Woosuk Award International Competition: "The Stolen Man"

Director: Matías Piñeiro

Prize: $10,000

Daum Special Jury Prize International Competition: "The Sky, the Earth and the Rain"

Director: José Luis Torres Leiva

Prize: $7,000

JJ-St★r Award Korean Cinema on the Movie: "Daytime Drinking"

Director: Noh Young-seok

Prize: $10,000

Special Mention: "My Soul is Undefeated"

Director: Ahn Hae Ryong

KT&G Sangsangmadang Award Korean Shorts - Critics' Week

Best Short Award: "Please, Stop the Train"

Director: Han Jihye

Prize: $5,000

Best Director Award: "Senbei Selling Girl"

Director: Kim Dong-myung

Prize: $3,000

Special Jury Award: "Boys"

Director: Yoon Sung-hyun

Special Mention - Best Director Award:

"Ten Oxherding Pictures #4 Catching the Ox-Two Chinese Qunces"

Director: Lee Ji-sang

NETPAC Award: "Children of God"

Director: Yi Seung-jun

Audience Critics' Award - Korean Cinema on the Move:

"Daytime Drinking"

Director: Noh Young-seok

Prize: $2,000

JIFF Audience Award - Cinemascape / Cinema Palace: "Action Boys"

Director: Jung Byoung-gil

CGV Korean Independent Feature film Distribution support Award: "Action Boys"

Director: Jung Byoung-gil

Work in Progress Award - Work in Progress:

"Moro2Moro"

Director: John Torres

Prize: $5,000

The 2008 Provincetown Film Festival Announces the HBO Audience Award, the John Schlesinger Award and the Juried Student Short Award Winners

Fri, 27 Jun 2008 12:36:00 PST

HBO Audience Award for Best Feature Film was given to FROZEN RIVER, directed by Courtney Hunt

HBO Audience Award for Best Documentary was given to FLOW: FOR LOVE OF WATER , directed by Irena Salina

HBO Audience Award for Best Short Film was given to WHO I AM, directed by Whitney Peters

The John Schlesinger Award (awarded to a first time filmmaker) was given to Lance Hammer, director of BALLAST

The Student Film Competition Grand Jury Award was given to RABIA, directed by Muhammad Ali Hasan

The Student Film Competition Special Jury Prize was given to THE SHERIFF, directed by Jeff M. Giordano

The 2008 Taormina FilmFest Award Winners

Fri, 27 Jun 2008 11:28:00 PST

GOLDEN TAURO FOR THE BEST FILM IN COMPETITION: “EIN SHAMS” (Eye of the Sun)

Directed by: Ibrahim El Batout

SPECIAL JURY PRIZE FOR BEST DIRECTION for “SUMMER BOOK”

Directed by: SEYFI TEOMAN.

PRIZE FOR BEST PERFORMANCE to the actress TANJA RIBIC for “TRAKTOR, LJUBEZEN , IN ROCK’N ROLL (TRACTOR; LOVE AND ROCK N’ROLL)

Directed by: Branko Djuric.

N.I.C.E. – INTEL CENTRINO AWARD FOR BEST SICILIAN SHORT FILM “BAB AL SAMAH”

Directed by: Francesco Sperandeo.

2008 Shanghai International Film Festival

Fri, 27 Jun 2008 10:42:00 PST

Jin Jue Award Winners of 2008 Shanghai International Film Festival:

Best Feature Film: "MUKHA"

Directed by: Vladimir Kott (Russia)

Jury Grand Prix: "OLD FISH"

Directed by: Gao Qunshu (China)

Best Director: Maris Martinsons for "LOSS" (Lithuania)

Best Actor: Ma Guowei in "OLD FISH" (China)

Best Actress: Emilia Vasaryova in "VACLAV" (Czech Republic)

Best Screenplay: Marek Epstein for "VACLAV" (Czech Republic)

Best Cinematography: Florian Schilling for "MY MOTHER'S TEARS" (Germany)

Best Music: Andrius Mamontovas for "LOSS" (Lithuania)

SIFF Asia New Talent Awards:

Jury Prize: "Lucky Dog" (China)

Hero of the film is a retired railway mechanical engineer. After his retirement he has to care for his sick wife and he is looking for new jobs in many different areas but must discover that he now belongs to a generation of the past for which people of today have little understanding. The film fascinates through its humorous and realistic narration, his fantasy and exact observation. It is also a film of human warmth and compassion.

Best Director: Hyeon-gi Hong for "Thirsty, Thirsty" (Korea)

The film portrays a middle aged man who is a debt collector for an agency but who is himself indebted. Many other persons around him are also victims of a universal system of loans and debts. With great cinematic originality and good camera work as well as superb direction of actors the film develops a critical image of contemporary Korean society.

Best Film: "Winds of September"

Directed by: Tom Shu-Yu Lin (Taiwan, China)

The film tells the story of two friends who are high school students and who are passionate members of a baseball team. Through their story, the film develops with great subtlety a picture of the life style, the feelings and ambitions of a generation of Youth in Taiwan ten years ago.

Arcipelago 2008: The Winners Announced!

Thu, 26 Jun 2008 01:00:00 PST

All the awarded fims at ARCIPELAGO 2008:

THE SHORT PLANET

International Short Films and New Images Competition

Best Short Film: "Tony Zoreil"

Directed by Valentin Potier - France

Special Jury Award: "Don Robertos Skugga"

Directed by Håkan Engström/Juan Diego Spoerer - Sweden

Best Digital Short Film: "1977"

Directed by Peque Varela - United Kingdom

Best European Short Film: "Styri"

Directed by Ivana Sebestova - Slovakia

Special Mention of the Jury: "Mompelaar"

Directed by Marc Roels/Wim Reygaert - Belgium

Special Mention of the Jury: "Alumbramiento"

Directed by Eduardo Chapero-Jackson - Spain

CON/CORTO

National Short Films Competition

Best Short Film: "Clandestínas"

Directed by Silvia Chiogna

Special Prize of the Jury: "Il torneo"

Directed by Michele Alhaique

Kodak Award for the Best Cinematography: Giovanni Galasso for "Bab al Samah" by Francesco Sperandeo

Special Mention of the Jury for the entire cast of

"François" by Iacopo Zanon/Dario Gorini

Special Mention of the Jury: Giuseppe Cederna

for "Veglia" by Michele Rho

Special Mention of the Jury: Lidia Vitale

for "Io non esisto" by Lorenzo Sportello

Film & TV Editors Association Award for the Best Young Editor: Andrea Maguolo

for "Il torneo" by Michele Alhaique

EXTRA LARGE

National Documentaries Competition

Best Documentary: "Non tacere"

Directed by Fabio Grimaldi

Special Prize of the Jury: "Un volto tra la folla"

Directed by Stella Gasparri

Special Mention of the Jury: "Anni spietati"

Directed by Igor Mendolia

VIDEO/ROME

Regional Competition

Best Video: "Dov'è la giraffa?"

Directed by Veronica Flora

Jury Statements and Award WInners for the 2008 Norwegian Short Film Festival

Thu, 26 Jun 2008 12:40:00 PST

INTERNATIONAL AWARDS

Members of the international jury was Iris Olsson (Finland), Maike Mia Höhne (Germany), Dieter Wiezcorek (France), Juhani Alanen (Finland) and Olga Konskaya (Russia).

PRIX UIP GRIMSTAD

PRIX UIP GRIMSTAD and 2000 euro for best European Short Film went to FIRE (Uguns), director Laila Pakalnina (Latvia). The winner is automatically nominated for the European Film Academy Short Film 2008.

Jury’s statement:

"For its dense and metaphoric imagery, the precision of film language and skilfully created important allusions to recent history of Europe. This film treats in a brilliant and humoresque style the traumatisms and absurdities on the way to cultural self-identity."

GRAND PRIX GRIMSTAD

GRAND PRIX GRIMSTAD of 2500 euro for best film in international competition was this year presented to the film THREE OF US, director Umesh Vinayak Kulkarni (India).

Jury’s statement:

"THREE OF US changes our view on a strongly disabled person from rejection to adoration and fascination in 15 minutes. It’s a film showing a family in rather difficult living condition not only finding their way of surviving, but inviting us to participate in their cosmos, characterized by a poesy of daily life in which every act seems meaningful and every gesture has its grace. Every scene has its signification inspired by an inner beauty and quietness, which we can only adore from far."

Honorary mentions went to

MERELY A SMELL (Moujarad Raiha), director Maher Abi Samra (Lebanon)

Jury’s statement:

"The film unravels in a poetic and filmic way the daily work, which has to be done in between the bombings. Few images and even less sound takes us inside of a routine in which in the end the car is always too small to carry so many coffins."

FAWN, director Christoph Rainer (Austria)

Jury’s statement:

"FAWN is a frightening look in the unconscious mental world, where reality is not represented but transformed by the human mind in a field of strange and often painful evocations of something, which we never can know, because we are existing in it."

I met the walrus, director Josh Raskin (Canada).

Jury’s statement:

"This short animation allows us to time travel to thoughts and statements we should not forget. Do it for peace!"

NORWEGIAN SHORT FILM

The jury for the Norwegian Short Film catagory was Unni Straume (Norway), Anna Karin Rynander (Sweden), Hilde Malme (Norway), Andres Mänd (Estonia) and Gunnar Germundsson (Norway).

General statement from the jury:

"The jury has emphasized form, willingness and ability to communicate a story that engages and which is suitable for the short film format, so that the piece of work stands independently in its own form. It is often the case that one has to make a lot of film to nurture good quality. We have noted that there is by large a lot of creativity and imagination out there. But our general impression is that there is a tendency towards a preference to create film rather than communicating a message.

We wish to point out to general tendencies. Many and strong submissions from female directors as well as a surprising number of good animation films."

THE GOLDEN CHAIR

THE GOLDEN CHAIR of 50 000 kroner went this year to BYGNINGSARBEIDERE, director Kajsa Næss. The award is presented by the Norwegian Film Institute.

Jury’s statement:

"The film has an elegant and dynamic use of animation. Good casting and convincing acting with first hand conversation about issues of existence set in relation to a world in chaos and dissolution. The film is surprising, entertaining and thought provoking."

TERJE VIGEN-AWARD

TERJE VIGEN-AWARD went to the film SUNDAY MORNINGS, director Jannicke Låker. The award is a bronze statute by Harald Ordeam, and presented by Grimstad City Council.

Jury’s statement:

"A tragic but comical story about tenderness and shocking honesty. A pure commentary about a culture and a time where the price of freedom is loneliness."

Honorary mentions went to:

VARDE, director Hanne Larsen

Jury’s statement:

"A gripping film about a child where status in the local boys gang affects a friendship. The film ends in one of the festival’s most tainted looks that sums up the gravity of the betrayal."

TYVSTART, director Leiv Igor Devold

Jury’s statement:

"An intimate and distrubing drama filled with authentic life, carried forward by strong acting."

XY, director David Reiss-Andersen

Jury’s statement:

"An intense and threatening game in an exciting study where time is dissolved."

NORWEGIAN DOCUMENTARY

Jury members for Norwegian documentary film was Even Benestad (Norway), Nazneen Khan-Østrem (Norway) and Eva Færevåg (Norway).

General statement from the jury:

"The pre-selected jury summed up this year’s impressions on documentary film production in three simple words: "Content over form."

That’s ok, but let us not makes it too simple.

In these thirteen productions we have seen material which has not been fully worked on, without vision or musicality, rendering the films’ potential unexploited.

We have also seen a tendency to overwork the material that clouds and distances our proximity to the characters.

Even so, we would like to thank you for the films you have made. This is good work. Norwegian documentary film has lifted its vision and is now able to work on complex themes. Global and universal issues are now found in Norwegian documentary film. We are able to work with close proximity without being narrow minded and with feeling without letting our emotions get the best of us…..

And so to the two films we have decided to honor and award. The films are very different, but what they have in common is that both directors have entered into long processes and developed relations to their characters but at the same time made conscious decisions about form which have made the films into great art.

Both films can communicate to a large audience and we wish we could issue out money to get these films extensively distributed.”

THE DOCUMENTARY FILM AWARD of 50 000 kroner for best documentary film goes to BLOD & ÆRE, director Håvard Bustnes. The award is presented by NRK.

Jury’s statement:

”The winner is in a class of it’s own. The director and his staff area ble to create associations and not conclusions. He is able to see and communicate and build relations, and changes us as viewers. The film masters the art of simplicity and all encompassing, which is something common for all great filming. We are taken into a rich universe with several layers – at the same time as the film creator approaches his characters with deep respect and generosity.

This is touching, funny and important. This director creates unforgettable film scenes and develops his main character."

Honorary mentions goes to LYKKENS GRODE, director Karoline Grindaker and Hilde Kjøs

Jury’s statement:

”We would like to honor this film because the directors have managed to create a gripping drama out of silence, distance and longing. We are witnesses to a family drama where two women fight a silent battle for their existence with themselves and each other. At the same time we witness a documentation of a Norwegian life style which is unknown to many, but is still familiar."

OTHER AWARDS

THE NORWEGIAN FILM WORKERS ASSOCIATION AWARD

Jury: Morten Skallerud, Kari Nytrø and Emil Trier

THE NORWEGIAN FILM WORKERS ASSOCIATION AWARD of 10 000 kroner went to Jannicke Johansen for her production design in the film EXISTO

Jury’s statement:

"The winner has through her craftsmanship managed to visualize an idea beyond the ordinary. The jury is impressed with how she has managed to create a believable elk fetus and an elk uterus throughout different stages. The illusion is perfect where the imagery reminds us of Lennart Nilssons photography of the human fetus.

The production design on Existo gives the project a wholesome unity and creates an interesting film."

THE HOUR GLASS

Jury: Monica Boracco Borring and Stein Ståle Berg.

The Norwegian Play Writers’ Assocation Award the THE HOUR GLASS of 10 000 kroner for best script went to Krzystof Sliwka for his script for the film TYVSTART.

Jury’s statement:

"The Norwegian Play Writers’ Association jury has taken notice to film willing to address difficult issues. The writer demonstrates an eye for dramatic refinement and an ability to move his audience. With insight and warmth, he builds his characters that grip us from the first scene. This year’s manuscript goes to a story about regaining what is lost, about reconciliation with the past and about courage to move forward alone."

Honorary mention is given to:

Kathinka Nicolaysen for the script for the film OH MY GOD!

Jury’s statement:

”The jury would like to honour a story that with wit and warmth seduces it’s audience. We are taken into the inner most secret room behind locked doors, and given a close and tender story about young girls awakending. Silverware will never be the same after this.”

Helene Torp for the script for the film Tro, håp og ærlighet.

Jury’s statement:

”The jury would like to focus on a story that challenges us with its play with conventional form and content. The ego meets reality in a witty and intelligent story about a marriage’s growth and fall. Helen Torp receives an honorary mention for the film Tro, håp og ærlighet."

THE ”FILMPOLITIETS” SHORT FILM AWARD of 10 000 went to EG SER DEG, EG SER DEG, director Chris Erichsen.

THE TALENT AWARD BY NORDIC FILM

Jury: Cornelia Boysen, Roy Anderson and Espen Skjetne.

THE TALENT AWARD BY NORDIC FILM went to the script writer and director Kjersti Steinsbø photographer Anna Myking.

Jury’s statement:

”Our goal is to help newly established young film creators to start a new short production, where we present our whole apparatus to the winners’ disposition for their next short film project, from developing their idea to the finished film and distribution.

We wish to encourage long standing relations and keep searching for collaborations we think are interesting and think should be given the opportunity to develop even further.

This year the award goes to two women who have collaborated together on no less than two films in this year’s festival program. The films are made with confident direction and precise photography as well a strong desire to communicate something to the audience. This is carried through with humor, precision and a hint of dissolution, and we look forward to following this collaboration further."

MUSIC VIDEO AWARD

The MUSIC VIDEO AWARD of 15 000 kroner is presented by the record industry’s interest organisations IFPI og FONO and was awarded to the music video RUNDT OG RUNDT, director Emilia Danilovic for Herreløse.

Jury’s statement:

"A well directed race in one single take. A nice presence by the characters and an organic unity. Rhythm and drive in the music is mirrored in the camera’s movement."

THE FILM CRITIC AWARD

Jury: Aleksander Huser, Le LD Nguyen and Britt Sørensen.

THE FILM CRITIC AWARD for best Norwegian short film competing went to SUNDAY MORNINGS, director Jannicke Låker.

Honorary mention went to MEIN STAMPF, director Martine Grande.

Jury’s statement:

"We wish to first mention a small and light documentary about large and tragic events, which gave the jury an appetite for animated dance documentaries. Honorary mentions goes to Mein Stampf or the Danceshow of the Last Century by Martine Grande.

Our winner also consists of a sort of dance. It is a solid and complete film that tells the story about a well known morning ritual that awakens both laughter and horror. Whilst the world is being conquered by sex and single life in Manhatten, it is liberating to be taken into the dark sides of single life in Berlin. The Norwegian Film Critics Award 2008 goes to Sunday Mornings by Jannicke Låker."

THE AUDIENCE AWARD is a distrubtion deal through the DVD-collection ”Norsk Kort 008” (Norwegian Film Institute. This year the award goes to the film LITEN KNUTE by Kjersti Steinsbø. The winner is voted on by the Short Film Festival audience.

The 10th CineVegas Film Festival Announces Award Winners

Thu, 26 Jun 2008 12:05:00 PST

The 10th CineVegas Film Festival was highlighted by the world and U.S. premieres of more than a dozen highly anticipated films, special screenings including Peter Segal’s "Get Smart" and Takashi Murakami’s "Planting the Seeds" and the acknowledgement of several entertainment icons (Anjelica Huston, Don Cheadle, Rosario Dawson, Viggo Mortensen, Sam Rockwell and James Caan) during its run at the Palms Casino Resort and Brenden Theatres.

“We have seen a considerable amount of filmmaker talent at the Festival over the past decade, and this year is no exception,” said Artistic Director Trevor Groth. “In addition, CineVegas had record number of attendees this year. From our groundbreaking films, to our extravagant parties, this has by far been our most well-attended Festival to date.”

Artistic Director Trevor Groth, Festival President Robin Greenspun and Chairman of the Creative Advisory Board Dennis Hopper bestowed its filmmaking honors to the following films:

Feature Jury Competition

This year’s feature jury was presided over by Screen International film critic David D’Arcy, Matt Dentler of Cinetic Digital Rights Management, longtime film festival advisor Robert Hawk, esteemed film journalist Mark Olsen and Claudia Puig, lead film critic for USA Today.

The Grand Jury Prize went to "She Unfolds By Day," the film directed by Rolf Belgum about a frustrated middle-aged son trying to manage his misanthropic 80-year-old mother.

A Special Jury Award was given to Dark Streets for the collaborative craftsmanship in achieving its visual splendor and showmanship. Dark Streets, directed by Rachel Samuels, is a stylish noir fever dream of blues music, seduction and murder.

Bill Pullman was also given a Special Jury Award for his outstanding performance as America’s greatest science-fiction writer who awakens to find himself trapped in an alternate reality in Matthew Wilder’s "Your Name Here."

Documentary Jury Competition

Acclaimed writer/producer/director Morgan Spurlock, film and television critic and journalist Robert Abele and Tamara Krinsky, associate editor of IDA’s documentary magazine made up the inaugural Pioneer Documentaries Jury.

The Documentary Jury Award went to "Beautiful Losers" from directors Aaron Rose and Joshua Leonard. "Beautiful Losers" documents the lives of a loose-knit group of artists in the ‘80s who created their own art movement outside the mainstream.

"Hi My Name is Ryan" was awarded with a Special Documentary Jury Prize. The documentary by directors Paul Eagleston and Stephen Rose tells the story of Ryan Avery, the Clown Prince of the downtown Phoenix art scene.

Audience Awards

With a record high attendance at this year's festival, audiences chose "Lost in the Fog" to receive the CineVegas Documentary Audience Award, presented by FIJI Water, and "Visioneers" to receive the CineVegas Dramatic Audience Award, presented by Cadillac.

From director John Corey, "Lost in the Fog" follows a cantankerous owner and his blue collar colt who earn the right to take on horse racing’s finest.

"Visioneers," the crafty debut from first-time director Jared Drake, cleverly and comedically highlights the trajectory of a 1984-esque, dystopian society.

La Próxima Ola Jury

This year’s La Próxima Ola jury was comprised of CNN en Español anchor Ana María Montero, Sergio Burstein from La Opinión and Shaz Bennett, Associate Director of Programming at the AFI Film Festival in Los Angeles.

The La Próxima Ola Jury Prize was awarded to Jonás Cuarón’s "Año uña "(Year of the Nail), a love story between a Mexican teenager and an older American woman who meet one summer in Mexico.

Shorts Jury

VEGAS Magazine writer Humberto Guida, Karina Longworth, co-founder of Cinematical and current editor of SpoutBlog, Giant Robot founder Eric Nakamura and Patrick Walsh, reviewer for Cinematical.com, made up this year’s shorts jury.

Myna Joseph’s Man received the CineVegas Short Film Jury Prize while Jonpaul Lewis’ Jack the Ripper received the CineVegas Nevada Short Film Jury Prize presented by the Nevada Film Office. The jury also acknowledged Allan Steele’s "The Fence," Benh Zeitlin’s "Glory at Sea," Jason Kupfer’s "The Sleuth" Incident and Josh Safdie’s Jerry Ruis, "Shall We Do This?" with Honorable Mentions.

The 2008 Midnight Film Festival Wraps!

Wed, 25 Jun 2008 03:38:00 PST

This year Midnight Sun Film Festival was attended by a distinguished slate of guests and masters of cinema; including Czech-born, double Oscar winning director MILOS FORMAN, celebrated Russian director ANDREI KONCHALOVSKY, American cult actor SEYMOUR CASSEL, who belonged to director John Cassavetes’ centre actors and actor LASSE PÖYSTI, one of the brightest stars of Finnish cinema.

The guests of the younger generation were the Estonian director VEIKO ÕUNPUU and actor RAIN TOLK, also from Estonia, French director SERGE BOZON, who conquered the audience with the unique war film La France and Norwegian director NILS GAUP, who’s latest film Kautokeino Rebellion told the story of one of the most dramatic episodes of Sami history.

Accomploished Finnish filmmakers and actors were also in attendance, such as Directors JOUKO AALTONEN, ARTO HALONEN, DOME KARUKOSKI, MARI RANTASILA and MIIKA SOINI and actors ANNI-KRISTIINA JUUSO, RIA KATAJA and KARI VÄÄNÄNEN presented their films to full auditoriums. The selection of past year’s Finnish films reach its climax in the premiere of Miika Soini’s touching debut film Thomas, starring Lasse Pöysti.

As in years past, the master class screenings continued to be a success amongst the festival audience. In the presentations following the master class screening the French professors JEAN-LOUIS LEUTRAT and SUZANNE LIANDRAT-GUIGUES, famous for their essays of cinema aesthetics, gave an unforgettable insight to the film classics such Howard Hawks’ western Rio Bravo, Alan Resnais’ poetic comedy Private Fears in Public Places and to the work of director Jean-Luc Godard.

Attendees enthusiastically greeted festival director Peter von Bagh at the Morning discussions. With the inspiring introduction from Peter von Bagh this year’s guests Lasse Pöysti, Seymour Cassel, Milos Forman and Andrei Konchalovsky shared their thoughts on life and films offering a unique chance to get inside the minds of these four masters.

During its 23-year-old history Midnight Sun Film Festival has produced nearly sixty silent film screenings accompanied with live music. This being unarguable notable cultural contribution also in the international scale. This year Midnight Sun Film Festival had two silent film screenings, which received standing applause from the festival audience. With the intriguing sound world Finnish group Cleaning Women accompanied the Russian cult classic Aelita directed by Yakov Prozanov. Otto Donner and his orchestra combined jazz and urban sounds in a masterly manner in the interpretation of King Vidor’s classic The Crowd, which moved the audience to tears.

Since the year 1986 Midnight Sun Film Festival has given a special acknowledgement to individuals, who have made an important contribution to Finnish film culture. This year the 21st Sodankylä-award was given to Raimo Silius, a central figure in the field of Finnish festival scene.

Audience Awards for the 2008 Maui Film Festival

Wed, 25 Jun 2008 02:31:00 PST

Documentary Feature: "The Human Experience"

Directed By: Charles Kinnane

Documentary Feature World Cinema: "War Child"

Executive Producers: Dal LaMagna, Rick Boden, Roshanak Ameli-Tehrani

Producer: C. Karim Chrobog, Afshin Molavi

Narrative Feature: "Choke"

Directed By: Clark Gregg

Narrative Feature World Cinema: "Captain Abu Raed"

Directed By: Amin Matalqa

Comedy Feature: "Summerhood"

Directed By: Jacob Medjuck

Best Cinematography: "The Fall"

Experimental Film: "Hawaiian Starlight"

Directed By: Jean-Charles Cuillandre

Ensemble Cast (tie): "The Great Buck Howard"

Directed By: Sean McGinly

and "Bottle Shock"

Directed By: Randall Miller

Documentary Short: "Guardians of the Sea"

by: Charles Annenberg Weingarten

Narrative Short: "Chief"

Directed By: Brett Wagner

Animation: "Hot Dog"

Green Cinema (tie): "The Humpback Code"

Cinematographer: Jason Sturgis, Florian Melzer, Daniel Opitz

and "Taking Root: The Vision of Wangari Maathai"

Directed By: Lisa Merton,

Alan Dater

THE 10th ANNUAL SAN FRANCISCO BLACK FILM FESTIVAL WRAPS

Wed, 25 Jun 2008 02:04:00 PST

SOMETHING IS KILLING TATE, Directed by Leon Lozano wins Melvin Van Peebles Award.

KINGS OF THE EVENING, Directed by Andrew P. Jones is the Audience Favorite

The San Francisco Black Film Festival (SFBFF) celebrated its ten-year anniversary from June 4-8 and June 11-15, 2008. Befitting its milestone status, the theme of this year’s festival was “10 Years, 10 Days, more than 100 Films” as the SFBFF spanned the globe with works from Africa, Australia, Canada, Europe and the United States.

Ave Montague, SFBFF founder and director commented, “Screening at five venues presented its challenges, at the end of the day we were exhausted but thrilled with the number of new and repeat filmgoers and record breaking box office numbers.”

The festival got a jump start with the annual Urban Kidz Film Series at the Museum of the African Diaspora in San Francisco. Created with young viewers in mind, the annual film series is an offshoot of the San Francisco Black Film Festival and featured a striking assemblage of short and feature films, designed to spark the imaginations of the 5-to-12-year-old set. Audience favorites included The Don of Virgil Jr. High and African Academy Award winner, Do You Believe In Magic?

Opening night kicked off on Wednesday, June 4th with Shoot the Messenger, a funny and sometimes controversial work from Nigerian-born British filmmaker Ngozi Onwurah about a Black British teacher who fights his way out of madness and stops blaming his own people only after losing his job. Our audience loved the film and folks are still talking about it. The opening night festivities continued with a standing room only party at Rasselas Jazz Club. The festival continued with non-stop films, receptions and workshops throughout the historic Fillmore District.

On Saturday, June 14, the first annual Awards Brunch was presented at the posh 1300 on Fillmore restaurant. Owners David Lawrence and Monetta White welcomed the film community as they sipped mimosas and sampled the restaurant’s signature barbeque shrimp, grits, eggs and black-skillet fried chicken prepared by Chef Lawrence.

The Brunch sponsored by PG&E was followed with an awards program acknowledging the best works in screenplay, short, feature, documentary, student and Urban Kidz categories. The first St. Clair Bourne Award was presented for the best documentary. The overall winner received the Melvin Van Peebles Award, which honors an emerging filmmaker with a unique vision, singular style and uncompromising point of view.

Actress Taraji P. Henson (who currently plays attorney Whitney Rome on Boston Legal) received the first-ever Phoenix Award in honor of her swift rise to stardom. Taraji who stole all of our hearts as the pregnant “Shug” in Hustle and Flow and shined opposite Don Cheadle in last year’s Talk to Me, has four major releases approaching in the next few months. They include Tyler Perry’s The Family That Preys: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button with Brad Pitt, Taraji stars opposite Forest Whitaker and Lil’ Wayne in Hurricane Season and opposite Morris Chestnut in Not Easily Broken.

The festival’s closing film was Tribute: Stanley Tookie Williams: 1953-2003 directed by Barbara Becnel. The documentary examined death row prisoner, Crips gang co-founder, children's book author, and Nobel Peace Prize nominee Stanley Tookie Williams.

Here are the winners:

Each winner received a custom made plaque, the winner of the Melvin Van Peebles Award received two round trip tickets to South Africa courtesy of South African Airways.

2008 Melvin Van Peebles Award Winner and Best Feature

Something Is Killing Tate

Director: Leon Lorenzo

(Grand Prize: Round trip to South Africa)

2008 St. Clair Bourne Award Winner for Best Documentary

Faubourg Tremé: The Untold Story of Black New Orleans

Directors Dawn Logsdon and Lolis Eric Elie

Best Short

Lifted

Director: Randall Dottin

Best Student

Keys

Director: Christopher Babers

Best Urban Kidz Winner

The Don of Virgil Jr. High

Director: Deon Hayman

Best Screenplay

American Dream

Olugbemiga Idowu

Audience Favorite

Kings of the Evening

Director: Andrew P. Jones

Festival sponsors include: San Francisco Grants For The Arts, Starbucks, Wells Fargo, Rainbow Cooperative and Comcast.

9TH ANNUAL HOLLYWOOD BLACK FILM FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES JURY AND AUDIENCE CHOICE AWARD-WINNERS

Wed, 25 Jun 2008 02:03:00 PST

With 119 films and 6 days of deliberation, jury and audience choice award-winners were announced Sunday for the 2008 Hollywood Black Film Festival (HBFF). Actor-Director Rockmond Dunbar announced the winning films during the festivals invitation-only Filmmaker and Storyteller Awards brunch, held at Life on Wilshire. As a special surprise appearance, arranged by HBFF, producer Will Packer (“This Christmas,” “Stomp the Yard”) stopped by and conducted a Q&A with the invited filmmakers and award-winners.

“We are so pleased to be able to present awards to these filmmakers who have displayed an amazing array of cinematic talent and vision,” said Tanya Kersey, Founder & Executive Director, HBFF. “The 2008 Hollywood Black Film Festival award-winners reflect the full breadth of talent, diversity, and evolution of independent black film.”

"Our filmmakers this year displayed an extraordinary range and depth to their storytelling, and I am pleased to know that HBFF continues to garner a well deserved reputation as being the premiere festival for discovering and showcasing the next generation of talented Black filmmakers,” added Kersey. “We are thrilled how the Hollywood Black Film Festival has continued to grow in attendance, local and national awareness and acclaim from filmmakers, writers and directors.”

Leon Lozano’s feature film SOMETHING IS KILLING TATE took the top audience prize at the 9th Annual Hollywood Black Film Festival. SOMETHING IS KILLING TATE won the HBFF 2008 Audience Choice Award sponsored by Indieflix. In the film, Tate isolates himself in his apartment after surviving a suicide attempt. One by one, the players in his troubled life force him to face the demons of his past. Lozano won a cash prize courtesy of IndieFlix.

In the narrative feature film category, PANMAN, RHYTHM OF THE PALMS, directed by Sander Burger and produced by Ian Vatz, took top honors. THE PANMAN RHYTHM OF THE PALMS tells the story of the rise and fall of the steel drum pan player Harry Daniel. Harry is an icon of the Caribbean whose personal life suffers when he places his music above his family.

STREETBALLERS, written & directed by Matthew Krentz was the honorable mention.

The Short Film winner was THE DOLL, written & directed by Dante James. THE DOLL is set in the early 1900s and tells the story of Tom Taylor, the black proprietor of the Wyandot Hotel barbershop. Taylor’s humanity, his dignity, and his responsibility to family and community are severely challenged when it becomes apparent that he has an opportunity to avenge an injustice that was inflicted on his father decades earlier.

BLOOD OVER A BROKEN PAWN, written & directed by Chadwick Boseman took the short film honorable mention.

Roxana Walker-Canton and Tina Morton’s documentary BELLY OF THE BASIN earned first place honors in the documentary category while KEEPING THE FAITH, written and directed by Bobby Mardis was the honorable mention. BELLY OF THE BASIN asks New Orleans to tell its story through the voices of its ordinary residents. Through individual stories of survivors and volunteers of grassroots organizations, ‘Belly of the Basin’ poses questions about the value of human life in relationship to race, class, gender and politics.

In the student film category, the award was presented to CRENSHAW NIGHTS, written by Greg Navarro and directed by Peter Gelles. KEYS, written & directed by Christopher Babe, was the honorable mention.

OBARA & THE MECHANTS written by Michelle Bodden and directed by Manauvaskar Kublall won in the animation category. REVOLUTION, written by Trevor Parham, directed by Aled Ordu & Stefan Ruenzel won in the music video category.

The filmmaker winners receive prizes courtesy of Apple Final Cut Pro, Backstage, Baseline, Daily Variety, Film Specific, Final Draft, Fuji Film, Hollywood Creative Directory, Indieflix, Showbiz Software, Story Pointe and Writers Boot Camp. In addition to product prizes and in keeping with the festival’s motto: “ACCESS. OPPORTUNITIES. DEALS.” The winners also receive a series of meetings with agents, managers, development, acquisition and distribution executives.

The 1st place winner in the HBFF Storyteller Competition was THE NIGGA written by Derek Lively. In THE NIGGA, an out-of-work Shakespearean actor transforms into a gangsta rapper and becomes a star. 419 written by Michael Ajakwe took 2nd place honors. In 419, a third World Internet scammer tricks an unsuspecting, lonely White American male into falling in love with his Internet alter-ego – a beautiful Nigerian princess – and then convinces the dupe to bring her/him to the United States. 3rd place went to MUDDY WATERS written by Corey Moore. In MUDDY WATERS, A young, opportunistic land agent sets his sights on the biggest promotion of his career by attempting to score a lucrative deal with his estranged, alcoholic father. RUNNIN FROM THE DEVIL written by Travolta Cooper earned the honorable mention.

The Storyteller Competition winners receive product prizes courtesy of Final Draft, Hollywood Creative Directory and Story Pointe and Writers Boot Camp. Their scripts are also distributed to a number of studios and production company executives. The HBFF Storyteller Competition was designed to promote and support new talent and continue the festival’s pledge of creating opportunities for talented black screenwriters. The main goal is to give new screenwriters industry exposure and help introduce them to Hollywood.

“The diverse storytelling styles of this year’s Storyteller Competition semi-finalists is impressive,” said Alexia Ryan, HBFF Storyteller Director. “We are pleased to be able to bring these talented, diverse voices to the attention of Hollywood’s leading talent buyers.”

HBFF 2008 attendees enjoyed a whirlwind of six days hustling to see films, attending panels and workshops at the adjunct Infotainment Conference, and partying into the wee hours of the night.

A special thanks to the official sponsors of the 2008 Hollywood Black Film Festival, who helped sustain the festivals programming for the inspiring filmmakers and artists of today. Sponsors comprise of: 20th Century Fox, Ambi Skincare, Apple iTunes, Kodak and One Village Entertainment. Participating sponsors include the UK Film Council, Daily Variety, Basquiat Vineyards of California, Soft Sheen-Carson, bSide, Codeblack Entertainment, EURweb.com, Hennessy, Bombay Sapphire, Uncle Moki’s, Emerson College, Heineken, Carnivo, HER Energy Drink. The 2008 HBFF prize sponsors are Apple Final Cut Pro, Backstage, Baseline, Film Specific, Final Draft, Fuji Film, Hollywood Creative Directory, Production HU, Showbiz Software, and Writers Boot Camp. Promotional and donor partners include Black Talent News, Black HollywoodUniversity.com, Bleu Entertainment PR, A Juke Join Promotions, Southern Girl Desserts, Tagg Team DJs, Def Jam, and Celebrity Nightlife Publicity.

About the Hollywood Black Film Festival

The Hollywood Black Film Festival (HBFF), dubbed “The Black Sundance,” is an annual 6-day celebration of black cinema drawing together established and rising filmmakers, popular film and television stars, writers, industry executives, emerging artists and diverse audiences from Southern California and around the world. The festival has become a hotbed for the Black Hollywood creative community. HBFF was founded in 1998 by its executive director, Tanya Kersey, with a mission focused on fostering and developing the vision of independent filmmakers by bringing their films to the attention of the industry, media and public through a public exhibition and competition program. Since its inception, HBFF has screened a total of 596 independent films from all across the United States, United Kingdom, Canada and the Caribbean and has hosted 203 world premieres. The festival’s adjunct Infotainment Conference features 20+ panels and workshops and 100+ speakers, and covers a broad range of entertainment industry topics. Over 40,000 people have attended and enjoyed the diversity of Black cinema through the festival. The 2008 festival will be held June 3-8, 2008 in Beverly Hills, California, and will showcase the artistic expression of more than 120 black filmmakers from around the world.

In keeping with its commitment to support the creative community, in addition to the annual film festival, HBFF has created complementary platforms to showcase and develop filmmakers' projects -- the HBFF Cinema Lounge and HBFF Film Finance & Distribution Summit. The HBFF Cinema Lounge is a casual monthly networking and screening program that screens 4 to 5 short films followed by audience feedback and Q&A with the filmmakers. The annual HBFF Film Finance & Distribution Summit boasts a senior roster of seasoned industry professionals offering their insights on a broad range of film finance and distribution topics.

2008 Award Winners for the Worldwise Short Film Festival

Wed, 25 Jun 2008 02:00:00 PST

CFC ALUMNI TAKE HOME TOP PRIZES AT WORLDWIDE SHORT FILM FESTIVAL

OVER $80,000 IN CASH AND PRIZES AWARDED TO FILMMAKERS FROM AROUND THE WORLD

Presented by TELUS, CFC Worldwide Short Film Festival (June 10th – 15th) proudly presented 10 awards and over $80,000 in cash and prizes to this year’s top filmmakers at the 2008 CFC Worldwide Short Film Festival Awards Picnic.

Offering one of the largest prize packages for short film in the world, the WSFF honoured this year’s exceptional filmmakers in the presence of over 400 industry delegates and filmmakers from around the globe.

One of only three Canadian festivals accredited by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences®, WSFF Canadian award winners are eligible for Genie Awards, while winners of the awards for Best Live-Action Short and Best Animated Short become eligible for the Academy Awards®.

“This year's selection of award-winning shorts showcases the incredible vision, talent and creativity of emerging and established filmmakers at home and from around the world,” said Eileen Arandiga, Festival Director.

"The CFC Worldwide Short Film Festival is proud to honour these exceptional creators and we thank them for their contribution in making the 2008 Worldwide Short Film Festival nothing short of remarkable."

The highly anticipated Award for Best Canadian Short Film, presented by Bravo!FACT, was awarded to CFC Alumna Sarah Galea-Davis with a $10,000 cheque, for the expertly crafted dramatic short CAN YOU WAVE BYE-BYE? The film, about a single woman overwrought with postpartum depression tackled a complex and often taboo subject with sensitivity and subtlety.

CFC Alumna Audrey Cummings received The Jackson-Triggs Award For Best Emerging Canadian Filmmaker and a cash prize of $5,000 for her direction of BURGEON AND FADE, the mother/daughter drama of aging and love, produced through the 2007 CFC Short Dramatic Film Program.

The C.O.R.E Digital Pictures Award For Best Animated Short was awarded to Jay White (Canada), for his hilarious and inventive BOAR ATTACK garnering him $5000 in cash and eligibility for the 2009 Academy Awards®. An Honourable Mention was handed out to Rune Christensen (Denmark) for DOWN THE ROAD, a stylish animated road thriller.

Best Live-Action Short and a Sony Digital Camcorder was captured by director Elizabeth Marre and Olivier Pont (France) for the arresting drama MANON ON THE ASPHALT (MANON SUR LE BITUME).

An Honourable Mention went to director Asaf Korman (Israel) for his emotionally affecting family drama DEATH OF SHULA.

The Best Experimental Short honour along with a Sony digital video camcorder, went to François Bégin and Miryam Bouchard (Canada) for the dance love story ROASTBEEF.

An Honourable Mention went to director Jean-Gabriel Periot (France) for UNDER TWILIGHT.

The Kodak Award for Best Cinematography in a Canadian Short was presented to Cinematographer Brendan Steacy for the visually stunning THE ANSWER KEY along with a digital camera package valued at $800. An Honourable Mention went to Cinematographer Geneviève Perron (France) for L’ASTRONAUTE.

Best Documentary Award, presented by Stella Artois with a $2,500 cash prize and $1,000 of Stella Artois for the filmmaker’s next production, went to director Bartosz Blaschke (Poland) for his quirky, artful documentary ZIETEK.

CFC Worldwide Short Film Festival is pleased to introduce the inaugural award for Best Performance in a Live-Action Short. The prize goes to Yosef Corman-Korman from Israel’s DEATH OF SHULA, who brought to life so vividly the sadness a father experiences when his expectations of family life have changed. Honourable Mentions go to Kim Kold as “Dennis” in Denmark’s DENNIS and to Chloe Jager Berger in France’s TOMBOY.

A Special Jury Prize for Best Comedy was awarded to director Rob Meyer (USA) for AQUARIUM. An Honourable Mention went to Dmitry Povolotsky (Poland) for PAL/SECAM

Announced at the packed Awards screening at the Cumberland 4 Cinemas on Sunday evening, this year’s festival goers voted for OUT OF SPAJALD (VAEK FRA SPAJALD), directed by Thomas Glud and Lars Wass (Denmark) to win the TELUS Audience Choice Award and a $5,000 cash prize.

Chosen out of all 268 films in the festival, the TELUS Audience Choice Award is the only prize in which all films, in both competition and non-competition screenings are eligible to win.

And finally, the Screenplay Giveaway Prize, a package of goods and services worth over $50,000 was awarded to Kris Elgstrand for his script “Big Head” to be directed by CFC Alumnus Dylan Akio Smith. The prize includes post-production services at Deluxe Laboratories and studio rental from Centennial College @Wallace Studios, along with film stock from Kodak, two programming passes to WIFT-T, and legal advice from Heenan Blaikie Barristers and Solicitors.

Now in its 14th year, CFC Worldwide Short Film Festival is the leading venue for the exhibition and promotion of short film in North America and is one of the premier short film festivals in the world. The WSFF Short Films, BIG IDEAS Symposium offers renowned professional development, while the WSFF Business Centre is home to the largest short film marketplace in North America.

Award Winners for the 2008 NUFF Global Film Festival

Tue, 24 Jun 2008 05:09:00 PST

Best film in age group A 15-17:

"A Lucky Day"

Director by Magnus Bertelsen from Denmark

The jury’s comment:

“A Lucky Day stood out as a good example of cinematographic storytelling, giving the audience the opportunity to interpret the story, leaving the viewer with different experiences of space and time.”

Best film in age group B 18-20: "Klasskamrater"

Director by Victor Lindgren form Sweden

The jury’s comment:

”Klasskamrater manages to tackle a sensitive subject matter, giving an indebt understanding of the emotional aspects of bullying and the shortcomings of adults in helping resolve this matter. The filmmaker places the viewer in the middle of the conflict instead of being just a spectator.”

Best film in age group C 21-25: "Life Worth Living"

Director by Eirik Svensson from Finnland

The jury’s comment:

”Life Worth Living demonstrates a very talented use of form, bringing out the beauty of everyday situations and thoughts through the carful choice of aesthetics. And does so with a great deal of humor!”

The best Nordic youth film 2008: "Dart"

Director by: Måns Wide from Sweden

The jury’s comment:

“Dart, is a film where the characters and the dialogue is linked together in a brilliant way. The originality of the story is also perfectly matched with the cinematographic language. Dart hits like a dart!”

NUFF 2008 jury was:

Rachel Andersen Gomez (filmmaker from Tromsø, Norway)

Lasse Gjertsen (filmmaker from Larvik, Norway)

Christer Engberg (film director, theatre director and Musician from Luleå, Sweden)

Award Winners for the 2008 Open Russian Film Festival "Kinotavr"

Tue, 24 Jun 2008 05:03:00 PST

MAIN PRIZE

«Shultes», dir. Bakur Bakuradze

PRIZE FOR BEST DIRECTION

Alexander Proshkin, «Live to Remember»

PRIZE FOR BEST DEBUT FILM

«Nirvana», dir. Igor Voloshin

BEST ACTRESS

Кsenia Rappoport, «Yuri’s Day», dir. Kirill Serebrennikov

BEST ACTOR

Jethro Skinner, «Plus One», dir. Oksana Bychkova

PRIZE FOR BEST PHOTOGRAPHY

Ilya Demin, «Terra Nova», dir. Alexander Melnik

GRIGORY GORIN PRIZE FOR BEST SCRIPT

Petr Lutsik, Alexei Samoryadov, «Wild Field», dir. Mikhail Kalatozishvili

MIKAEL TARIVERDIEV PRIZE FOR BEST FILM MUSIC

Alexei Aigi, «Wild Field», dir. Mikhail Kalatozishvili

PRIZE OF THE SHORT FILM COMPETITION

«PAL/SECAM», dir. Dmitri Povolotsky

DIPLOMA OF THE SHORT FILM COMPETITION

«Fish», dir. Alexander Kott («for a high level of visual culture and truthfulness to the short film»)

«Tags», dir. Natalia Uglitskikh («for a brilliant and clever implementation of the idea of the short film»)

«Old New Rossi», dir. Alexander Karavaev («for an elegant film language and a refreshing director’s view»)

Alexei German

PRIZE FOR OUTSTANDING ARTISTIC ACHIEVEMENTS IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF RUSSIAN CINEMATOGRAPHY

Armen Medvedev

PRIZE FOR OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENTS IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF RUSSIAN CINEMA AND FILM RESEARCH PRIZE OF THE GUILD OF RUSSIAN FILM SCHOLARS AND CRITICS “WHITE ELEPHANT”

«Wild Field», dir. Mikhail Kalatozishvili

SPECIAL DIPLOMA OF THE JURY for a successful commercial project«Terra Nova», dir. Alexander Melnik.

Awards for the 2008 Festroia Film Festival

Tue, 24 Jun 2008 05:00:00 PST

BEST FILM - GOLD DOLPHIN - EMPTIES, by Jan Sverák Czech Republic/UK/Denmark

SPECIAL JURY PRIZE – SILVER DOLPHIN - THE CLASS, by Ilmar Raag Estonia

BEST DIRECTOR – SILVER DOLPHIN - To Srdan Golubovic, for the film THE TRAP

BEST ACTRESS – SILVER DOLPHIN - To Outi Maenpaa and Ria Kataja, for BLACK ICE

BEST ACTOR – SILVER DOLPHIN - To Robert Wieckiewicz, for ALL WILL BE WELL

BEST SCRIPT – SILVER DOLPHIN - To Amos Kollek, for RESTLESS

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY – SILVER DOLPHIN - Oleg Kirichenko for MERMAID

SPECIAL AWARDS

AUDIENCE AWARD - ESTRELLITA, by Metod Pevec Slovenia/Germany

PRIZE MAN AND HIS ENVIRONMENT - THE REPLACEMENT CHILD, by Justin Lerner U.S.A.

SPECIAL MENTION - ME, THE OTHER, by Mohsen Melliti Italy

PRIZE CITY HALL OF SETÚBAL – AMERICAN INDEPENDENTS - Best Film for STARTING OUT IN THE EVENING , by Andrew Wagner

FIRST WORKS AWARD - PRESERVE, by Lukasz Palkowski Poland

SPECIAL MENTION - FAMILY RULES, by Marc Meyer Germany

FIPRESCI PRIZE - MIRUSH, by Marius Holst Norway

SIGNIS PRIZE - WORLDS APART, by Niels Arden Oplev Denmark

SPECIAL MENTION - THE CLASS, de Ilmar Raag Estonia

CICAE PRIZE - RESTLESS, by Amos Kollek Israel/Canada/Belgium/France/Germany

SAPO VÍDEOS AWARD - BLUE DAWN, by João Teotónio, Miguel Trindade, Pedro Gaspar Portugal

2008 Best of Festival Winners for the U.S. International Film And Video Festival

Tue, 24 Jun 2008 04:57:00 PST

U.K., Japan and U.S. creatives win ‘Best of Show’ at U.S. festival

Productions from England, Japan and the United States took Best of Show “Grand Prix” honors at the 41st annual U.S. International Film And Video Festival.

Winning in the Corporate category was “KPMG Graduate Recruitment Film,” from Jack Morton Worldwide, London. Tops in Education was “Mathematica II: Squaring the Circle,” from NHK (Japan Broadcasting Corp.), Tokyo. The Documentary winner was a PBS production, “NATURE: Unforgettable Elephants,” from Thirteen/WNET, New York City.

The KPMG film demonstrates the global network of auditing, tax and advisory services of KPMG in a lively format designed to attract new college graduates to the firm. “Mathematica” uses animated and real world techniques – such as a comparison of a round cake and a square cake – to teach the pi formula. “Nature: Unforgettable Elephants” represents more than 15 years of work by photographer Martyn Colbeck, who documented the lives of African elephants in Kenya.

Other nominees for the Best of Festival in Corporate were:

“Gebrűder Heinemann Orchestra Film,” BM8 GmbH, Hamburg, Germany, which was made to demonstrate the strength of Gebrüder Heinemann in distribution of goods with respect to security sensitive environments;

“IBM Hermitage Film,” Jack Morton Worldwide, New York City, highlights the IBM project to put the State Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, Russia, online and explains how by promoting access to art helps build a bridge across cultures.

Nominated in Education was “Role of Platelet Production in ITP,” created by Shaw Science Partners, Atlanta. Ga., USA, to explain to hematologists a new drug from GlaxoSmithKlne that will be used to treat immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). The other nominees for Documentary were “J.M.W. Turner,” a profile of the famous 18th century British artist from National Gallery of Art, Landover, Md., USA; and “The Pagan Christ,” created by David Brady Productions, Sandhurst, Ontario, Canada, based on the controversial book by Tom Harpur, “The Pagan Christ: Rediscovering the Lost Light.”

The winners and nominees also won First Place Gold Camera Awards in the competition, which had winners from 23 countries.

2008 Breckenridge Festival of Film – Festival Awards

Tue, 24 Jun 2008 03:00:00 PST

Best Latin Film: DESPUES DE LA NEBLINA

Director: Danielle Bernstein

Best Spiritual Film: PURPLE STATE OF MIND

Director: Craig Detweiler, John Marks

Best Documentary: THE BIG QUESTION

Director: Vince DiPersio

Best Student Film: Muhammad Ali Hasan for RABIA

Best Drama: CRAZY

Director: Rick Bieber

Best Short Drama: BENEATH THE TIDES

Director: Jacqueline Archer

Best GLBT: TRU LOVED

Director: Stewart Wade

Best Comedy: THIS IS NOT A TEST

Director: Christopher Angel

Best Short Comedy: STRUCK

Director: Taron Lexton

Best Original Score: MARIONETTE

Director: Yo Kohatsu

Best Screenplay: Kevin Allen Jackson & Andres Faucher in EL PASAJERO

Director: Andres Faucher

Best Special Effects: THE FLYBOYS

Director: Rocco DeVilliers

Best Animation: OUTSOURCE

Director: Daniel Trezise

Best Director: Rocco DeVilliers for THE FLYBOYS

Best Actress: Najarra Townsend in TRU LOVED

Director: Stewart Wade

Best Actor: Waylon Payne in CRAZY

Director: Rick Bieber

Best Supporting Actress: Michelle Clunnie in LEAVING BARSTOW

Director: Peter Paige

Best Supporting Actors: Dan McCabe & Luke Grimes in WAR EAGLE, ARKANSAS

Director: Robert Milazzo

Best Ensemble Cast: Jorge Palacios & Dimas Gonzales in EL PASAJERO

Director: Andres Faucher

Best Cinematographer: Yo Kohatsu for MARIONETTE

Director: Yo Kohatsu

Audience Awards

#1 COURTHOUSE GIRLS FROM FARMLAND

Director: Norman Klein

#2 ACT YOUR AGE

Director: Robin Christian

#3 THE FLYBOYS

Director: Rocco DeVilliers

CIUDAD DE HUESCA SHORT FILM PRIZE GOES TO MARIVÍ BILBAO

Tue, 24 Jun 2008 02:37:00 PST

Mariví Bilbao exuded spontaneity and self-confidence during her visit to Huesca. The actress, who was born in Bilbao, declared herself delighted with her reception by the town and the Huesca Film Festival. Her first words were those of gratitude, as "you don't expect these things, all I have done is work". Mariví is attending this year's Festival to receive the Ciudad de Huesca Short film Prize.

The actress, who has starred in feature films like "La Comunidad" (Common Wealth) and "El Séptimo Día" (The Seventh Day), showed how happy she was, and gave all those present in the hall a glimpse of her true personality, which is very often made to take a back seat, as she herself acknowledges, because of the charismatic characters she plays.

The press conference opened with some scenes from one of her latest films "Alumbramiento" (Illumination), a short film and winner of several prizes, which is also recognised at this year's Festival. For Mariví, the film is outstanding for the way it deals with such a difficult subject as passing from life to death, also for the great work produced by the director and cast. She says that the film manages to cause very strange reactions in that, at the end of the film, the audience remains silent for a few moments before bursting into applause. She adds that death is not a subject usually talked about and which everyone avoids, and for this reason the audience reacts as described above when they are confronted with it on screen.

Now a successful television actress, Mariví commented on how hard it has been, and still is, for a woman to find a place in the film industry; her beginnings were not always a bed of roses, and she always had to put up with contempt and insults for merely being an actress, criticism that she shrugged of with her natural self-confidence.

Mariví Bilbao is a woman with her feet on the ground and hastened to make clear that the public at large does not forget you in a matter of days, they forget you in five minutes, which is why she thinks that no one should remain stuck in the past.

As for future projects, Mariví Bilbao explained that you cannot do two things at once. Both television drama and feature films need complete dedication, and this makes it very difficult to work on the two at the same time.

Of her long career in the theatre, film and television, she made special mention of her late arrival to the seventh art. She remembers all her roles with fondness, but especially "La primera vez" (The First Time) by Borja Cobeaga and "Salto al Vacío" (Leap into the Void) by Daniel Calparsoro.

Time ran out and the star of the day took her leave with many thanks, and the packed hall responded with warm applause. Mariví Bilbao, winner of the Ciudad de Huesca Short Film Prize has already become, on her own merits, part of the history of this 36th Huesca Film Festival.

Award Winners for the 2008 Huesca International Short Film Festival

Tue, 24 Jun 2008 02:35:00 PST

"Chainsaw," double prize-winner, "Malaak et le vaste monde" and "Braedrabylta" took the main awards at the International and Documentary Competition at the 36th Huesca film Festival. These joined "Café Paraiso," winner of the Latin American Competition and the short story "Fin de rodaje" (The End of Filming), this year's champions.

The Huesca Film Festival rounded off the awards at a press conference where the names of the winners of the International Short Film Competition and the European Documentary Competition were announced, plus the Critics Jury, Youth Jury and the Audience prizes.

"Chainsaw" by the producer Dennis Tupicoff took the Danzante prize in the International Short Film Competition. The jury highlighted its originality and fantasy. In the same competition, the Francisco García de Paso prize went to the Norwegian short film, "Revolver" by Thor Bekkavik, and the Special Jury Prize to the Irish producer, Simon Fitzmaurice, for "The Sound of People."

The European Documentary Prize went to the French "Malaak et le vaste monde" in which the director, Ahlem Aussant-Leroy, managed to convey a whole mix of sensations to create complicity and intimacy with the spectator.

"Familia 068" by the Spanish film-makers Rubén Margalló and Toni Edo and "Muzyczna partyzantka" by the Pole, Miroslaw Dembinski were the documentaries that will be shown on Spanish public TV, and have therefore been acquired by the television company.

In the same competition, "Lost property Hong Kong" by Bin Chuen Choi, received an honourable mention from the jury members.

The title of "Chainsaw" rang out again when the Critics Jury announced the Australian film as the winner for its ability to continually surprise the audience. The jury also decided that special mention was deserved by "Revolver," The Note by the British director Jon Greenhalgh, and animated films "Tolerantia" by Ivan Ramadán (Bosnia-Herzegovina) and "Dji vou veu volti" by the Belgian, Benoit Feroumont.

The Youth Jury at the 36th Huesca Film Festival decided to award their prize, sponsored by the Anselmo Pié Sopena Foundation, to "Braedrabylta" by the Icelandic director Grimur Hákonarson. They also gave a special mention to "Le Parloir" by Marie Vernalde from France..

Finally, the Audience Prize was given to the Italian feature film "Cientochiodi" by Ermanno Olmi.

THE 10th ANNUAL SAN FRANCISCO BLACK FILM FESTIVAL WRAPS

Tue, 24 Jun 2008 02:00:00 PST

SOMETHING IS KILLING TATE, Directed by Leon Lozano wins Melvin Van Peebles Award.

KINGS OF THE EVENING, Directed by Andrew P. Jones is the Audience Favorite

Here are the winners:

Each winner received a custom made plaque, the winner of the Melvin Van Peebles Award received two round trip tickets to South Africa courtesy of South African Airways.

2008 Melvin Van Peebles Award Winner and Best Feature

Something Is Killing Tate

Director: Leon Lorenzo

(Grand Prize: Round trip to South Africa)

2008 St. Clair Bourne Award Winner for Best Documentary

Faubourg Tremé: The Untold Story of Black New Orleans

Directors Dawn Logsdon and Lolis Eric Elie

Best Short

Lifted

Director: Randall Dottin

Best Student

Keys

Director: Christopher Babers

Best Urban Kidz Winner

The Don of Virgil Jr. High

Director: Deon Hayman

Best Screenplay

American Dream

Olugbemiga Idowu

Audience Favorite

Kings of the Evening

Director: Andrew P. Jones

Festival sponsors include: San Francisco Grants For The Arts, Starbucks, Wells Fargo, Rainbow Cooperative and Comcast.

2008 Sydney Film Festival Audience Award Winners

Mon, 23 Jun 2008 02:46:00 PST

Sydney Film Festival announced The World Movies Channel Audience Awards at the Closing Night Gala on Saturday 21 June at the State Theatre. Presented across feature film, documentary and short film categories, the Audience Awards are extremely popular with festival fans relishing the opportunity to have their say.

Audience Award: Short Film at State Theatre - "Green Porno"

Isabella Rossellini's series of one-minute comical and insightful journeys into the sex life of insects. Co-Director and Producer Jody Shaprio was a guest of the festival.

Audience Award: Short Film at Satellite Venues - "Frederikke"

From Denmark's Zentropa Productions, the poignant story of a young girl's weekend visit to her mother, written and directed by Heidi Maria Faisst.

Audience Award: Documentary at State Theatre - "Young@Heart"

With an average age of 80, this choir tackle the likes of Sonic Youth's Schizophrenia, The Clash's Should I Stay or Should I Go, and David Bowie's Golden Years. Young@Heart will be in cinemas from 16 Oct 2008.

Audience Award: Documentary at Satellite Venues - Anvil! "The Story of Anvil"

Sasha Gervasi's real-life Spinal Tap story of love, loss and triumph, as a hard-core Canadian heavy metal band strive to keep the dream alive. Producer Rebecca Yeldham was a guest of the festival, calling Steve 'Lips' Kudrow on her mobile phone after the screening so he could hear the audience cheer!

Audience Award: Feature at State Theatre -

"Fugitive Pieces"

Jeremy Podeswa's lyrical film of a boy's escape from Nazi-occupied Poland to Greece and then onto Canada, where his refusal to let go of the past impedes his engagement with the present. Jeremy Podeswa was a guest of the festival.

Audience Award: Feature at Satellite Venues -

"Red Like the Sky"

Cristiano Bortone's captivating story, based on one of Italy's leading sound editors, Mirco Mencacci, of a blind boy's passion to become a sound engineer. Red Like the Sky was part of the Accessible Cinema program, and children could also go along to this film.

Among the top-rating films was a strong selection of Australian films, including "Salute," "River of No Return," "Playing in the Shadows," "Son of a Lion" and "My Rabit Hoppy." Program strands that did particularly well were "Apocalypse Now," "Kids' Films" and "From Kerr to Eternity." Films about music were a big crowd pleaser, ranging from Philip Glass and Pete Seeger, to Canadian heavy metal and American jazz. Also a favourite was "Where is Winky's Horse?," sequel to last year's Audience Award winner, Winky's Horse.

Also announced at the Closing Night Gala was the Telstra MobileMovies Award for a one-minute mobile phone movie, with a 'My Town' theme. Jason van Genderen's "My Town is Broken," an ode to Gosford made entirely of streetsigns, won him a trip for two to Toronto International Film Festival. The People's Choice Award went to Briony Benjamin's "Mudgeeraba, a Place of Living History."

Juried Award Winners for the 2008 Sydney Film Festival

Mon, 23 Jun 2008 02:43:00 PST

Sydney Film Festival Jury President Gillian Armstrong last night announced UK film, "Hunger," as the winner of the inaugural Sydney Film Prize. Hunger was awarded the Prize ahead of 11 other international films.

In her announcement at Sydney Opera House, Jury President Gillian Armstrong said, "Before we announce the winner of the Sydney Film Prize the jury would like to make special mention of two films. We commend Carlos Reygadas' Silent Light for its highly poetic and creative use of sound and image and the honest treatment of its universal story of love and pain. The second film we commend is Matthew Newton's "Three Blind Mice" for its energy, passion, superb ensemble cast and as such a fine collaboration by a talented group of young filmmakers.

"Choosing a winner has been a challenging decision because the competition presented such a strong and diverse selection of films. However, our final decision was unanimous. The inaugural Sydney Film Prize is awarded to Steve McQueen's "Hunger."

"'Hunger' was selected for its controlled clarity of vision, its extraordinary detail and bravery, the dedication of its cast and the power and resonance of its humanity," said Armstrong

The Official Competition Jury - Australian Director Gillian Armstrong, Australian actress Essie Davis, LA film writer and critic Scott Foundas, Iranian director/writer/producer Majid Majidi and Hong Kong producer Nansun Shi - agreed unanimously on the decision. The Jury worked as a collegial ensemble, assessing the merits of each film within the criteria of 'audacious, cutting-edge and courageous filmmaking'.

Sydney Film Festival also announced the winner of the Rouben Mamoulian Award as part of the 20th annual Dendy Awards for Australian Short Films - "Summer Breaks" directed by Sean Kruck and produced by Caroline Barry.

All six Dendy Awards were presented this evening at Sydney Opera House. The 15 shortlisted films were screened at State Theatre on Friday 13 June.

The 2008 winners are:

Dendy Award for Short Documentary ($5000 cash prize): "Rare Chicken Rescue"

Director Randall Wood; Producers Trish Lake, Vickie Gest

Dendy Award for Short Fiction ($5000 cash prize): "Ali and the Ball"

Director Alex Holmes; Producer Helen Panckhurst

Dendy Award for Most Innovative Short Film ($5000 cash prize): "Ephemeral" Directed and produced by Tony Radevski and Jongsu Oh

Yoram Gross Animation Award ($4000 cash prize): "Mutt"

Director Glen Hunwick; Producer Beth Frey

CRC Award ($5000 cash prize): "296 Smith Street"

Director John Evagora; Producer Jorge Tsadilas

Winner of the 2008 Rouben Mamoulian Award ($5000 cash prize): "Summer Breaks"

Director Sean Kruck; Producer Caroline Barry

AWARD WINNERS 2008 for the Hamburg International Short Film Festival

Mon, 23 Jun 2008 01:00:00 PST

The 24th International Short Film Festival screened 214 of almost 4.000 submitted short films in the

competitive categories and a further 100 films in non-competitive special programmes. Overall more than 30.000 euros of prize-money were poured out. Apart from a large number of accreditated guests and a high number of interesting films it were especially the many

filmmakers and guests from Israel who came for the special programme “Yoffi! Yalla Bye!” that shaped this year’s festival. Due to the wave of summer heat almost 1.000 people gathered together at our open air event A Wall is a Screen.

INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION

Jury: Netalie Braun, Bren O’Callaghan, Jens Eder, Miranda Pennell, Holger Tepe.

JURY AWARD: 3.000 EUROS: "Puppet Boy"

Directed by: Johannes Nyholm, Sweden 2008, short fiction, 26:36 min.

Jury substantiation:

A disturbing and comic reflection on obsession and self-loathing that delivers an unsettling experience for the viewer. What at first appears to be an interview with a reclusive animator develops into a mirthless sequence of humiliations and an exploration of the human condition in the spirit of Gogol. In an inventive and brilliant way the film shifts between fiction and documentary, claymation and live action, evoking feelings of both repulsion and compassion in the viewer. Brilliant.

FRANCOIS ODE AWARD: 1.500 EUROS: "Josh"

Directed by: Govinda van Maele, Luxembourg 2007, short fiction, 14:40 min.

Jury substantiation:

With great precision and truthfulness the film presents the story of the missed opportunity to free oneself from a repressing life situation. Within 14 minutes the director suggests a complex and believable small-town microcosm full of boredom and lack of ambition, racial and gender resentment. In combination with excellent acting it is exactly the detailed representation of a specific milieu that allows for a deeper understanding of a wider human

bewilderment.

SPECIAL MENTION: "Mumbler"

Directed by: Marc Roels and Wim Reygaert, Belgium 2007, short fiction, 22 min.

"Silence"

Directed by: Sivaroj Kongsakul, Thailand 2007, short fiction, 17:45 min.

"Going to sleep is something absolutely certain in life" Directed by: Paolo Pennuti, Italy 2007, documentary, 20 min.

AUDIENCE AWARD: 1.500 EUROS : "Puppet Boy" Directed by: Johannes Nyholm, Sweden 2008, short fiction, 26:36 min.

NO BUDGET COMPETITION

Jury: Mirna Belina, Ezra Eeman, Ben Rivers.

JURY AWARD: 2.000 EUROS: "Kempinski"

Directed by: Neil Beloufa, France / Mali 2007, experimental documentary, 13:58 min.

Jury substantiation:

The jury found this the most surprising work. In the darkness of "Kempinski" the future becomes present. Time and space are rendered ambiguous. A true no-budget work posed between documentary and science fiction.

SPECIAL MENTION: "Sunshine State" (Extended Forecast),

Directed by: Christopher Harris, USA 2007, experimental

film, 8 min.

The biggest story ever told through a pinhole.

"Super Smile"

Directed by: Effie Wu, Germany 2007, experimental film, 4:48 min.

An amazing single take. We challenge you to take your eyes off Effie Wu.

"Night Sweat"

Directed by: Siegfried A. Fruhauf, Austria 2008, experimental film, 9:40 min.

An unsettling study of light and darkness. Using the limitations of the medium to create something entirely cinematic.

AUDIENCE AWARD: ex aequo 750 EUROS: "Yours Truly" Directed by: Osbert Parker, England 2008, animation, 8 min.

"The Big Contentment"

Directed by: Clemens Kogler and Karo Szmit, Austria 2007, experimental film, 3:57 min.

GERMAN COMPETITION

Jury: Ergun Cankaya, Dr. Annette Scholz, Bjorn Vosgerau.

PILSNER URQUELL INNOVATION AWARD 2008 FOR A GERMAN SHORT FILM: 2.000 EUROS: "On the Line"

Directed by: Reto Caffi, Germany / Switzerland 2007, short fiction, 29:45 min.

Jury substantiation

An unlucky hero who ends up committing a great crime against the love of his life. Director Reto Caffi follows his characters in an extremely precise and sensitive manner.

The powerful performance and the mature realisation result in an impressive film, emotionally enthralling and captivating until the very end.

SPECIAL MENTION: "Brainbirth control"

Directed by: Jan Riesenbeck, Germany 2007, short fiction, 9:15 min.

A breathtaking and highly amusing reflection on today’s rhythm of life, accelerated to the point of absurdity. Self-deprecating and poignant.

"Morbus Bechterev"

Directed by: Lola Randl and Rainer Egger, Germany / Austria 2007, short fiction, 11 min.

Narrated in a light tone and so closely observed the viewer can hardly distinguish performance from real life. A charming character portrait and a study of the art of

running circles around oneself.

JURY PRIZE OF THE HAMBURG CULTURAL FOUNDATION: 2.000 EUROS: "Illusion"

Directed by: Burhan Qurbani and Fabian Gasmia, Germany 2007, short fiction, 9:10 min.

Jury substantiation:

A common occurrence: somebody loses his job. “Illusion” traces the resultant loss of control and the slow sinking into loneliness in a poetic and moving style. The nuanced

directing and a brilliant leading actress light up the screen and give this film a special sparkle.

AUDIENCE AWARD OF THE HAMBURG CULTURAL FOUNDATION: 1.500 EUROS: "The Rat Train Robbery" Jim Lacy and Kathrin Albers, Germany 2008, animation,

8:56 min.

THREE-MINUTE QUICKIE COMPETITION AUDIENCE AWARD: 1.000 EUROS: "Nothing’s There" Rene Schottler and Markus Schaefer, Germany 2008, documentary / short fiction, 3 min.

ARTE SHORT FILM AWARD

Jury: Mado Le Fur

6.000 euros (Acquisition of the film and broadcast as part of arte’s short film programme)

"Interior. Scara de bloc"

Directed by: Ciprian Alexandrescu, Romania 2007, short fiction, 15:49 min.

Jury substantiation:

With sensitivity and compassion, but also with a great sense of humour, the film describes how one event brings together the most diverse residents of a building who had been complete strangers before. The young filmmaker from Romania and the brilliant actors involved manage to give extraordinary power to a simple story with a satirical view on society. The Arte award goes to "Interior. Scara de Bloc"by Ciprian Alexandrescu.

ZDF DOKUKANAL – BEST DOCUMENTARY SHORT

Jury: Angelika Hoffmann, Andrea Windisch

2.000 euros (Acquisition of the film and boradcast on ZDFdokukanal)

"Automotive Action Painting" (Car Painting),

Directed by: George Barber, England 2007, experimental dokumentary, 6 min.

Jury substantiation:

The jury was not only impressed by Barber’s unusual and dynamic painting technique, where cars drive through ‘puddles of paint’, but also the by the contrasting stillness of the camera. From a bird’s eye view, the audience observes a two-dimensional image gradually emerging, while the actual composition of the image is purely random. However, it is precisely this randomness that builds up the suspense with which the spectators follow the development of the image. An entertaining document of artistic design truly in the tradition of action painting, in this case automotive action painting.

MUSIC IN SHORTS AWARD: 2.000 EUROS EACH

Jury: Christian Buß, Wiebke Colmorgen, Horst Rickels

International: "Passage"

Directed by: Karl Lemieux, Canada 2007, short fiction, 15 min.

A lot of pills are popped in this film, but this does not result in colourful visions. The painful end to four young people’s dirty weekend is presented in stark black-and-white images, and this bitter outcome is anticipated in a very clever and unobtrusive way in the score’s monochrome cascades of sound. The monotony of the rhythms lends a disturbingly subdued hue to the characters’ ecstasy. “The Passage” is an example of great narrative cinema in the short format and excellently proves that music can be used as a narrative element in its own right.

national: "Rauschen & Brausen I,"

Directed by: Daniel Burghardt, Germany 2007, experimental film, 4:52 min. Sound: Gerriet K. Sharma

The world is in ruins, and it’s being put back together, but in a most unconventional way. “Rauschen und Brausen I” takes fragments of reality and reassembles them in a fascinating way to form a seemingly unending jigsaw puzzle. The score’s electronic white noise accompanies these images of “rebuilding”, while counteracting them at the same time. The film may not manage to see the rigour of its formal approach through to the very end, but it remains a brilliant example for a dialectical arrangement of image and music.

SPECIAL MENTION:

"Petzold’s Whistle"

Directed by: Olaf Held, Germany 2008, short fiction, 5:33 min.

What starts off as a debilitating background noise is transformed into a study in techno in a workman’s head. An amusing and illuminating little film about how sound does not only shape music, but can also produce images.

"Trabalenguas para una casa vacia" (World Puzzle for an Empty House),

Directed by: Gabriel Herrera Torres, Mexico 2008, short fiction, 12:15 min.

This film impressively presents a 90-year old man’s living space as an extension of his own body. The ingeniously thought through score made up of music by Mozart, Ligeti and Berio deconstructed by scraping, shoving and shuffling noises creates a very organic overall impression and a portrait of life itself.

Award Winners for the Rochester International Film Festival 2008

Wed, 18 Jun 2008 03:48:00 PST

Audience Award Winner - Narrative: "Phoebe in Wonderland"

Director/Writer: Daniel Barnz

Producer: Lynette Howell

Starring: Elle Fanning, Felicity Huffman, Patricia Clarkson, Bill Pullman, Campbell Scott

Narrative, US, 2008, 96 minutes

Audience Award Winner - Documentary: "Autism: The Musical"

Director/Producer/Cinematographer: Tricia Regan

Producers: Sasha Alpert, Perrin Chiles

DOCUMENTARY, US, 2007, 93 minutes

NEWPORT BEACH FILM FESTIVAL 2008 Awards

Thu, 05 Jun 2008 12:16:00 PST

The Newport Beach Film Festival 2008 honored the following award-winners:

Outstanding Performance in Acting: Mark Webber for "The Good Life"

Director: Stephen Berra

Outstanding Performance in Acting: Joe Mantegna for "Elvis and Anabelle"

Director: Will Geiger

Outstanding Performance in Acting: Lake Bell for "Still Waters"

Director: Andrew Ford

Outstanding Performance in Acting: Shelly Cole for "The Village Barbershop"

Director: Chris Ford

Breakout Performance: Chris Klein for "The Good Life"

Director: Stephen Berra

Breakout Performance: Blake Lively for "Elvis and Anabelle"

Director: Will Geiger

Outstanding Achievement in Filmmaking: "Lie to Me"

Director: John Stewart Muller

Outstanding Achievement in Filmmaking: "Elvis and Anabelle"

Director: Will Geiger

Outstanding Achievement in Filmmaking: "The Art of Travel"

Director: Thomas Whelan

Outstanding Achievement in Filmmaking: "What We Do Is Secret"

Director: Rodger Grossman

Outstanding Achievement in Directing: Richie Mehta for "Amal"

Humanitarian Vision Award: "Camp Woz: The Admirable Lunacy of Philanthropy"

Director: Jarrad Kritzstein, Drew J. Foster

Humanitarian Vision Award – "For Tomorrow"

Director: Kenneth Kokin

Outstanding Achievement in Documentary: "Hollywood Singing and Dancing"

Director: Mark McLaughlin

Outstanding Achievement in Documentary - "Flow: For Love Of Water"

Director: Irena Salina

Outstanding Achievement in Documentary - "Trying To Get Good: The Jazz Odyssey of Jack Sheldon"

Director: Penny Peyser and Doug Mcintyre

Outstanding Achievement in Documentary - "Beautiful Losers"

Director: Aaron Rose

Outstanding Achievement in Action Sports Filmmaking: "Under The Sun"

Director: Cyrus Sutton

Outstanding Achievement in Family Filmmaking: "The Adventures of Food Boy"

Director: Dane Cannon

Outstanding Achievement in Filmmaking Cinematography: "Night"

Director: Lawrence Johnston

Outstanding Achievement in Short Documentary Filmmaking: "On Great White Wings"

Director: Joshua Colover

Laszlo Kovacs Cinematography Award: "Red Like the Sky"

Director: Cristiano Bortone

Feature Films Best Film: "Fugitive Pieces"

Director: Jeremy Podeswa

Best Actor: Nadim Sawalha, for "Captain Abu Raed"

Director: Amin Matalqa

Best Actress: Rana Sultan, for "Captain Abu Raed"

Director: Amin Matalqa

Best Director: Jeremy Podeswa, for "Fugitive Pieces"

Best Cinematographer: Gregory Middleton, for "Fugitive Pieces"

Director: Jeremy Podeswa

Best Screenplay – Jeremy Podeswa, for "Fugitive Pieces"

Best Documentary Film – "Mardick: From Baghdad to Hollywood"

Director: Ramy Katrib and Evan York

Short Films Best Narrative Short Film – "The Angel"

Director: Paul Hough

Best Animated Short Film – "Yoga Noga Reyoga"

Director: Kengo Kurimoto

Best Short Documentary Film – "Carissa"

Director: David Sauvage

AUDIENCE WINNERS

Audience Winner - Feature: "Leaving Barstow"

Director: Peter Paige

Audience Winner- Foreign Feature: "Red Like the Sky"

Director: Cristiano Bortone

Audience Winner – Documentary (TIE): "Trying to Get Good"

Director: Penny Peyser and Doug Mcintyre

and "Sliding Liberia"

Director: Britton Caillouette

Audience Winner- Shorts: "Father Taken"

Director: Jonathan Ingalls

Barcelona Asian Film Festival 2008 Awards

Thu, 05 Jun 2008 12:09:00 PST

The Barcelona Asian Film Festival honored the following award-winners:

The Prize of the Public: "Om Shanti Om"

Director Farah Khan (India, 2007)

The jury of BAFF awarded the prize Cinematk to "Secret Sunshine" by Lee Chang-dong (South Korea, 2007).

The prize Golden Durian has been granted to the emergent director "With to Girl of Black Soil" by Jeon Soo-il (South Korea, 2007).

The D-cinema prize has gone to the Chinese film "Bamboo Shoots" by Jian Yi (China, 2007).

Ankara International Film Festival 2008 Awards

Thu, 05 Jun 2008 12:00:00 PST

The Ankara International Film Festival 2008 honored the following:

Best Feature Film: "RIZA"

directed by Tayfun Pirselimo_lu

Mahmut Tali Ongoren Special Award: "MUTLULUK"

directed by Abdullah O_uz

Best Director: TAYFUN PIRSELIMOGLU for "RIZA"

Best Actress: FADIK SEVIN ATASOY

Best Actor: YETKIN DIKINCILER

Best Supporting Actress: NURSEL KOSE and PATRYCIA ZIOLKOWSKA

Best Supporting Actor: TUNCEL KURTIZ

Onat Kutlar Best Script Award: FATIH AKIN (with the film "YASAMIN KIYISINDA")

Best Cinematography: MIRSAD HEROVIC (with the film "MUTLULUK")

Best Art Direction: NATALI YERES (with the film "RIZA")

MESAM Best Music Award: ZULFU LIVANELI (with the film "MUTLULUK")

Best Editing: ANDREW BIRD (with the film "YASAMIN KIYISINDA")

Best Promising Director: INAN TEMELKURAN

Best Promising Actress: SAADET ISIL AKSOY

Best Promising Actor: FERIT KAYA

Best Promising Scriptwriter: DERSU YAVUZ ALTUN

Best Short Film (Fiction): "LA"

directed by Elif Nur Kerkuk

Best Short Film (Experimental): "AYNANIN ICINDEKI CADILAR"

directed by Ozgur Ozcan

Best Short Film (Animation): "ZLIN CORBASI"

directed by Akile Nazli Kaya

Short Film Jury Special Award: "OYUN"

directed by Serhat Furtuna

Best Documentary (Amateur): "BUZLAR KIRILINCA" directed by Caner Erzincan and Mevlut Ciftci

Second Best Documentary (Amateur): "GOLUN KADINLARI"

directed by Emine Emel Balci

Third Best Documentary (Amateur): "SON KUMSAL" directed by Ruya Arzu Koksal

Special Jury Award: "VOLGA VOLGA"

directed by Aysegul Taskent

Best Documentary (Professional): "OTEL ODALARI"

directed by Sevinc Yesiltas

Second Best Documentary (Professional): "IBRET OLSUN DIYE"

directed by Necati Sonmez

Third Best Documentary (Professional): "KAYBEDEBILME KABILIYETI"

directed by Ender Yesildag

Professional Documentary Jury Special Award: "DEVRIMCI GENCLIK KOPRUSU"

directed by Bahriye Kabadayi

Tribeca Film Festival 2008 - Awards

Wed, 04 Jun 2008 11:54:00 PST

The seventh annual Tribeca Film Festival winners competition categories included 121 features and 79 shortfilms from 41 countries. The world competition winners were chosen from 12 narrative and 12 documentary features from 18 countries. Two awards were also given to honor New York films, which were chosen from seven narrative and nine documentary features. Awards were also given for the best narrative, best documentary and student visionary films in the Shorts competition.

“We are extremely proud of these directors’ accomplishments and we are honored to have had these films as part of the Festival,” said Jane Rosenthal, co-founder of the Tribeca Film Festival.

“It’s especially gratifying and exciting to see that the members of our juries selected an extremely diverse group of films – in terms of both their themes and their countries of production – and that the majority of the prizes are going to filmmakers and performers who are all at an early stage of their careers,” said Peter Scarlet, Artistic Director of the Festival.

In addition to cash awards and in-kind services provided by sponsors including American Express, Apple, Cadillac, Delta Air Lines, Edelman Studios, The New York State Governor's Office for Motion Picture and Television Development, The New York City Mayor's Office of Film, Theatre and Broadcasting the Festival presented the winners with original pieces of art created by 13 acclaimed artists.

Following are the awards and their winners:

* The Founders Award for Best Narrative Feature – “Let the Right One In” (Lat den rätte komma in)

directed by Tomas Alfredson (Sweden).

Winner receives $25,000 cash and the art award "Maternal Nocture: Clearing Storm” created by Stephen Hannock.

Jury Comments: “For its mesmerizing exploration of loneliness and alienation through masterful reexamination of the vampire myth.”

* Best New Narrative Filmmaker – “My Marlon and Brando” (Gitmek)

directed by Hüseyin Karabey (Turkey, Netherlands, UK). Winner receives $25,000 cash, sponsored by American Express, and the art award “Bonfire,” created by Ross Bleckner.

Jury Comments: “For its skillful blending of documentary style with a classic love story and ultimate creation of a truly modern and unlikely international heroine.”

* Best Actor in a Narrative Feature Film – Thomas Turgoose and Piotr Jagiello in “Somers Town”

directed by Shane Meadows (UK).

Sponsored by Delta Air Lines. Each winner receives a business elite ticket voucher for anywhere Delta travels.

Jury Comments: “For an extraordinary and exhilarating rendering of a friendship found, the Narrative Feature Jury is awarding the Best Actor prize to this magical team.”

* Best Actress in a Narrative Feature Film – Eileen Walsh in “Eden”

directed by Declan Recks (Ireland).

Sponsored by Delta Air Lines. Winner receives two business elite ticket vouchers for anywhere Delta travels.

Jury Comments: “For her exquisite rendering of a lonely wife aching to be seen and heard.”

* Best Documentary Feature – “Pray the Devil Back to Hell”

directed by Gini Reticker (USA).

Winner receives $25,000 cash and the art award “Liza Minnelli,” created by Timothy White.

Jury Comments: “In a relentless pursuit of peace, the women of Liberia show us how community, motherly love and perseverance can change the fate of a society. Pray the Devil Back to Hell is a reminder that we have the power to say “Enough!” to the atrocities of our world.”

* Best New Documentary Filmmaker – “Old Man Bebo” directed by Carlos Carcas (Spain). Winner receives $25,000 cash, sponsored by American Express, and the art award “Maquette for Primary Compass,” created by Don Gummer.

Jury Comments: “We the jury feel that Carlos Carcas showed us that if you truly have art in your body and soul it will find its way out into the world. We applaud the filmmaker for bringing Old Man Bebo into our consciousness.”

* “New York LOVES Film” – “Zoned In”

directed by Daniela Zanzotto (USA,UK).

Winner receives $5,000 cash, sponsored by New York State Governor's Office for Motion Picture and Television Development, and the art award “Table Odeon,” created by Donna Ferrato.

Special Mention: “Hotel Gramercy Park” directed by Douglas Keeve (USA).

Jury Comments: “This was a challenging and spirited discussion with two clear favorites: both films are very different and the jury felt that both should get equal mention even though only one gets the prize. We thought Hotel Gramercy Park was a highly entertaining and moving story about a New York family and a New York institution coming to terms with a changing city, but in the end we felt Zoned In deserved the prize for having the bravery to tell a seemingly typical story that ends up revealing bold and difficult truths.”

* “Made In NY” – Narrative – “The Caller”

directed by Richard Ledes (USA).

Winner receives $5,000 cash, sponsored by The City of New York Mayor's Office of Film, Theatre and Broadcasting, and the art award “Nude on Guitar” created by Ralph Gibson.

Jury Comments: “The Caller superbly uses its New York locations – from the sleek mid-town high-rises to the desolate Brooklyn Bridge piers – to create a chilling and finally stirring suspense movie; an unusual thriller whose mysterious plot finally exposes the mysteries of the heart.”

* Best Narrative Short – “New Boy”

directed by Steph Green.

Sponsored by Edelman Studios. Winner receives $5,000 cash and the art award “Air” created by Francesco Clemente.

Jury Comments: “New Boy took us on a complete emotional journey. It was moving, funny and powerful.”

* Best Documentary Short – “Mandatory Service” directed by Jessica Habie.

Sponsored by Edelman Studios. Winner receives $5,000 cash and the art award “The Screamer,” created by John Alexander.

Jury Comments: “Mandatory Service, a perspective of war and conflict from participants themselves. The Israeli’s empathy for the Palestinians is not a perspective we glimpse too often in Western Media.”

* Student Visionary Award – “Elephant Garden”

directed by Sasie Sealy.

Sponsored by Apple. Winner receives an Apple Mac Pro Desktop with a 15" Display and Final Cut Studio 2 and the art award "Harmonium" created by Clifford Ross.

Jury Comments: “Elephant Garden captured the “inner-life” of a beautiful young girl; her confusion as she becomes a young adult. Wonderful visual story telling and the performance of Kelley Mack is stellar.”

* Cadillac Award – Winner to be chosen by the Audience and will be announced on WNBC-TV on Saturday, May 3rd. Winner receives $25,000 cash and the art award “Peripheral Drift Illusion,” created by Ryan McGinness, as well as a trophy created by Cadillac.

2008 Tribeca Film Festival Jurors

A distinguished and diverse panel of jurists selected the winning films in this year’s Festival. Jurors included:

World Competition Categories:

The jurors for the 2008 World Narrative Competition were Peter Hedges, Gregory Hoblit, Callie Khouri, Oliver Platt and Christine Vachon.

The jurors for the 2008 World Documentary Competition were Jared Cohen, Whoopi Goldberg, Ross Kauffman, Padma Lakshmi and Jose Padilha.

New York Competition Categories:

The 2008 “Made in NY” Narrative Feature Award jurors were Peter Dinklage, Fred Durst, Greg Mottola, Stephen Schiff and Annabella Sciorra.

The 2008 “NY Loves Film” Documentary Feature Award jurors were Liya Kebede, Doug Liman, Esther Robinson, Josh Schwartz, Jay McInerney and Andre Leon Talley.

Short Film Competition Categories:

The 2008 Narrative Short jurors were Mario Batali, Christine Lahti, Molly Shannon, Lili Taylor and Zac Posen.

The 2008 Documentary and Student Short jurors were David Bowie, Red Burns, Matthew Modine, Lee Schrager and David de Rothschild.

World Narrative Feature Competition:

* Founders Award for Best Narrative Feature: 12 films

* Best New Narrative Filmmaker: 7 filmmakers

* Best Actress in a Narrative Feature: 12 actresses

* Best Actor in a Narrative Feature: 13 actors

World Documentary Feature Competition:

* Best Documentary Feature: 12 films

* Best New Documentary Filmmaker: 12 filmmakers

New York Films:

* “NY Loves Film” – Documentary: 9 films

* “Made In NY” – Narrative: 7 films

Short Films in Competition:

* Best Narrative Short: 36 films

* Best Documentary Short: 19 films

* Student Visionary Award: 20 films

Independent Film Festival of Boston 2008 Awards

Wed, 04 Jun 2008 11:42:00 PST

The 2008 Independent Film Festival of Boston held its Awards ceremony at Mantra in Downtown Boston, preceded by the performances by MC Frontalot and Prince Paul. Here are the winners:

Grand Jury Prize Narrative: "BALLAST"

directed by Lance Hammer

Special Jury Prize: "MOMMA’S MAN"

directed by Azazel Jacobs

Grand Jury Prize Documentary: "SONG SUNG BLUE" directed by Greg Kohs

Special Jury Prize Documentary: "SECRECY"

directed by Robb Moss and Peter Galison

Grand Jury Prize Short Film: "MAN"

directed by Myna Joseph

Special Jury Prize Short Film: "GLORY AT SEA!"

directed by Ben Zeitlin

Programmer’s Choice Award: "GOLIATH"

directed by David & Nathan Zellner

IFFBoston 2008 Audience Awards

Narrative: "MY WINNIPEG"

Documentary: "LIFE.SUPPORT.MUSIC."

Short: "TONY ZOREIL" (TONY ZEAR)

San Francisco International Film Festival 2008 Awards

Wed, 04 Jun 2008 11:37:00 PST

The San Francisco International Film Festival 2008 honored the following films and filmmakers:

New Directors Award: "Vasermil"

Directed by: Mushon Salmona (Israel, 2007)

Winner receives a $10,000 cash prize and AVID Xpress Pro software courtesy of AVID.

New Directors Special Jury Mention: "Wonderful Town" Directed by: Aditya Assarat (Thailand, 2007)

FIPRESCI Prize: "Ballast"

Directed by: Lance Hammer (USA, 2007)

FIPRESCI Special Jury Mention: "Glasses"

Directed by: Naoko Ogigami (Japan, 2007)

Chris Holter Humor in Film Award: "Time to Die"

Directed by: Dorota Kedzierzawska (Poland, 2007)

Winner receives a $2,500 cash prize.

Golden Gate Awards

Documentary Feature: "Up the Yangtze"

Directed by: Yung Chang (Canada, 2007)

Winner receives a $15,000 cash prize and Final Cut Studio software courtesy of Apple.

Documentary Feature Special Jury Prize: "Forbidden Lie$"

Directed by: Anna Broinowski (Australia, 2007)

Bay Area Documentary Feature: "Faubourg Tremé: The Untold Story of Black New Orleans"

Directed by: Dawn Logsdon (USA, 2008)

Winner receives a $10,000 cash prize, Final Cut Studio software courtesy of Apple and $2,000 worth of lab services from EFILM Digital Laboratories.

Documentary Short: "The Ladies"

Directed by: Christina A. Voros (USA, 2007)

Winner receives a $5,000 cash prize sponsored by Stella Artois.

Bay Area Short, First Prize: "Cabinet"

Directed by: Todd Herman (USA, 2007)

Winner receives a $2,000 cash prize.

Bay Area Short, Second Prize: "On the Assassination of the President"

Directed by: Adam Keker (USA, 2007)

Winner receives a $1,500 cash prize.

Narrative Short: "Thick Skinned"

Directed by: Jean-Bernard Marlin, Benoit Rambourg (France, 2007)

Winner receives a $5,000 cash prize sponsored by Stella Artois and $1,700 worth of Kodak film stock.

Animated Short: "Madame Tutli-Putli"

Directed by: Chris Lavis, Maciek Szczerbowski (Canada)

Winner receives a $2,000 cash prize.

New Visions: "Cabinet"

Directed by: Todd Herman (USA, 2007)

Winner receives a $1,500 cash prize and $1,700 worth of Kodak film stock.

Work for Kids and Families: "When I Grow Up"

Directed by: Michelle R. Meeker (USA, 2007)

Winner receives a $1,500 cash prize.

Youth Work: "Writing History with Lightning: The Triumph and Tragedy of America’s First Blockbuster" Directed by: Charlotte Burger (USA, 2007)

Winner receives a $1,500 cash prize and Scheduling and Budgeting software courtesy of Entertainment Partners.

Previously announced Golden Gate Award winners (Television)

TV Documentary Long Form: "Calavera Highway"

Directed by: Renee Tajima-Peña (USA/Mexico, 2007)

TV Documentary Short Form: "The Mystery of the Second Painting"

Directed by: Muriel Edelstein (France, 2007)

TV Narrative Long Form: "Operation Turquoise"

Directed by: Alain Tasma (France, 2007)

Filmfest DC- Washington DC International Film Festival 2008 Awards

Wed, 04 Jun 2008 11:32:00 PST

Filmfest DC 2008 honored the following award-winners:

Capital Focus Award

The Capital Focus Award is a juried competition of selected films deserving of increased recognition. Films in competition were selected by the Festival's Programming Committee and the winner was determined by a jury of accomplished film professionals. This year's winner is "Paloma Delight" by Nadir Mokneche (Algeria, France). Additionally, a Special Jury Award goes to "La Zona" by Rodrigo Plá (Spain, Mexico).

Circle Audience Award

Founded by Ted and Jim Pedas, Washington's Circle Theatres set the standard for innovative quality film programming. Filmfest DC presented an award to the feature film voted the most popular by our audience. The top 5 films are:

1. "Katyn"

Directed by Andrzej Wajda (Poland)

2. "Late Bloomers"

Directed by Bettina Oberli (Switzerland)

3. "We Are Together"

Directed by Paul Taylor (United Kingdom)

4. "Empties"

Directed by Jan Sverak (Czech Republic, United Kingdom, Denmark)

5. "Beyond the Call"

Directed by Adrian Belic (USA)

International Short Film Festival Oberhausen 2008 - INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION Grand Prix and other awards

Wed, 04 Jun 2008 05:42:00 PST

INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION

GRAND PRIX

Prize of 15,000 Euros given by the STATE OF BADEN-WUERTTEMBERG AND CITY OF STUTTGART GRAND AWARD FOR ANIMATED FILM to:

"FRANZ KAFKA INAKA ISHA" (FRANZ KAFKA’S A COUNTRY DOCTOR)

directed by Koji Yamamura, Japan 2007

Producers: Mariko Seto, Fumi Teranishi

Production: Yamamura Animation, Shochiku

World sales: Shochiku Co., Ltd.

INTERNATIONAL PROMOTION AWARD / AWARD FOR BEST GRADUATION FILM

Prize: 10,000 Euros given to: "CAMERA OBSCURA"

directed by Matthieu Buchalski, Jean-Michel Drechsler, Thierry Onillon, France 2007

Production: Supinfocom Valenciennes

World sales: Premium Films

SPECIAL MENTION: "MILK TEETH"

directed by Tibor Banoczki, Great Britain 2007

Producer: Anna Higgs

Production: National Film and Television School

SWR AUDIENCE AWARD

Prize of 6,000 Euros, sponsored by Südwestrunfunk SWR given to: "ISABELLE AU BOIS DORMANT" (SLEEPING BETTY)

directed by Claude Cloutier, Canada 2007

Producer: Marcel Jean

Production/ world sales: National Film Board of Canada

SPECIAL AWARD: MUSIC FOR ANIMATION

Prize of 5,000 Euros, sponsored by the GEMA Foundation given to: "HEZURBELTZAK, UNA FOSA COMUN" (HEZURBELTZAK, A COMMON GRAVE)

directed by Iziben Onederra, Spain 2007

Producer: Pello Gutierrez

Music: Xaber Erkizia

World sales: Kimuak

YOUNG ANIMATION

AWARD FOR BEST STUDENT FILM

Prize of 2,500 Euros, sponsored by the Landesanstalt für Kommunikation Baden-Württemberg given to: "1977"

directed by Peque Varela, Great Britain 2007

Producer: Gavin Humphries / National Film and Television School

SPECIAL MENTION: "DIONYSOS"

directed by Jörg Weidner, Anke Späth, Germany 2007

Production: Hochschule für bildende Künste Hamburg

TRICKS FOR KIDS

AWARD FOR BEST CHILDREN’S ANIMATED FILM

Prize of 4,000 Euros, sponsored by Nick given to: "THE CURSE OF THE SKULL ROCK"

directed by Ben Smith, Great Britain 2007

Producer: Ben Smith

Production: Red Star Studio Ltd.

World sales: Attraction Media & Entertainment

SPECIAL MENTION: "THE WRONG TRAINERS"

directed by Kez Margrie, Great Britain 2006

Production: BBC

World Sales: Slinky Pictures

and "WAS DENKST DU ÜBER: LIEBE?"

directed by Karsten Killerich, Germany, Denmark, Ireland 2007

Producers: Anders Mastrup, Ralph Christian

Production: WDR, Magma Films, A. Film

World Sales: Bavaria Media Television

ANIMOVIE

AWARD FOR BEST ANIMATED FEATURE FILM

2,500 Euros

SLIPP JIMMY FRI (FREE JIMMY)

by Christopher Nielsen

Norway, Great Britain 2006

Producers: Lars Andreas Hellebust, Lars Tømmerbakke, Bill Godfrey

Production: Storm Studio

World sales: The Works International

ANIMATED SERIES

AWARD FOR BEST TV ANIMATED SERIES

Prize of 2,500 Euros sponsored by EM. Entertainment given to: "HAIRY SCARY: NO. 33"

directed by Wolf-Rüdiger Bloss, France, Germany 2007

Producers: Christian Davin, Clément Calvet

Production / world sales: Alphanim

ANIMATION SCREENPLAY AWARD

AWARD FOR THE BEST GERMAN LANGUAGE SCREENPLAY FOR A FEATURE-LENGTH ANIMATED FILM

Prize of 5,000 Euros donated by the Evangelical Church in Germany given to: "DER LETZTE NEANDERTALER" (THE LAST NEANDERTHAL MAN)

Author: John Chambers

International Short Film Festival Oberhausen 2008 - Juried Awards for the German Films & Youth Competitions

Wed, 04 Jun 2008 05:19:00 PST

International Short Film Festival Oberhausen 2008 - Juried Awards for the German Films Competition:

Prize for the Best Contribution to the German Competition (EUR 5,000): "Die Tragöden aus der Stadt"

Director: Eva Könnemann, Germany 2008

Statement: Eva Könnemann’s film convinced us through its complexity, its sense of humour and efficient montage. The director follows the rehearsals of a production of “Hamlet” by Fabian Hinrichs and Laurent Chétouane, which results in some intelligent interaction between Shakespeare’s play and the plot of the film. The film offers profound insights into the creative process with all its contradictions, highs and lows.

We have chosen four films which illustrate an escalated social reality in different ways.

3sat-Promotional-Award -ex aequo-

3sat-Promotional-Award (EUR 2,500; ex aequo: EUR 1,250) for a work with a particulary innovative approach. This award includes an option for 3sat to purchase the winning title and broadcast it on 3sat:

"Supersensibel"

Director: Xenia Yvon Lesniewski, Germany 2008

Statement: What we liked about Supersensibel was the way the director combines pop animation with the playful representation of a polymorph sexuality, adding enigmatic comments which lend the film a furious energy.

3sat-Promotional-Award -ex aequo-

3sat-Promotional-Award (EUR 2,500, ex aequo: EUR 1,250) for a work with a particulary innovative approach. This award includes an option for 3sat to purchase the winning title and broadcast it on 3sat.

"I Killed the Butterflies"

Director: Cyrill Lachauer, Germany 2007

Statement: "I Killed the Butterflies" finds archaic images for a ritual of liberation set in a wintery mountain landscape. The rough, unpolished camera corresponds to the physical immediacy of this film.

Special Mention of the Jury of the German Competition:

"Heidelberg"

Director: Norman Richter, Germany 2008

"Eure Kinder werden so wie wir" (Your Children Will Be Like Us)

Director: Andree Korpys and Markus Löffler, Germany 2007

Statement: In Heidelberg , Norman Richter takes a trip back into his family history. He reflects on memory, decline and death in quiet, precise images, circling around the pain connected with these things.

"Eure Kinder werden so wie wir" is one of the few films in this programme to choose a political subject. Andree Korpys and Markus Löffler film the confrontations between protesters and policemen in Gorleben and Heiligendamm as an apparently ritualised trial of strength.

Jury of the German Competition 2008: Maria Speth, Cristina Nord, Claus Löser

Children and Youth Competition

Prize of the Children Jury (EUR 1,000): "Koest!"

director: Simone van Dusseldorp, Netherlands 2007

Statement: This film is funny, but it has a serious background. A boy behaves like a dog to recover his parents’ attention. We think that unfortunately this is the everyday life in many families. The strong acting also convinced us.

and "Animatou"

director: Claude Luyet, Switzerland 2007

Statement: The cat and the mouse were animated in various ways. The film shows the technical and artistic possibilities and represents a “journey through time”, from pencil drawings to computer animation.

Prize of the Youth Jury (EUR 1,000): "Pajerama"

director: Leonardo Cadaval, Brazil 2008

Statement: Urbanity – ignorance – the rain forest. This fast-paced animated story of a Brazilian native Indian starts with a harmless hunt. The film manages, without words, to depict the conflict between civilization and nature in fascinating animated pictures. The tension between the cultures is underlined by an intelligently adapted noise and sound design. An audiovisual masterpiece, produced almost single-handedly by the director.

Special Mention of the Youth Jury: "The Sound of People"

director: Simon Fitzmaurice, Ireland 2007

Statement: “The day I die the Internet arrives.” The director manages to find an impressive and poetic visual language to convey his philosophical reflections on life and death.

Children Jury 2008: Max Komes, Jasper Marten Köster, Hannah Mendrina, Fabian Spickeneder, Linnéa Doberstein

Youth Jury 2008: Deborah Tabea Luhnau, Ruth Lange, Sebastian Busch, Jannik Süselbeck, Kim Werth

MuVi-Award:

1st Prize (2,500 euros): "Ich bin der Stricherjunge"

a video by: Simone Gilges

music: Stereo Total

production: SimGil Production

label: Disko B

Germany, 2007

Jury Statements: It has the essence of pop, it’s showing friends, fashion and fun, it’s spontaneous, improvised, authentic, do it yourself and shows good production values. The visual aesthetics are connected in a good way to the lo-fi sound of the song. The director seems part of the scene, at least he shares the style-codes of the band. The best stuff comes from something that you are passionate about. It’s a document of the Berlin punk scene.

2nd Prize (1,500 euros): "Das beste deutsche Musikvideo"

director: Luigi Archetti, Bo Wiget

production: Archetti & Wiget

music: Luigi Archetti, Bo Wiget

label: Happy System

Germany, 2008

Jury Statements: It’s ironic, trippy, pretentious, obviously arty, though the music and video were going really well together. It plays with the conventions of music videos, it’s an anti choreography, anti video, simple and elegant. It made us debate and since it became number two, it’s not the “bestes deutsches musikvideo”.

3rd Prize (1,000 euros): "Dot"

director: Jörg Petri

production: Jörg Petri

musik: Michael Fakesch

label: !K7 Records

Germany, 2007

Jury Statements: The method is its strength: it focuses on one simple idea, connecting traditional craftsmanship to contemporary aesthetics, making good use of the constraints of the letterpress.

Jury of the MuVi Award 2008: Libby Durdy, Warp Films, Sheffield; Jan Jelinek, musician, Berlin; Roel Wouters, director, Amsterdam

The MuVi Online Audience Award:

The MuVi Online Audience Award is determined by the all internet users who cast their votes at www.muvipreis.de (500 euros). It goes to: "Aus meinem Kopf" (Erdmöbel)

director: Sandeep Mehta

production: Sandeep Mehta

music: Erdmöbel

label: Sony BMG,

Germany, 2007

The winner of the MuVi Online Audience Award is chosen by Internet users who cast their votes at www.muvi-preis.de (in co-operation with www.intro.de and Hobnox).

International Short Film Festival Oberhausen 2008 - FIPRESCI Prize and other Awards

Wed, 04 Jun 2008 05:09:00 PST

Jury FIPRESCI 2008: Anjelika Artyukh (Russia), Mark Peranson (Canada), Rüdiger Suchsland (Germany

Prize of the Jury of FIPRESCI (Jury of International Film Critics): "Nezrimoe"

director: Pavel Medvedev, Russia 2007

Statement: Taking the G8 summit in St. Petersburg in 2006 as an example, director Pavel Medvedev exposes the rituals of the contemporary business of politics in Nezrimoe: The tired choreography of the press, the brutal ballet of horrendous security machines, the rusty gestures of symbol politics. Like an ethnologist, he approaches the subject from the edges. Images that stand for themselves, without commentary or additional music and which no doubt belong to the large screen and invite the viewer to look again and again add up to this quite elegant film full of reserved, exact observation, full of sensitivity and which, in addition, tells us a lot about the present conditions of oligarchy and Putinism in Russia. A film of distances: as an alienating contrast, there is a graveyard and a stonemason, who chisels away at gravestones. This reminds us of Brecht and his lines on the transience of power: “At the Moldau the stones are moved/Three emperors are buried in Prague/The great one stays great, but the small one not small/The night has twelve hours and then already comes the break of day.”

Prize of the Jury of the Minister President of North Rhine-Westphalia (EUR 5,000): "Parlez-moi d´amour"

director: Alexia Bonta, Belgium 2008

Statement: A hospital – two old women at the end of their lives. When faced with such circumstances, we usually associate them with decay and death. In "Parlez moi d’amour," Belgian filmmaker Alexia Bonta shows us that this attitude may be careless, that there is a lot of experience to collect here, a knowledge relevant to all of us.

Using a formally reduced documentary approach, the director manages to make two people talk, to make them communicate their experience of life, but also their disappointments, their stubbornness and their sense of humor to the succeeding generation.

For this conversation about love and intimacy, supposedly at the wrong time in the wrong place, the jury of the Minister President of North Rhine-Westphalia awards its prize to Alexia Bonta and her film Parlez moi d’amour.

The Jury of the Minister President of North Rhine-Westphalia 2008: Christiane Heuwinkel (Bielefeld), Michael Girke (Herford), Klaus Gronenborn (Köln), Rainer

Komers (Mülheim/Ruhr), Ruth Schiffer (Düsseldorf)

Prize of the Ecumenical Jury (EUR 1,500): "Senko"

director: Kawamura Yuki, France 2008

Statement: A young Japanese family is confronted with the mother’s death. This impressive short feature film shows us in deeply symbolic images how little Yu and his father are born up by the security offered by the family.

Special Mention of the Ecumenical Jury: "Setu"

director: Shyamal Karmakar/Sanghamitra Karmakar, India 2007

Statement: In an Indian boomtown, a little girl is trying to preserve its childhood world. In highly contrasting images, this documentary shows how childhood is threatened by urbanization.

The Ecumenical Jury 2007: Irina Grassmann (Germany), Wolfgang Luley (Germany), Christian Murer (Switzerland), Eberhard Streier (Germany), Perter F. Stucki (Switzerland)

Prize of the Cinema Jury for the best 35mm film under 15 minutes in the International and German Competition, in connection with a buying option on the awarded work by the Short Film Agency Hamburg: "Jos Kaadun"

director: Hannaleena Hauru, Finland 2007

Jury Statement: At a first glance, the finnish production "Jos Kaadun" tells an everyday story – nevertheless the film provides different levels of access, amongst them a documentary approach. Many fondly observed details and the high technical quality make the film a screen-filling cinematic experience.

Prize of the Cinema Jury for the best 35mm film under 15 minutes in the Children's and Youth Competition, in connection with a buying option on the awarded work by the Short Film Agency Hamburg: "Tôt ou tard"

director: Jadwiga Kowalska, Switzerland 2007

Statement: The animation "Tôt ou tard" from Switzerland impresses with its simple, poetic story and with its appropriate technical realization. A film about day, night, and the power of friendship, entertaining both for children and adults.

Cinema Jury 2008: Juliette Duret (Belgium), Ingrid Lüdeke (Germany), Christian Wichmann (Germany)

Prize of the International Short Film Festival Oberhausen (EUR 500): "Armulaud"

director: Jaan Toomik, Estonia, 2007

Statement: The International Short Film Festival Oberhausen awards its prize to a disturbing film which reflects, in a few precise scenes, a man’s fear of commitment who can find comfort neither in his relationship nor in religious communities nor in nature.

International Short Film Festival Oberhausen - 2008 Awards - International Jury

Wed, 04 Jun 2008 04:59:00 PST

International Short Film Festival Oberhausen 2008:

Jury of the International Competition 2008: Alessio Cavallaro, curator, Australia; Shai Heredia, curator, India; Mihnea Mircan, curator, Romania; Keith Sanborn, media artist, theorist and curator, USA; Zelimir Zilnik, filmmaker, Serbia

International Jury Awards:

Grand Prize of the City of Oberhausen (EUR 7,500):

"Chainsaw"

director: Dennis Tupicoff, Australia 2007

Statment: For its masterful synthesis of social commentary, formal experimentation, and its exploration of bareback riding both within the rodeo arena and beyond.

Principal Prize (EUR 3,500): "Alexandra"

director: Radu Jude, Romania 2007

Statement: For revealing an honest image of the complex emotional terrain of family life through a rigorous and understated use of cinematic means.

Principal Prize (EUR 3,500): "Kak stat stervoi"

director: Alina Rudnitskaya, Russia 2008

Statement: For its poignant reflections on the reconstruction of femininity in post-communist Russia.

ARTE Prize for a european short film (EUR 2,500): "Kempinsky"

director: Neil Belouta, France 2007

Statement: For its disquieting evocation of a world emerging from the shadows of a kidnapped future.

Special Mention of the international Jury: "Running Sushi"

director: Mara Mattuschka and Chris Harring, Austria 2008

Special Mention of the international Jury: "Jai"

director: Anocha Suwichakornpong, Thailand 2007

Brussels Short Film Festival 2008 Awards

Wed, 21 May 2008 10:16:00 PST

International Award Winners

Grand prix (tie)

Prize: € 2000 to share between the two winners

"COMO TODO EL MUNDO"

Director: FRANCOLOLLI

France - 26’ - 2007

and "MOMPELAAR"

Director: MARC ROELS ET WIN REYGAERT

Belgique - 20’ - 2007

Best Actress:

France - 10’ - 2007

CECILE DUCROCQ in "UNE LECON PARTICULIERE"

Director: RAPHAEL CHEVENEMENT

France - 10’ - 2007

Prize: € 1000 offered by l’Echevinat de la Culture de la Ville de Bruxelles

Best Actor: RAPHAEL GOLDMANN in "UNE LECON PARTICULIERE"

Director: RAPHAEL CHEVENEMENT

Prize: € 1000 offered by l’Echevinat de la Culture de la Ville de Bruxelles

Prize of the Young Jury: "MILAN"

Director: MICHAELA KEZELE

Allemagne/Serbie - 22’ - 2007

Prize: € 1000 offered by l’Echevinat de la Culture de la Ville de Bruxelles

Special Mention: "REORDER"

Director: SEAN GARRITY

Canada - 14’ - 2007

The BeTV: "C’EST DIMANCHE"

Director: SAMIRGUESMI

France - 30’ - 2007

€ 1500 including the purchase of distribution rights on BeTV

The Public Prize: "LE SECRET DE SALOMON"

Director: DAVID CHARHON

France - 20’ - 2007

€ 1000 offered by the Commune d’Ixelles

Belgium National Award Winners:

National Grand Prize: "LE PONT"

Director: VINCENT BIERREWAERTS

Belgium - 14’ - 2007

Prize: € 2500 offered by the SACD

Le Prix de la Communaute Franncaise: "LE SONGE D’UNE FEMME DEMENAGE"

Director: BANU ANESKI

Belgium - 15’ - 2007

Prize: € 2500 offered to the director

The Photo Prize: NICOLAS PROVOST for "PLOT POINT"

Director: NICOLAS PROVOST

Belgium - 15’ - 2007

Prize: € 1750 in film offered to the director by Kodak

Best Actress: SERRA YILMAZ for "LE SONGE D’UNE FEMME DE MENAGE"

Director: BANU ANESKI

Belgium - 15’ - 2007

Prize: € 500 offered by the Commune d’Ixelles

Best Actor: GILLES DESCHRYVER for "OU QUOI"

Director: CECILIA VERHEYDEN

Belgium - 24’ - 2007

Prize: € 500 offered by the Commune d’Ixelles

Audience Prize: "VOIX DE GARAGE"

Director: SAMUEL TILMAN

Belgium - 15’ - 2007

Le Deux Prize: "PLOT POINT"

Director: NICOLAS PROVOST

Belgium - 15’ - 2007

Prize: € 1500 including the purchase of distribution rights for the broadcast on La Deux

Given by a representive of La Deux

The Critics Prize: "A DAY IN A LIFE"

Director: NICOLAS DAENENS

Belgium - 21’ - 2007

Prize: Subtitles offered by LTI - Studio L’Equipe (given by the press jury)

Special Mention: "MOMPELAAR"

Director: MARC ROELS & WIN REYGAERT

Belgium - 20’ – 2007

2008 Sehsüchte International Student Film Festival Award Winners

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 11:16:00 PST

Internationales Studenten Filmfestival sehsüchte

Spielfilmpreis

"A few simple words"

Kilka Prostych Sów

Anna Kazejak-Dawid

Internationales Studenten Filmfestival sehsüchte

Lobende Erwähnung der Spielfilmjury

"Wianbu – Comfort Woman"

James Bang

Internationales Studenten Filmfestival sehsüchte

Animationsfilmpreis

"Tir Nan Og - Amour Toujours"

Fursy Teyssier

Internationales Studenten Filmfestival sehsüchte

Dokumentarfilmpreis

"Sonbol"

Niko Apel

Internationales Studenten Filmfestival sehsüchte

Schnittpreis

"Roads"

Amit Ginton

Internationales Studenten Filmfestival sehsüchte

Preis gegen Ausgrenzung

"Wie ich bin"

Ingrid Demetz & Caroline Leitner

Internationales Studenten Filmfestival sehsüchte

Produzentenpreis

"Sieben Tage Sonntag"

T. Bartl, A. Dierbach, N. Laupert

Internationales Studenten Filmfestival sehsüchte

Bester Deutscher Nachwuchsfilmpreis

"Teenage Angst"

Thomas Stuber

Internationales Studenten Filmfestival sehsüchte

Fokus-Dialog-Preis

"Chill Pill"

Ehiz Ojesebholo

Internationales Studenten Filmfestival sehsüchte

MTV Musikvideopreis

"Geboren im Winter"

Andreas Mühe & Christopher Wendland

Internationales Studenten Filmfestival sehsüchte

Schauspielpreis

"Ou quoi"

Gilles De Schryver

Internationales Studenten Filmfestival sehsüchte

Kamerapreis

"Teenage Angst"

Peter Matjasko

Internationales Studenten Filmfestival sehsüchte

Kinderfilmpreis

"Die kleine Giftmischerin"

Alex Schmidt

Internationales Studenten Filmfestival sehsüchte

Pitch Preis

"Vergiss mein nicht, Machu Picchu"

Markus F. Adrian

Internationales Studenten Filmfestival sehsüchte

Drehbuchpreis

"Baby Daddy"

Marc Oliver Seng

37. Internationales Studenten Filmfestival sehsüchte

Publikumspreis

"Stiller Frühling"

Nico Sommer

The Florida Film Festival Annunces the 2008 Award Winners

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 10:59:00 PST

Following 10 days, 160 films, and thousands of moviegoers, the 17th Annual Florida Film Festival came to a close this weekend with a highly anticipated awards reception recognizing the best in American Independent Film and by honoring Oscar-nominated actress Jennifer

Tilly for her achievements in the art of filmmaking.

This year's award-winners reflect the talent, diversity, and the progression of independent filmmaking, said Shanon Larimer, Executive Director. We have been very fortunate to see filmmakers willing to take risks and audiences who have embraced the unexpected.

The jury and audience award-winners of the 2008 Florida Film Festival in the Feature Film, Documentary, and Short Film categories are as follows:

FEATURE FILMS

Grand Jury Award for Best Narrative Feature:

IN SEARCH OF A MIDNIGHT KISS,

directed by Alex Holdridge

Special Jury Award for Achievement in Directing:

BLACKBIRD,

directed by Adam Rapp

Audience Award for Best Narrative Feature:

WERE THE WORLD MINE,

directed by Tom Gustafson

DOCUMENTARIES

Grand Jury Award for Best Documentary Feature:

OPERATION FILMMAKER,

directed by Nina Davenport

Special Jury Award for Bold Truth:

LAND OF CONFUSION,

directed by Jeremy Zerechak

Audience Award for Best Documentary Feature:

PAGEANT,

directed by Ron Davis & Stewart Halpern

Grand Jury Award for Best Documentary Short

MY OLYMPIC SUMMER,

directed by Daniel Robin

SHORT FILMS

Grand Jury Award for Best Narrative Short

MAN,

directed by Myna Joseph

Grand Jury Award for Best Animated Short

TEAT BEAT OF SEX,

directed by Signe Baumane

Special Jury Award for Best Ensemble Acting

A DAY'S WORK,

directed by Rajeev Dassani

Audience Award for Best Short Film

HOLE IN THE PAPER SKY,

directed by Bill Purple

The Florida Film Festival's coveted Artistic Achievement Award was bestowed upon Oscar-nominated

actress Jennifer Tilly for her achievements in the art of filmmaking and was presented by Don Mancini,

director of "Seed of Chucky" and screenwriter for the Chucky series.

Tillys credits include "The Fabulous Baker Boys," "Bullets over Broadway," "Liar Liar," "Intervention," "High

Spirits," "The Doors," "Made in America," "The Getaway," "Let It Ride," "Relax," "It's Just Sex," "The Crew," "Dancing at the Blue Iguana," "The Cat's Meow," "The Magnificent Ambersons," "Hide and Seek," "The Haunted Mansion," "The Muse," "St Ralph," "Tideland and the infamous Bride of Chucky" and "Seed of Chucky."

The Artistic Achievement Award is the longest running honor in the 17-year history of the Festival, said

Larimer. Jennifer Tilly's diversification, growth, and talent as an artist made her a natural choice as this

years award recipient.

A selection of past recipients of this award include Rosanna Arquette, Karen Black, Brian Dennehy, Illeana

Douglas, Graham Greene, Dennis Hopper, Diane Ladd, Jason Lee, William H. Macy, Campbell Scott,

Christopher Walken, Scott Wilson, and Paul Winfield.

Tillys appearance was made possible by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences' Visiting Artists Program. The Academy's Visiting Artists Program was established in 1970 to provide a link between the academic study of film and filmmaking and the industry's leading professionals. Through grants made available to institutions, Academy members share their expertise in classrooms, festivals, conferences and other film-related events throughout the U.S. and internationally.

2008 Winners for the Cambridge International Super 8 Festival

Tue, 29 Apr 2008 12:31:00 PST

Jury Prize for best film: "Shikashika"

Directed by: Steve Hyde

Special Jury Prize: "The Two brothers" from "8 moments in Barcelona as seen by Johan Kramer"

Development Prize: "Dash Dot"

Directed by Ian Helliwell

The Best UK Film and Audience Prize: "The Flasher"

Directed by Magnus Irvin

In addition, two films received special mentions from the Jury, "Lunch"

Directed by Miklos Solyom

and "Burnt Out and Inarticulate"

Directed by Ian Weake.

Award Winners Announced for 2008 Dortmund│Cologne International Women's Film Festival

Tue, 29 Apr 2008 11:57:00 PST

For all of five days, the team led by Festival Director Silke Räbiger had presented over 90 films, talks, seminars and workshops at six different venues. Despite beautiful early summer weather, the enthusiastic audiences ensured sell-out performances. Altogether, more than 8,000 viewers came to Cologne especially for the festival.

Prize Winners 2008

No easy job for the jury. The eight entries in this year's Best International Debut Feature Film Competition for women film directors were all completely different in style and content, which ranged from war parable through road movie to literary film. And the winner was … "L’HOMME QUI MARCHE" by French director Aurélia Georges who was in Cologne personally to pick up €10,000 prize at the evening awards ceremony held in the Film Forum.

According to jury members Dr Barbara Buhl (Cologne), Prof. Dai Jinhua (Peking) and Nina Menkes (Los Angeles)

"L’HOMME QUI MARCHE is an unconventional film portrait of an unknown author seen from a contemporary viewpoint. Screenplay, main actor, camerawork and editing all come together in a bonafide and sparing way to create a convincing, authentic, true-to-detail piece of work about the life of an unsuccessful artist who gradually loses contact with society."

The jury also gave special praise to the Dutch social comedy "MAYBE SWEDEN" by Margien Rogaar, saying …

"Thanks to successful mix of outstanding direction, interplay between the actors, a taut dramatic structure and a sharp sense of humour, the outcome is a strong and politically relevant film."

The winner of the Audience Prize, which comes with €1,000 donated by Choices, the listings magazine, was "COWBOY ANGELS" by Kim Massée (F)

The Focus on China section of the program offered a good overview of the films currently being made by Chinese women film directors and the chance to talk to the film-makers in person. Unique opportunities which, in this form, will probably not be possible in Germany for some time to come. Either way, the variety of the works on view left an impression of an incredibly vital, creative and self-aware film scene.

Unlike previous years, all the programme sections were given equal footing — with Queer Looks, as ever, proving to be the audience magnet. With her comedy "TICK TOCK LULLABY," for example, Lisa Gornik (UK) simply enchanted the Film Forum audience on the Saturday evening.

The ideal of allowing more space and time for the need to talk about film and content also went down very well. For instance, the Panorama film & discussion event with Medica Mondiale revolving round Meira Asher's documentary film "WOMAN SEE A LOT OF THINGS" about former girl soldiers in Sierra Leone made a deep and moving impression on the audience.

Meanwhile, as if in no time at all, our brand-new Festival Blog – a collaborative venture by students at the Cologne University of Applied Sciences and the Technical University of Dortmund – became a lively online platform for all the latest news about the festival. It will continue after the festival has finished at: festivalblog.or.yourweb.de

2008 EMAF Awards Announced

Tue, 29 Apr 2008 11:22:00 PST

EMAF Award

Jury:

Anna Anders, UDK Berlin

Jan Schuijren, NMA Kurator, Amsterdam

Gabriel Soucheyre, Videoformes

Winners:

Reynold Reynolds, Title: "SECRET LIFE"

Installation

Nicholas Provost, Title: "PLOT POINT"

B 2007, BetaCam 13:39

Statement of the jury:

The jury jointly decided to split the EMAF-prize of 3000 Euro, awarding the installation "Secret Life" by American artist Reynold Reynolds, and the video "Plot Point" by Belgian artist Nicholas Provost.

Reynold Reynolds "Secret Life", two channel video installation, 2008

(Quote Reynolds) "One thing that I enjoy about dreams is the way that narrative collapses. Emotion and context replace the question of plot. The subconscious meaning of things becomes prevalent. Reynolds background in physics and philosophy, becomes apparent in both works presented in the EMAF exhibition. The jury decided to award "Secret Life". Set in an apartment, Reynolds frames reality in a laboratory, showing us to what extent our connection with Œreal life_ is a very subconscious or even unconscious one. In ŒSecret Life_, time becomes an entity of its own, contracting and expanding, becoming circular and repetitive time becoming the agent of life. The apartment becomes an activity of life and destruction, and the familiar becomes uncanny and frightening, leaving the spectator hovering between emotional fascination and physical repulsion.

Nicholas Provost / Plot Point / 13:39 min / 2007

The crowded streets of New York City turn into fictive, cinematographic scenery. Provost is playing with our collective memory, its cinematic codes and narrative languages _ questioning the boundaries between a staged, suggested reality and authentic fiction. Although for the most part filmed with a hidden camera, ŒPlot Point_ presents a highly dramatic construction with overly sophisticated images and a subtle but tangible urge in the soundtrack. The meticulousness with which Provost shoots and edits the images and sounds make "Plot Point" the perfect trailer for dramatized experience in our daily life, an ordinary walk on the street will never be the same again.

Dialogue Award:

Jury:

Anna Anders, UDK Berlin

Jan Schuijren, NMA Kurator, Amsterdam

Gabriel Soucheyre, Videoformes

Giesela Rueb, Goethe Institut Paris

Winner:

Julia Meltzer & David Thorne, Titel: WE WILL LIVE TO SEE THESE THINGS, OR, FIVE PICTURES OF WHAT MAY COME TO PASS /USA 2007 / Mini DVD / 47:04

Neil Beloufa, Titel: KEMPINSKI / F7Mali 2007 / DVD / 13:58

Statement of the jury

The ministry for external affairs (Auswärtiges Amt) offers a 2.000 EUR dialogue prize for a work which supports the intercultural dialogue between different cultures and regions of the world.

The jury selected two works. Each of them gets 1.000 €:

1) Neil Beloufa /"Kempinski" / 13:58 min/ 2007

We choose "Kempinski" by Neil Beloufa, who lives in Paris, for the Dialogue Prize because this work questions our expectations and projections of Africa in a very clever way and on a extremely high visual level. The story is set in a small village in Africa. It is night time with little artificial light. The villagers are talking directly into the camera, telling present-time stories of a futuristic, magical world which seems to connect to African culture. It takes some time to realize that it might not be a documentary that we're confronted with, and slowly but surely you begin to wonder about the surrealistic elements they speak so naturally about being married to a cow, telepathy and teleportation, spaceships. Irritation and fascination alternate continuously, culminating in the neon sign of Hotel Kempinski.

2) Julia Meltzer & David Thorne / "We Will Live to See These Things, or, Five Pictures of What May Come to Pass"/ 47:04 min / 2007

"We Will Live to See These Things, or, Five Pictures of What May Come to Pass" is a political and yet poetic documentary in five parts, each stylistically autonomous and concise. The video delivers a kaleidoscopic and subtle portrait of Syria, opening up possible futures. In a very elaborate but simple visual language the work offers a different perspective on a place where people live between the competing forces of a repressive regime, a growing conservative Islamic movement, and intense pressure of the United States. The two American artists provide information without making fixed statements. The essayistic approach evokes an active and engaged reading of the work, turning a highly complex situation into a very accessable one, allowing the viewer to draw his own conclusions.

Prize for Best German Experimental Film:

This year's "Preis der deutschen Filmkritik" in the category "Experimentalfilm", conferred during the European Media Art Festival Osnabrück by the "Verband der deutschen Filmkritiker" goes to Sylvia Schedelbauer for her film "Falsche Freunde" (false friends).

Jury

Leni Höllerer, Marc Heirapetian, Hans-Jürgen Tast

Statement of the jury

With the simple means of old black-and-white archive material and rather familiar, albeit slightly alienated horror soundtrack, the director manages to draw the viewer into the nightmarish atmosphere of the images by the unsettling rhythm of the cuts. "Falsche Freunde" takes place in the undefined space between video art and feature film narration. The oppressive tension never abates, even though the mysteriousness, which is reminiscent of David Lynch, of the dark - in both senses of the word - scenes do not look set to be deciphered.

Arizona State University Art Museum Short Film and Video Festival Awards

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 05:31:00 PST

*LeBLANC AUDIENCE CHOICE AWARD*

The night of the festival the audience is asked to vote for their favorite film or video with a ballot they receive on their program. Votes are counted that night and the next day we announce that years "LeBlanc Audience Choice Award." The "LeBlanc Audience Choice Award" is dedicated to former ASU Art Museum Security Officer Steve LeBlanc, whose life was taken from us tragically prior to the 1998 festival. He was a great friend to everyone and a major reason the festival was a big success in its first year. Everyone loved Steve and that is why we found it appropriate to dedicate this award to his memory.

Maurice Chauvet for "Three-Fifty"

2008 Nashville Film Festival Award Winners

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 04:24:00 PST

Nashville Film Festival / Regal Cinemas Dreammaker Award: Enrique Begne, "Two Embraces."

Honorable Mention: David Pomes, "Cook County."

Best Documentary Feature (Sponsored By Ground Zero): Peter Entell, "Shake The Devil Off."

Honorable Mention: Lisa Merton & Alan Dater, "Taking Root: The Vision of Wangari Maathai.

Audience Award For Best Narrative Feature (Sponsored By Curb Records): David Pomes, "Cook County."

Audience Award For Best Documentary Feature (Sponsored By The Documentary Channel): Barry Simmons, "Sons Of Lwala."

2008 Nashville Film Festival Lifetime Achievement Award: Patricia Neal.

President's Award: Kimberly Williams-Paisley.

Governor's Award: William H. Macy.

Reel Current Award (Presented By Al Gore): Michael O'Connell, "Mountain Top Removal."

NPT Human Spirit Award (Sponsored By Nashville Public Television): Barry Simmons, "Sons of Lwala."

Best LGBT Film Award (Sponsored By Logo TV): Tie, Tom Gustafson, "Were The World Mine" And Sophie Gregg, "The Manual."

Women In Film & Television Award For Best Film Directed By A Woman (Sponsored By Women In Film & Television Nashville Chapter): Lisa Merton, "Taking Root: The Vision Of Wangari Maathai.

Rosetta Miller Perry Award for the Best Film By A Black Filmmaker (Sponsored By The Tennessee Tribune): Elvis Mitchell, "The Black List"

Lonely Seal Releasing Feature Film Award: Paul Leuer, "Eden Court."

Best Cinematography in a Feature Film (Sponsored By AC, Inc.): David Morrison, "Tracing Cowboys."

Tennessee Independent Spirit Award for the Best Feature-Length Film Directed By a Tennessee Resident (Sponsored By The Tennessee Film, Music And Entertainment Commission): Barry Simmons, "Sons Of Lwala."

Tennessee Independent Spirit Award for the Best Short-Form Directed By a Tennessee Resident (Sponsored By The Tennessee Film, Music And Entertainment Commission): Drew Langer, "Blindsided."

Honorable Mention: Rachel Lawson, John Edgerton, Terrie Lawrence, “A Child Shall Lead Them.”

Best Music In A Narrative Feature Film (Sponsored By Naxos of America): Jessica Fogle, Cory James Krueckeberg and Tim Sandusky, “Were the World Mine.”

Impact of Music Award: Stephen Walker, "Young@Heart"

Honorable Mention: Denny Tedesco, "The Wrecking Crew."

Honorable Mention: Robbie Cavolina and Ian McCrudden, "Anita O'Day: The Life A Jazz Singer."

Best Documentary Short (Sponsored By Ground Zero): Daniel Robin, "my olympic summer."

Honorable Mention: Tim O'Hara, "Swim For Life."

Best Narrative Short: Spencer Susser, "I Love Sarah Jane."

Honorable Mention: Brett Wagner, "Chief."

Honorable Mention: Nash Edgerton, "Spider."

Golden Opportunity Award For Best College Student Short (Sponsored By Vanderbilt University): Wyatt Garfield & Ed Yonaitis "The Execution Of Solomon Harris."

Honorable Mention: Daniel Robin, "my olympic summer."

Honorable Mention: Sam Goetz, "Bruno."

Best Animated Short: Chris Lavis and Maciek Szczerbowksi, "Madame Tutli-Putli."

Honorable Mention: Josh Raskin, "I Met the Walrus."

Best Experimental Short: Olivo Barbieri, "Sevilla --> ∞ 06."

Young Filmmaker Scholarship Award (Sponsored By Watkins College of Art & Design/Film School): Joseph Procopio, "Western Spaghetti."

Honorable Mention: Roman Dent, "South Africa: From the City, To the Slum, To the Savannah."

Honorable Mention: Ben Clark, Victoria Whitaker, Chris McKie, Andrew Arwood and Andy Fannon, "A Love Story...Kind Of...Well...Not Really."

Award Winning Films @ Glimmer: The 6th Hull International Short Film Festival

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 04:01:00 PST

With a large selection of competition films and numerous prizes, the jury – which included Chris Fell, Director of the Leeds International Film Festival, Nic Wistreich of Netribution.co.uk and Sal Brown, writer and producer – hard a difficult task of deciding upon the eventual winners. But after much deliberation, their final choices were as follows.

Glimmer International Award

£1000 prize supplied to winning film from World Trade Centre Hull and Humber

"Hairlady"

Director: David Birdsell

This experimental 8 minute film from the US showed ‘great invention’ and ‘enormous wit’ according to our jury members

Glimmer UK Award

£500 Prize supported by Hull Trains

"Dog’s Mercury"

Director: Martin Radich

A weird and wonderful glimpse into life providing an ‘aching humanity’ and ‘dark humour’ that the jury members adored

Glimmer Yorkshire Award

£500 Prize supported by Yorkshire Forward

"You, Me and Captain Longbridge"

Director: Kenny Doughty

This film, receiving it’s world premiere at Glimmer, was ‘beautifully shot’ and told an ‘emotional story’ that resonated with our jury.

A special mention also went to:

"Christmas In Huddersfield"

Director: Peter Spence

A simple documentary telling an extraordinary story.

Glimmer Hull Award

Prize of Nokia 6550 sponsored by The Mobile Point

"What You Do by Cool Fun"

Director: Jay Moy

This music video was ‘fun to watch’ and filmed in a ‘visually exciting way’

Award Winners Announced for the 2008 Filmfest Dresden

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 03:51:00 PST

International Competition

Golden Horseman Animated Film:

"Madame Tutli-Putli"

Directed by Chris Lavis and Maciek Szczerbowski (Canada, 2007)

€ 7 500

Golden Horseman Short Fiction Film:

"Valuri (Waves)"

Directed by Adrian Saturi ( Romania, 2007)

€ 7 500

and "Examen"

Directed by Paul Negoescu (Romania, 2007)

Golden Horseman - Youth Jury

"Moen-Koey" (Always)

Directed by Sivaroj Kongsakul ( Thailand, 2006)

€ 2 000

Stiftung für Kunst & Kultur der Stadtsparkasse Dresden

Golden Horseman Audience Award: "Run"

Directed by Mark Albiston (New-Zealand 2007)

€ 2 000

Sächsische Zeitung

ARTE Short Fiction Film Prize: "La Parabólica" (The Parabolic Dish)

Directed by Xavi Sala ( Spain, 2007)

€ 6 000

National Competition

Golden Horseman Best Animated Film: "Weiss" by Florian Grolig (2007)

€ 3 000

German Institute for Animated Film

Golden Horseman Best Short Fiction Film: "Robin"

Directed by Hanno Olderdissen (2007)

€ 3 000

Saxony Film Association

Mitteldeutscher Film- und Fernsehproduzentenverband

Golden Horseman Audience Award

"Bende-Sira Ich bin dran" ( It's my turn )

Directed by Ismet Ergün ( 2007)

€ 2 000

MDR Public Broadcaster

Minister of Fine Arts Promotion Prize

"Liebeskrank" (Lovesick)

Directed by Spela Cadez (2007)

€ 20 000

Saxon Ministry of Science and the Fine Arts

Best Sound(scape) Award

Golden Horseman

Best Sound(scape) Award of the European Centre for the Arts Hellerau

National and International Competition

"Madame Tutli-Putli"

Directed by Chris Lavis and Maciek Szczerbowski (Germany, 2007)

€ 3 000

European Centre for the Arts Hellerau

Exchange Forum

"Perspectives for Animated Film"

Promotion Prize

min. € 4 000

DEFA Foundation

Awards for the 2008 Deauville Asian Film Festival

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 03:27:00 PST

BEST FILM: "WITH A GIRL OF BLACK SOIL"

by JEON Soo-il (South Korea)

JURY PRIZE: "FLOWER IN THE POCKET"

by LIEW Seng Tat (Malaysia)

"WONDERFUL TOWN"

by Aditya ASSARAT (Thailand)

LOTUS AIR FRANCE | CRITICS' PRIZE: "WITH A GIRL OF BLACK SOIL"

by JEON Soo-il (South Korea)

LOTUS ACTION ASIA | BEST ACTION ASIA FILM: "HEROS DE GUERRE"

by FENG Xiaogang (China)

View the Full list of Awards for the 2008 Worldfest:

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 02:57:00 PST

www.worldfest.org/downloads/winnerslist2008.pdf

Winners of 2008 ReelWorld Film Festival Awards were announced

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 02:20:00 PST

at the Brunch with Brilliance award ceremony sponsored by Cineplex Media at the Manyata Courtyard Café, Hazelton Lanes. ReelWorld is committed to nurturing and celebrating talented artists and investing in their future. The Festival recognizes individuals within the industry who have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to their craft with awards that acknowledge their achievements.

“Our awards are an integral part of ReelWorld. It’s an opportunity to give back something really tangible to the filmmakers…not only a trophy honoring them, but in many cases resources to sustain their dreams,” says Tonya Lee Williams, ReelWorld founder and president. “These prizes would not be possible without the support of our sponsors Cineplex Media, TD Bank Financial Group, Pierre Laurent Timepieces, Audio Vision, Kodak Canada Entertainment Imaging, Movieola, Star! TV, Stoltz family, National Film Board (NFB) a big thanks to all of them”

The Tonya Lee Williams Award for Outstanding Canadian Feature was awarded to “The Limits”, Directed by Ben Mazzotta, Produced by Maria Kennedy and Drazen Baric presented by Chantelle Nicholls, District vice-president, on behalf of proud Closing Night sponsor TD Bank Financial Group. Honorable Mention “Freaky Useless Spicy Story” (Faltu Utpatang Chutpati Kahani) Directed and Produced by Kalpesh Patel.

ReelWorld Award for Outstanding Canadian Short Film went to “Souvenirs from Asia" Directed by Joyce Wong, Produced by S. Brent Martin;

Honorable Mention goes to “Darkness Calls in Gitxsan” Directed by Anthony Wong, Produced by Sean Muir, Presented by Sasha Stoltz, Publicist.

ReelWorld Award for Outstanding Canadian Documentary went to “Midnight Ballads” Directed by Diego Briceno-Orduz, Produced by Yanick L’etourneau, presented by Anita Lee, National Film Board Producer.

Star! ReelChoice Audience Award went to “Ocean of Pearls” Directed by Sarab S. Neelam, Produced by Jim Burnstein, Jeff Dowd, Sarab S. Neelam, and Jaspal K. Neelam; Runner Up: “This is the Life” Directed by Ava DuVernay, Produced by Ellene V. Miles presented by Star! TV’s Husein Madhavji.

ReelWorld Award for Outstanding Canadian Music Video was awarded to “Compton to Scarboro” by The Carps, Directed by Marc Ricciardelli. Honorable Mention: “Haven't Seen U Smile” by Imann Faith, Directed by Gobi; Presented by Diego Fuentes, ReelWorld Music Video Programmer.

ReelWorld Award for Outstanding International Feature Film went to “Namibia” Directed by Charles Burnett, Produced by Abius Akwaak, Steve Gukas, and Uazuva Kaumbi. “Namibia” is a visually compelling film that examines the Namibian people’s long struggle for independence with brutal honesty. Award presented by Rob Trimbee, Audio Vision Canada.

ReelWorld Award for Outstanding International Short went to “Pariah” Directed by Dee Rees, Produced by Nekisa Cooper. “Pariah” is a poignant drama that explores the duality between who you are and who you are thought to be. Presented by Rob Trimbee, Audio Vision Canada

ReelWorld Award for Outstanding International Documentary was won by “Welcome To Nollywood”, Directed by Jamie Meltzer, Produced by Cayce Lindner and Henry S. Rosenthal. Honorable Mention “Nosaltres” Directed by Moussa Toure, Produced by Les Films du Crocodile. “Welcome To Nollywood” takes place in the Nigerian Film Industry. Presented by Hayet BenKara, ReelWorld Programming and Industry Series Director.

Well respected Broadcaster, journalist, television program director and administrator, and a radio television and feature film producer Fil Fraser received this year’s Tony Stoltz ReelWorld Visionary Award. Presented by Lynne Stoltz, Author and screenwriter, Producer for Have Faith Productions. The Tony Stoltz award recognizes organizations and individuals who pioneer to create opportunities for others, to open doors and to make change happen.

Accomplished artist Charles Burnett received the ReelWorld Award of Excellence. Director Charles Burnett has risen to the top of the film industry and has established himself as a strong voice in the American Cinema. Presented by Salah Bachir, President, Cineplex Media.

Also recognized at the ceremony were the 2008 ReelWorld Trailblazers. Presented by Actress, Producer and Founder of the ReelWorld Film Festival Tonya Lee Williams

Andre Beraud, TF1, Artistic Director of Fiction, KC Collins, Actor, Jani Lauzon, Freelance Artist, CO-Managing Artistic Director for Turtle Gals Performance Ensemble; CO-chair of ACTRA Toronto and ACTRA National Diversity Committees; Actor

Lisa Mahal, National Communications Manager, Directors Guild of Canada

Austin Wong, Vice President of Business and Legal Affairs, Rhombus Media

FIRSTGLANCE HOLLYWOOD 2008 AWARDS

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 02:11:00 PST

The FirstGlance Screening committee has chosen the following awards presented to the Official Selections at the 8th annual Hollywood Event.

Feature Narrative:

Audience Award: "Dakota Skye"

Best Director: Ron Berrett for "An American in China"

Best Actor: James McDonald in "Fissure"

Best Ensemble Cast: "Dakota Skye"

Feature Documentary

Audience Award: "Two Million Minutes"

Best Educational Film: "Two Million Minutes"

Best Environmental Film: "Who's Got the Power?"

Short Narrative

Audience Award: "Looking Up Dresses"

Best Ensemble Cast: "A Day's Work"

Best LA Insider Film: "Partially True Tales of High Adventure!"

Best Male Performance: Ron Rifkin in "Pivot"

Best Performance by a Child: Tolan Aman in "Pumpkin Hell"

Best Female Performance: Hanieh Jodat in "Rabia"

Best Comedy: "Looking Up Dresses"

Best Dark Comedy: "Feeding"

Best Cinematography: "Persona"

Best Thriller: "The Colony"

Best Director: Ramaa Mosley for "The Brass Teapot"

Best Satire: "Orion Slave Girls Must Die!!!"

Best Action Film: "R.I.P. Tide"

Best Visual Effects: "Hank’s Auto Repair"

Shorts Too

Audience Award: "The Light"

Best Director: "No Middle Ground"

Best Thriller: "Abingdon"

Best Historical Film: "The Light"

Best Concept: "Lucky 10"

Best Supernatural Film: "Messages"

Best Horror Film: "The Butcher"

Best Comedy: "Mr. Gnobody"

Mini-Docs

Audience Award: "The Beanie Baby Soldier"

Best Historical Short Film: "Pilgrimage"

Best Current Events Short Film: "The Beanie Baby Soldier"

Best Social Awareness Short Film: "Get On The Bus For Mother's Day"

Animation

Audience Award: "Simulacra"

Best Short Animation: "Simulacra"

Best Short Animation Philly: "Sam and Piccolo"

Music Videos

Audience Award: "GLARING AT THE SUN"

Best Group Performance: "GLARING AT THE SUN"

Best Solo Performance: "Lies"

Best Philly Music Video: "Gone"

Student Shorts

Audience Award: "The Legend of Rosalie"

Best Documentary: "The Legend of Rosalie"

Best Narrative: "All She Wants to Do"

AND FINALLY THE GRAND PRIZE...

The Best of Fest Award: "DAKOTA SKYE"

2008 Award Winners for the Palm Beach International Film Festival

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 01:46:00 PST

After a week of screenings, the jury votes were tallied to determine the winners for Best Feature Film, Best Documentary, Best Short Film, Best Director and Performances, while audiences voted for their favorite in categories of features, documentaries and shorts. Jury winners and Audience Choice Awards were announced at the Closing Night Awards Ceremony.

The jury for the 13th PBIFF consisted of: Director Dan Wolman (winner of PBIFF’s 2007 Best Feature, Tied Hands) and Joan Robbins, Sr. VP, Talent Relations, Entertainment Studios, who judged Feature Films; Emmanuel Itier, film producer, and Debbie Frank, COO of the Frank Theatres, who voted on Documentaries; Conrad Bachmann, former governor of the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts & Sciences judged the Short Films. The jury was particularly appreciative of the effort each filmmaker put into their projects and felt they should be commended for the creative energy that went into each film! The winning films were:

The Award for Best Feature Film went to the heartwarming and inspirational Italian film "Rosso Come Il Cielo" (Red like the Sky) directed by Cristiano Bortone. “Red Like The Sky” recounts the incredible true story of early life of blind sound editor Micro Mencacci, the victim of a childhood accident which robbed him of his sight. The film shows how the imaginative and creative boy not only changes the lives of everyone around him, but contributes to change the country’s misguided treatment of children with disabilities.

The Award for Best Director of a Feature Film subsequently went to Cristiano Bortone for his film "Rosso Come Il Cielo" (Red like the Sky). Said jurors Wolman and Robbins, “It was very difficult for us to decide who will be Best Director among the almost equally deserving men and women in this category, but we chose Cristiano Bartone for his emotional and cinematically powerful direction.

The Features Jury awarded a Special Jury Prize to Lachen Zinoun, the world-famous dancer-choreographer for his directorial debut, “Our Al Ward (The Lost Beauty).” “Zinoun, who succeeds in giving his film a fairy tale, almost classical feel, shows great imagination and talent,” commented Wolman and Robbins.

After viewing nine worthy competitors, the jury decided not to give the prize for “Best Performance” to an individual, but rather to the entire ensemble cast of the engrossing Irish film, “Kings,” for their touching portrayal of Irish emigrants in England – a performance rich in humanity and emotion. The cast was led by Colm Meaney, Donal O’Kelly, Brendan Conroy, Donncha Crowley, Barry Barnes, Seán O’Tarpaigh and Peadar O’Treasaigh.

The Award for Best Documentary Feature went to "D'une Seule Voix" (With One Voice), directed by de Lauzanne Xavier. Long-time music vagabond Jean-Yves Labat de Rossi invited musicians from Israel and Palestine to join together on an extraordinary tour that would unite them in France for three weeks. On stage it was a triumph, but tempers flared backstage. But this inescapable proximity forced them to communicate. The stresses from the exhausting tour and political rivalries slowly developed into close ties, sustained and driven by the music.

Documentary juror Emmanuel Itier commented, “This year, again, was such a rich and diverse year with inspirational movies that truly touched the heart and made a political statement."

A Special Jury Prize was awarded to Suzanne Chisholm and Michael Parfit’s “Saving Luna,” about a lost baby orca whale. Seeking friendship from humans, he is both beloved and feared. Tragedy makes him a symbol of wild beauty…wonderful to know, hard to save. Commented juror Debbie Frank, “It was a phenomenal and touching story that showed just how similar humans are to wild beings…it broke down the fundamental barrier of mutual fear and ignorance that normally exists.”

The Award for Best Short Film went to Shalini Kantayya’s “A Drop of Life.” Shorts juror Conrad Bachmann commented, “Never before has the saying ‘A drop in the bucket’ become more monumental than the impact of this film. Crafted with precision, it has all the impact of our future. Shalini Kantayya takes us on a journey of society’s class system and the world of profit. In 17 minutes this film will change your life.”

The Voices of Local Films winners were:

Best Picture: "Valentino’s Day," directed by Joel Barham and Nick De Palo

Best Original Screenplay: "Sweet Jesus," directed by Swati Kapila

Best Director: Joel Rodriguez for "Undocumented"

At the center of the Film Festival were the filmmakers. Randi Emerman, PBIFF Director, commented, “This year, for me, it was refreshing and inspiring to have had the honor to discover so many wonderful filmmakers from the corners of the earth. The films unveiled a wide swath of experiences…they entertained and dazzled us, they made us laugh and cry, but more importantly, they made us think!”

Award Winners Announced for the 2008 Atlanta Film Festival

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 12:32:00 PST

Narrative Feature: "Make Out With Violence"

Directed by: The Deagol Brothers

Documentary Feature: "At the Death House Door"

Directed by: Peter Gilbert and Steven James

Pink Peach Award Presented by Turner: "XXY"

Directed by: Lucia Puenzo

Narrative Short (Academy ® Award Qualifying): "Aquarium"

Directed by: Rob Meyer

Animated Short (Academy ® Award Qualifying): "But Some Are Brave"

Directed by: Grace Channer

Documentary Short: "Africa's Daughters"

Directed by: Natalie Halpern

Rapid i Movement Grand Prize: "Done in One"

Directed by: Jay D Zimmerman and Pat Clark

Special Jury Prize For Excellence in Direction: "My Effortless Brillance"

Directed by: Lynn Shelton

Special Jury Prize For First Documentary: "Land of Confusion"

Directed by: Jeremy Zerechak

Special Jury Prize For Pure Documentary Entertainment: "Spine Tingler! The William Castle Story"

Directed by: Jeffrey Schwarz

Special Jury Prize Pink Peach Award: "The Elevator"

Directed by: Ben Hakim

Audience Award Winner Feature: "Young @ Heart"

Directed by: Stephen Walker

Audience Award Winner Short: "Mexican in the Closet"

Directed by: Chuck Moore

Feature Jury:

Erik Jambor (Indie Memphis)

Craig Zobel (GREAT WORLD OF SOUND)

Documentary Jury:

Ray Barry (AFI Silver)

Karin Hayes (MISSING PIECE)

Bill VanDerKloot (VanDerKloot Productions)

Shorts Jury:

Paul Rachman (Slamdance, AMERICAN HARDCORE)

Peter Knegt (IndieWIRE)

Linda Dubler (High Museum of Art)

Pink Peach Jury:

Dave Hayward (Touching Up Our Roots)

Melissa Carter (Q-100)

Randal Luckow (TurnOut)

Rapid i Movement Jury:

Janet Smith (Red Bull)

Lon Slack (Multimedia Services)

Walker Anderson (Comcast)

Christopher Holland (B-Side)

Festival Competition and Audience Awards for the Sarasota Film Festival

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 12:18:00 PST

The Sarasota Film Festival Competition and Audience Awards were announced at a reception hosted by the Longboat Key Club and Resort.

The awards were introduced by Festival Director of Programming, Tom Hall and Festival Programmer, Holly Herrick and were presented by each of the competition category jurors. The Audience Awards were presented by Hall and Herrick.

The 2008 Sarasota Film Festival presented three competitions, Best Narrative Feature, Best Documentary Feature, and Independent Visions, each showcasing some of the finest films at the festival. Each of the competition awards carries a $5,000 cash prize for the filmmaker. In addition, the Bombay Sapphire Audience Awards will also be presented in the categories of Narrative Feature, Documentary Feature, World Cinema Feature, and Short Film, and each category carries a $1000 cash prize.

The Jurors for the 10th Sarasota Film Festival’s Narrative Feature Competition include John Kochman, President - UNIFRANCE USA; Writer/Producer Ligiah Villalobos (La Misma Luna); Alison Wilmore (IFC.com). The Jurors for the 2008 SFF Best Documentary Feature Competition include Head of Red Envelope Entertainment, Liesl Copland; Matt Dentler, Festival Producer, SXSW Film Festival and Filmmaker AJ Schnack, (Kurt Cobain: About A Son). The 2008 SFF Independent Visions Competition Jury includes Marc Mauceri, VP, First Run Features; David Nugent, Director of Programming, Hamptons International Film Festival and Nick Dawson, Filmmaker Magazine.

The 2008 Best Narrative Feature Competition Award: “Munyurangabo”

by Lee Isaac Chung.

The 2008 Best Documentary Feature Competition Award sponsored by Sky Sotheby’s: “Stranded: I Have Come From A Plane That Crashed On The Mountains”

by Gonzalo Arijon.

A Special Documentary Jury Prize : “To See If I’m Smiling”

by Tamar Yarom.

The 2008 Independent Visions Competition Award, sponsored by Heineken: “The Pleasure of Being Robbed” by Joshua Safdie.

An Independent Visions Special Jury Prize for Cinematography: “Medicine For Melancholy”

by Barry Jenkins, Cinematography by James Laxton.

Sponsored by Bombay Sapphire, special recognition goes to winners of our Audience Favorite Awards for Best Narrative Feature, Best Documentary, Excellence in World Cinema, and Best Short Film. Each category carries a $1,000 cash prize presented to the filmmaker.

Bombay Sapphire Audience Award for Best Narrative Feature: “Fugitive Pieces”

by Jeremy Podeswa.

Bombay Sapphire Audience Award for Best Documentary Feature: “Of All The Things”

by Jody Lambert.

Bombay Sapphire Audience Award for Best in World Cinema: “Christmas Story” (Finland)

by Juha Wuolijoki.

Bombay Sapphire Audience Award for Best Short Film: “La Corona”

by Amanda Micheli and Isabel Vega.

Later that evening, at the gala 10th Anniversary Ball held at the Longboat Key Club & Resort, Board President Ian Black, Festival Executive Director, Jody Kielbasa, Master of Ceremonies, radio personality Cliff Rowles, and special honored guest Florida Governor Charlie Crist paid tribute to its Award Winners and Special Honorees. This year we were thrilled to have a stellar group of honorees including 2008 Regal Entertainment Group’s Career Achievement Award recipient, Charlize Theron; 2008 Renaissance Award in honor of his work as a Writer/Director/Actor, Stanley Tucci (presented by his friend, and 2007 SFF World Cinema Honoree, Steve Buscemi. The Producer award was presented (by Florida Film Commissioner Lucia Fishburne) to Ted Hope and Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck (introduced by SFF Honorary Co-Chair and CEO of United Artists Paula Wagner) received the Festival’s Breakthrough Award.

The evening also found the awarding of the Heineken Red Star Award. Heineken is partnering with the SFF, and select other festivals, in presenting the Heineken Red Star Award to independent filmmakers who embody the ideals of innovation, originality and vision in the process of outstanding film achievement.

The award, selected by SFF’s Independent Visions Jury: “The Pleasure of Being Robbed”

by Joshua Safdie.

Earlier in the Festival, at the Luncheon Under the Banyans event, Michael Barker, (Co-President of Sony Pictures Classics) presented the international acclaimed actress/director, Liv Ullmann, with the “Master of World Cinema Award.”

Also, at the Awards presentation at the Longboat Key Club and Resort, The Youth Awards were presented by Outreach & Education Director Hans Wohlgefahrt.

This year’s Kids Jury consists of 18 aspiring film critics from New Gate School. Instructed on how to critique film by local reviewers, they preview the shorts films and provide theater introductions during the Festival. This year, the Kids Jury selected:

Kids Jury: KidsFest Best Short Film Award: “Lucky Oli” Directed by Saschka Unseld and Johannes Weiland, Germany

Young Filmmakers' Showcase: Neil D. McCurry Scholarship for Best Direction: “Virulent”

Directed by Kasey Hettig-Rolfe, USA

Young Filmmakers' Showcase: Gerd Petrik Scholarship for Best Screenplay: “Mouse Trap”

Directed by Vincent Dale, USA

Young Filmmakers' Showcase: Honorable Mention: “Pits In Paradise”

Directed by Harrison Sanborn and Nick Roberts, USA

Dr. John Welch Scholarship: “The Wall”

Directed by Michael Lloyd Green, USA

The 10th Annual Sarasota Film Festival, ended on Sunday, April 13th after 10 days of films, parties, seminars, education and excitement. This year’s program, coordinated by festival director of programming Tom Hall, was a celebration of diversity and internationality. From the Opening Night kick off on April 4th with the presentation of “The Deal” with stars William H. Macy, Jason Ritter, Fiona Glascott and Director Steven Schacter in town, through to the Gala Tribute celebration for our Filmmaker Honorees & Special Guests, Charlize Theron, Stanley Tucci, Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck, Ted Hope, Governor Charlie Crist, Paula Wagner, Steve Buscemi, our Competition and Audience winners, and our Closing Night Film, Stuart Townsend’s “Battle in Seattle,” in with his cast, Ms. Theron, Michelle Rodriguez and Martin Henderson the festival was a beehive of activity. SFF presented over 225 narrative, documentary and short films in programs including World Cinema, youthFEST!, Industry Spotlight, Narrative Features, Documentaries, Shorts and Independent Visions.

The festival presented two special sidebars during the event. Face To Face: The Films of Liv Ullmann and Ingmar Bergman. In honor of Liv Ullmann, our 2008 Master of World Cinema Award winner, we presented the complete retrospective of the twelve film collaboration between Ms. Ullmann and the director Ingmar Bergman, one of the most fruitful relationships in the history of cinema. She also joined us for our Conversation Series at the Historic Asolo Theater moderated by Sony Pictures Classics Co-President Michael Barker. In partnership with the Sarasota Manatee Jewish Federation, The Sarasota Film Festival was proud to present Israel@60: The Nation, The Diaspora and Beyond a selection of contemporary films that explore Jewish history, culture and identity as well as the complex diversity of art and life in Israel.

Among the other guests appearing at the festival were Nora Dunn, Rosemary Harris, Jennifer Ehle, Jeremy Renner, Michael Badalucco, Norman Lloyd, Mark Burton, Ian Ziering, Juha Wuolijoki, Bela Fleck, Elvis Mitchell, David Darcy, Joe Sirola, Ry Russo-Young, Michael Tully, Alex Karpovsky, Azazel Jacobs, Todd Rohal, Ben Kasulke and a terrific array of filmmakers, actors, journalists and industry folk. And, most exciting, all the area students who passed through the festival and experienced the art of filmmaking via production programs, backstage theatre visits, and screenings as well as many of our filmmakers visiting and talking out in their classrooms.

WInners of the 8th Jameson Belfast Film Festival

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 04:00:00 PST

The winners of the Jameson Short Film Award and Maysles Brothers Documentary Award were announced at the closing night premiere of the 8th Jameson Belfast Film Festival.

Winner of the Jameson Award for the Best Short Film

"THE SOUND OF PEOPLE"

Director: Simon Fitzmaurice

The jury felt that this is a stylish, wonderfully cinematic film of great imagination. A marvelous central performance, an extraordinary voice over and some remarkable and compelling cinematography combine to provide a feast for the eyes and ears.

Winner of the Skillset Award to the best NI film

"JAMES"

Director: Connor Clements

The jury felt that the director had handled the extremely sensitive and emotive subject with care, skill and style. There was an impressive performance from the young actor whose character was seeking guidance about his concerns over his sexuality and whilst there was the danger that the story could be reduced to stereotypical characterisation, the writer / director avoided this trap and delivered a truly moving film.

Highly commended

The Jury highly commend the films "NEW BOY" directed by Steph Green and "BUA," directed by Sonya Gildea. New Boy for the mature performance of the young actors, witty dialogue and impressive story telling, including some brilliantly conceived, designed and filmed African settings. Bua for such courageous directing, editing and shot selection and in dealing with the subject matter so energetically and particularly with the added difficulty of having a horse as a central character in the piece

Winner of the Maysles Brothers Documentary Award

"END OF THE RAINBOW"

Director: Robert Nugent

The jury commented:

“We were struck by the way in which End of the Rainbow told an important and powerful story with breathtaking clarity, economy and beauty. We were also impressed by the way in which the director avoided what could have been an easy and obvious stereotyping of his characters and, in doing so, left the audience to reflect on the universal themes explored in the documentary.”

Winner of the Best Documentary Short

"THE FIRST DAY"

Director: Marcin Sauter.

Award WInners for the 2008 GOEAST Film Festival

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 01:08:00 PST

COMPETITION FOR FEATURE AND DOCUMENTARY FILMS

THE SKODA AWARD FOR BEST FILM – THE “GOLDEN LILY”

MAGNUS / MAGNUS

Estonia / Great Britain 2007

Director: Kadri Kousaar

DOCUMENTARY AWARD "REMEMBRANCE AND FUTURE" OF THE FOUNDATION

"REMEMBRANCE, RESPONSIBILITY AND FUTURE"

THE FLOWER BRIDGE / PODUL DI FLORI

Romania 2008

Director: Thomas Ciulei

AWARD OF THE CITY OF WIESBADEN FOR BEST DIRECTOR

LOVE AND OTHER CRIMES / LJUBAV I DRUGI ZLOCINI

Serbia / Germany / Austria / Slovenia 2008

Director: Stefan Arsenijevic

AWARD OF THE FEDERAL FOREIGN OFFICE

AT THE RIVER / BILJA RICKI (U REKI)

Ukraine 2006

Director: Eva Nejman

HONORARY MENTIONS

SIMPLE THINGS / PROSTYE VESCI

Russia 2006

Director: Aleksej Popogrebskij

THE MOSQUITO PROBLEM AND OTHER STORIES / PROBLEMAT S KOMARITE I DRUGI

ISTORII

Bulgaria / Germany / USA 2007

Director: Andrej Paunov

INTERNATIONAL FILM CRITIC’S AWARD (FIPRESCI-PRIZE)

MAGNUS / MAGNUS

Estonia / Great Britain 2007

Director: Kadri Kousaar

GOEAST-PRIZE IN REMEMBRANCE OF REINHARD KAMPF

THE FLOWER BRIDGE / PODUL DI FLORI

Romania 2008

Director: Thomas Ciulei

THE ROBERT BOSCH STIFTUNG’S PROMOTIONAL PRIZE FOR JOINT FILM PRODUCTIONS

BY YOUNG GERMAN AND EASTERN / SOUTH EASTERN FILMMAKERS

CATEGORY SHORT FEATURE FILM

SUNSTROKE

Germany / Hungary

Director: Lili Horvath, Producer: Henning Kamm, Camera: Robert Maly

RENOVATION

Germany / Romania

Director: Paul Negoescu, Producer: David Lindner, Screenplay: Simona Ghita, Camera: Paul Andrei

Butica

CATEGORY DOCUMENTARY FILM

KEIN ORT – NOWHERE IN EUROPE

Germany / Poland

Director: Kerstin Nickig, Producer: Michael Truckenbrodt, Co-Producer: Marcin Wierrzchoslawski,

Camera: Michal Tywoniuk

STUDENT’S COMPETITION

THE BHF-BANK FOUNDATION AWARD

BY THE RIVER / PRZY RZECE

Director: Magdalena Kowalczyk, Poland 2006

Andrzej Wajda Master School of Film Directing, Warschau

BEST DOCUMENTARY FILM

BY THE RIVER / PRZY RZECE

Director: Magdalena Kowalczyk, Poland 2006

Andrzej Wajda Master School of Film Directing, Warschau

BEST ANIMATED FILM

CHORD

Director: Simon Rauh, Germany 2008

Fachhochschule Mainz

BEST SHORT FEATURE

I DON’T FEEL LIKE DANCING

Director: Evi Goldbrunner and Joachim Dollhopf, Germany 2008

HFF Potsdam-Babelsberg

2008 Award Winners Announced for the Buenos Aires International Independent Film Festival

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 12:40:00 PST

"El contrabajo" directed by Alejo Franzetti, was one of the three selected works in the Short Film Official Selection, together with “Ahendu nde sapukai”, directed by Pablo Lama, and “Fedra o la desesperación”, directed by Gustavo Galuppo.

Following is the complete list of the remaining awards and mentions announced last night at the Festival’s Official Closing Ceremony.

* Asociación Cronistas Cinematográficos Argentinos (Association of Argentine Film Journalists)

Special Mention: “Construcción de una ciudad”

Directed by Néstor Frenkel

First Prize: “süden”

Directed by Gastón Solnicki

* ADF Award

Special Mention: Peng Jung Liao for “Help Me Eros”

Award: Jing Song Dong for “Night Train”

* SIGNIS Award

Mention: “Correction”

Directed by Thanos Anastopoulos

For its careful construction, conceived to avoid revealing any details of the plot, as it guides us through a process of identification with the protagonist, a Greek ex-convict facing the meaning and consequences of his crime, in a context of football violence and xenophobia.

Mention: “Cochochi”

Directed by Israel Cárdenas and Laura Amelia Guzmán

For the narration, told with great simplicity, of a trip taken by two children from a Mexican indigenous community to take medicines to a relative, which evolves into a lesson on the responsibility of decisions made.

Award: “Ballast”

Directed by Lance Hammer

For its realistic, austere style, which opposes in a superb way the complexity of the plot. And for showing how an African-American family in the Mississippi delta, struggles to overcome extreme circumstances, opening to the possibility of unconditional forgiveness and reconciliation.

* FIPRESCI Award

“Ballast”

Directed by Lance Hammer

* Human Rights Award

Ex Aequo: “Mi vida dentro”

Directed by Lucía Gajá

and “Profit Motive and the Whispering Wind”

Directed by John Gianvito

* Short Film Official Selection: the three award-winners, with no distinction of importance or order are:

“El contrabajo”

Directed by Alejo Franzetti

“Ahendu nde sapukai”

Directed by Pablo Lama

“Fedra o la desesperación”

Directed by Gustavo Galuppo.

* Future Film: “Llavallol”

Directed by Grupo Tierra en Trance

* Revista Ñ and Cinecolor People’s Choice Award

Best Argentine Film: “Historias Extraordinarias”

Directed by Mariano Llinás.

The 2008 Singapore International Film Festival announce the award winners

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 12:30:00 PST

Under the Best Asian Feature Film Category, the awards go to:

Best Film ($5,000 cash prize): "Slingshot"

Directed by Brillante Mendoza

Special Jury Award ($2,000 cash prize): Out of Coverage

Directed by Abellatif Abdelhamid

Best Director ($3,000 cash prize): Brillante Mendoza for for his film "Slingshot"

Best Performance certificate award): Inessa Kislova for in "Swift"

NETPAC Award (certificate award): "Slingshot" by Brillante Mendoza

For the Best Singapore Short Film Category the winners are:

Best Film Award ($3,000 cash prize and Avid media composer software worth $5,200 and production services at Infinite Frameworks worth $10,000): "Keluar Baris" by Boo Junfeng

Special Jury Prize ($2,000 cash prize, and AVID software worth $5,200): "Wet Seasons" by Michael Tay

Best Director ($2,000 cash prize and and AVID software worth $5,200): Boo Junfeng for "Keluar Baris"

Special Achievement Award ($2,000 cash prize and prize includes audio services at BOX2, Yellow Box studios, worth $10,000, production services at the Shooting Gallery worth $40,000): "My Home, My Heaven"

Directed by Muhammad Eysham Ali

Best Cinematography ($1,000 cash prize): Sharon Loh for "Keluar Baris"

Best Performance ($1,000 cash prize): Magdalene Tan for in "Silent Girls"

The winners have been judged by a panel of Singapore and international jurors consisting of Wu Tianming (filmmaker, China), Khadija Al-Salami (filmmaker, Yemen), Dustin Nguyen (Actor, US), Nicholas Saputra (Actor, Indonesia), Low Hwee Ling (Assistant Editor, Infinite Frameworks,Singapore), Anderson Le (program director, Hawaii International Film Festival), Andreas Ungerbock (editor of Ray magazine), Melanie Oliveiro (Senior Producer/Presenter, Mediacorp Radio, Singapore).

Awards to the “independent” at Roma Independent Film Festival VII edition

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 12:15:00 PST

RIFF Awards 2008 Winner film: "THE CLASS"

Directed by Imar Raag (Estonia)

Best Feature film: "THE CLASS"

Directed by Imar Raag (Estonia)

Best First Feature film: "The Paper Prince"

Directed by Marko Kostic (Serbia)

New Vision 2008 award: "Chi nasce tondo"

Directed by Alessandro Valori (Italy)

Best Documentary: "The Greatest Silence: Rape In The Congo"

Directed by Lisa F. Jackson (USA)

Best Italian Short film: "L’Oro Rosso"

Directed by Cesare Fragnelli

Special Mention Italian Shorts: "La strana infedeltà"

Directed by Livio Rositani and

"La Moglie"

Directed by Andrea Zaccariello

Best Foreign Short: "Bathing"

Directed by Philipp Batereau (Germany)

Best Short for “Students short” section: "The Simple Life" Directed by Christina Schiewe (Germany)

Best Animation Short: "Standby"

Directed by Jannis Walz (Germany)

Best Feature film screenplay: "La Sirena"

Directed by Ezio Maisto and Maria Cristina Di Meo

Best Short film screenplay: "La Badante"

Directed by Erica Liffredo

2008 Awards Announced for the Philadelphia Film Festival

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 11:40:00 PST

The jury has decided and the audience ballots are in. Here are this year’s award winners:

ARCHIE AWARD FOR BEST FIRST-TIME DIRECTOR:

Daniel Barnz for "Phoebe in Wonderland"

JURY AWARD WINNERS:

Best Feature Film: "Nothing to Lose"

director Peiter Kulijpers

Best Documentary: "Song Sung Blue"

director Greg Kohs

Best First Film: "In A Dream"

director Jeremiah Zagar

Best Director: Rahmin Bahrani for "Chop Shop"

Best American Independent: "Choose Connor"

director Luke Eberl

Best Animation Feature: "Vexille"

Fuihiko Sori

Best Animation Short: "Breakout"

Armand Demuynck

AUDIENCE AWARD WINNERS:

Best Documentary: "Body of War"

director Ellen Spairo and Phil Donahue

"Danger After Dark: Timecrimes"

director Nacho Vigalondo

Best Feature Film: "Universal Signs"

director Ann Calamia

FESTIVAL OF INDEPENDENTS' AWARD WINNERS:

Best Feature Film: "The New Year Parade"

Tom Quinn

Best Documentary: "First Person"

director Ben Herrold

Best Narrative: "Figure Study #7"

director Jena Serbu

Best Animation: "Hedgehug"

director Dan Pinto

Best Experimental: "AYND"

director Lindsay Kovnat

DIVE Technical Achievement Award: "In A Dream"

Also presented was the SCION First Time Director Award to Ben Herold for "First Person."

Award WInners Announced for the Wisconsin Film Festival

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 11:24:00 PST

Winners of the Steep & Brew Audience Award voted by the audience for films 60 minutes or longer

BEST NARRATIVE FILM

"Time to Die" (Pora Umierać)

directed by Dorota Kędzierzawska

Poland, 2007, 104 mins

"Time to Die" is the story of elderly Aniela, the owner of a once beautiful, now run-down, wooden villa. After many years, she is finally “freed” of the last tenant in that mansion, forced upon her by the Communist government after World War II. She is once again the master of her own house. But this beautiful, long-awaited moment is far from what she had hoped. Her only son wants to sell the house, and there are now noisy neighbors (although they are fun to spy on with her binoculars). Shut off from the world, Aniela’s only companion is her (quite wonderful) dog, at least until a kid from the youth center start sneaking through the fence onto her property. Shot in luminous black-and-white and written especially for the actress Danuta Szaflarska, who was 91 years old at the time, the film is a “stunning visual universe created by Kędzierzawska and her cinematographer Arthur Reinhart. They are indeed true magicians of the eye, unafraid to let the camera paint pictures in front of us. This is the special and particular terrain of this film: the thoughtful depiction of the inner life of an elderly person. Kędzierzawska and Reinhart’s series of stunning images and the unforgettable dignity of Aniela combine to make Time to Die a unique film.” — Piers Handling, Toronto International Film Festival.

BEST DOCUMENTARY FILM (watch on PBS May 27)

"New Year Baby"

directed by Socheata Poeuv

USA, 2007, 75 mins

presented by the UW Asian American Studies Program

Born in a Cambodia refugee camp and raised with her family in Texas, Socheata Poeuv learns the real story of her parent’s survival and of her own heritage: her sisters are really cousins, adopted after her aunt was killed by the Khmer Rouge, and her brother is the son of her mother’s never-mentioned first husband. The family returns to Cambodia in a journey that is remarkably engaging, thanks to Socheata’s onscreen appeal and her dedication to allowing her parents to gradually re-enter that time of their lives that was so harrowing. A multiple award-winner, “it’s a remarkable story with lump-in-throat impact.” —Variety.

Winners of the Wisconsin’s Own and Wisconsin Student Short Film awards

“Wisconsin’s Own” winners

"Alaska Far Away"

directed by Paul Hill and Joan Juster

"The Closing Hour"

directed by Grey Gerling

"The European Kid"

directed by Ian Martin

"Madison"

directed by Brent Notbohm

"Perceval"

directed by Tate Bunker

2008 Wisconsin’s Own jurors:

Ali Selim, director of Sweet Land (WFF06)

Jim Kreul, founder of the Wisconsin Film Festival, filmmaker, and professor at University of North Carolina-Wilmington

Brijetta Hall Waller, documentary filmmaker and lecturer at Columbia College, Chicago

“Wisconsin Student Shorts” winners

"Otto’s Day"

directed by Ji-Sun O

"Passing Through"

directed by Jonathan Bothun

"Them’s Trying Times to be a Canine"

directed by Joseph Kraemer

2008 Wisconsin Student Shorts jurors:

Katherine Turczan, filmmaker, Chair of the Media Arts Department, and Professor at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design in Minneapolis.

Jim Stanger, film editor

Max Selim, filmmaker and screenwriter

Thomas Pope, screenwriter and lecturer and the Minneapolis College of Art and Design

Ali Selim, director of Sweet Land (WFF06).

2008 Garden State Film Festival Award Winners

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 02:56:00 PST

Feature: "The Flyboys"

Dark Coast Pictures

Directed By: Rocco DeVilliers

The Bud Abbott Award for Feature Length Comedy:

"The Sublet"

No Logik Films

Directed By: Georgiana Nestor

M. Carroll Raver Award for Cinematography:

"The Flyboys"

Directed By: Jim Orr

Short (TIE):

"Hold On"

Directed By: Doug Olear

"Hearts Of Desire"

Directed By: Loren Haynes

Lou Costello Award for Comedy Short:

"Driving Lesson"

May Sky Entertainment

Directed By: C. Fraser Press

International Short:

"Wednesday"

Future Time Pictures

Directed By: Rob Sorrenti

Family Short:

"Highlights"

Directed By: Mary Novak

International Family Short:

"Ruby Who?"

Directed By: Hailey Bartholomew

Student Short:

"The Windfisherman"

Directed By: Anna McRoberts

“The Dead Batteries Award” For Marketing Genius:

"The Ninja Always Rings Once"

Stoic Pictures, Inc.

Directed By: Christopher Genovese

The Emanuel “Manny” Berlingo Award For Feature Length Documentary Filmmaking:

"Nuremberg: The 60th Anniversary Edition"

Directed By: David Stein/Vanessa Arico

International Documentary - Feature Lengths:

"Orange Chronicles"

DK Productions

Directed By: Damian Kolody

Feature Length Documentary Broader Vision Award:

"The Road Home"

Tell Their Story Films, LLC

Directed By: Phil Hopper

Multi Media Award: "Dialogue"

EvolveArts, Inc.

Directed By: Michael Garabaldi-Frick

Documentary - Short (TIE):

"The Legends Behind The Comic Books"

Stonebridge Productions LLC

Directed By: Chip Cronkite

"4 Chosen"

Starline Films

Directed By: Jon Doscher

Family Documentary – Feature Length:

"Motown High"

Aarrow Productions, Inc.

Directed By: Barbara Hager

Cell Animation - short:

"Shuteye Hotel"

Plymptoons

Directed By: Bill Plympton

Animation CGI:

"Snowtime"

Axis Animation

Directed By: Dana Dorian

Music Video (TIE):

"I Dream In Stereo"

Directed By: Ken Glaser

"Can You See Us"

Directed By: Matthew Kosinski

International Music Video:

"Portuguese Skies"

Tu Meke Productions Ltd.

Directed By: Andrew Hunt

"Siempre Pude Ver"

LiveTribe Productions

Directed By: Gary Ravenscroft

Broader Vision Award – Music Video:

"The Cow Project: We Can Change Our World"

Directed By: Michael Licisyn

PSA:

"Clean Ocean Action"

Edvantage Media, Inc.

Directed By: Grace Hanlon

Commercial

"Snack Support"

Directed By: Sam Littenberg-Weisberg

Student - Animation:

"A Faery’s Tale"

Directed By: Sylvia Apostol

The Garden State Film Festival would like to recognize films shot in the State of New Jersey with the following winners in the “Home Grown Award” categories:

Home Grown Feature (TIE):

"Greetings From The Shore"

Directed By: Greg Chwerchak

"Rock The Paint"

Wren Court Films

Directed By: Dallas Mitchell Brennan

Home Grown Horror:

"Leeds Point"

Directed By: Santo Scardillo

Home Grown Short

"Escape From Fire"

Directed By: Joel Dunn

Home Grown Feature Length Documentary:

"The Flight of Emillio Carranza"

Directed By: Robert Emmons

Home Grown Documentary - Short:

"Roots Unknown"

Directed By: Zara Phillips

Home Grown Animation Short:

"Keep This Coupon"

Directed By: Bruce Knapp

Home Grown Music Video:

"Hipster Girl"

Mixed Nuts Productions

Directed By: Michael Licisyn

High School Student - Short:

"Contact"

Directed By: Matthew Caruso

High School Student - Short Documentary:

"How To Avoid Awkward Situations"

Directed By: Nick Chirumbolo

The Garden State Film Festival Movie Music Competition Winners:

BEST MUSIC IN A FEATURE

Juan Frances

Directed By: Amy French and Spencer John French

BEST VOCAL MUSIC IN A SHORT

Hearts Of Desire

BEST SHORT SCORE

KIYALA

KIMBERLY AND DEREK COLEMAN PRODUCERS

BEST SCORE IN A FEATURE DOCUMENTARY

Nuremberg

Michael St. John Composer

BEST INTERNATIONAL SCORE

La Regn Di Fanes

Susy Rottonara Writer

AND NOW THE HOME GROWN MUSIC AWARDS...

BEST MUSIC IN A FEATURE

Rock The Paint

Song: Hip Hop in the Morning

Alan Boxer and Carl Restivo Producers

BEST MUSIC IN FEATURE LENGTH DOCUMENTARY

Snake Hill

Song: Remembrance Lullaby

Matt Diamond Composer

BEST MUSIC IN A SHORT

Escape From the Fire

BEST MUSIC IN A MUSIC VIDEO

C.O.W. Project We Can Change the World

Deb Chamberlin, Eileen Lucarini & Robert Wynn

Garden State Screenplay Competition

Hat Trick

Robert Gately

Pick Of the Flicks (TIE)

Leeds Point

Directed By: Santo Scardillo

Greetings From The Shore

Directed By: Greg Chwerchak

Honorees:

Lifetime Achievement Award for Acting:

Lou Costello

Lifetime Achievement Award for Screenplay Writing:

Budd Schulberg

Broader Vision Award for Filmmaking Dedicated to the Greater Good:

Kate Carter, LifeChronicles

The Robert Pastorelli Rising Star Award for Acting:

Kevin Interdanoto

Award Winners for the 2008 Ashland Independent Film Festival

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 02:07:00 PST

Juried and Special Awards

Best Feature: "August Evening"

Director: Chris Eska

Best CinematographyThe Gerald Hirschfeld A.S.C. Award:

Feature: "Chronic Town"

Director: Tom Hines

Best Acting Ensemble in a Feature: "The New Year Parade"

Director: Tom Quinn

Special Jury Mention: Dramatic Feature: "Superheroes"

Director: Alan Brown

Best Short: "I Want to Be a Pilot"

Director: Diego Quemada-Diez

Best Documentary- Short Subject: "A Son's Sacrifice"

Director: Yoni Brook

Best Documentary- Feature Length: "Please Vote for Me"

Director: Weijun Chen

Special Jury Mention- Documentary Feature: "One Minute to Nine"

Director: Tommy Davis

Best Student Film: "Pariah"

Director: Dee Rees

Best Animated Short: "Papiroflexia"

Director: Joaquin Baldwin

Lifetime Achievement Award: Albert Maysles

Rogue Award: Helen Hunt

Audience Awards

John C. Schweiger Audience Award- Dramatic Feature:

"The Cake Eaters"

Director: Mary Stuart Masterson

Audience Award- Best Short Film: "Aquarium"

Director: Rob Meyer

Rogue Creamery Audience Award- Documentary Feature:

"American Outrage"

Director: Beth & George Gage

2008 Award Winners for the Aspen Shortsfest

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 09:35:00 PST

INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION JURY AWARDS

ANIMATED EYE AWARD

$2,500

"LAVATORY LOVESTORY" Directed by: Konstantin Bronzit, Russia

BEST COMEDY

$2,500

"SPIDER"

Directed by: Nash Edgerton, (Australia)

BEST DRAMA

$2,500

"WAVES"

Directed by: Adrian Sitaru, (Romania)

BEST DOCUMENTARY

$2,500 (shared)

"ELEGY FOR THE ELSWICK ENVOY"

Directed by: Nancy Willis, (UK)

PETER AND BEN

Directed by: Pinny Grylls, (UK)

BEST SHORT SHORT

$1,000

"JOHN AND KAREN"(

Directed by: Matthew Walker, (UK)

BEST STUDENT

$2,000

"ON THE LINE"

Directed by: Reto Caffi,(Germany/Switzerland)

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY

$2,500 film stock sponsored by Kodak

"WAVES"

Directed by: Adrian Sitaru, (Romania)

HARD C HIGH-FIVE TO LO-FI

sponsored by Hard C, Aspen Shortsfest alumni

Jason Reitman and Daniel Dubiecki’s comedy production company

"SPIDER"

Directed by: Nash Edgerton, Australia)

SPECIAL JURY RECOGNITION

$500 each

"BRACKISH WATER"

Directed by: David Reiss-Andersen, (Norway)

"IT’S MY TURN"

Directed by: Ismet Ergün, (Turkey/Germany)

"RATTLESNAKES"

Directed by: Hafsteinn Gunnar Sigurdsson, (Iceland)

"SALVADOR"

Directed by: Abdelatif Hwidar, (Spain)

OTHER JURY AWARDS

THE ELLEN

$2,500

"LIFE’S HARD"

Directed by: Gabriel Sirbu, (Romania)

THE ELLEN JURY SPECIAL RECOGNITION

$1,000

"THE WEDNESDAYS"

Directed by: Conor Ferguson, (Ireland)

BAFTA/LOS ANGELES AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE

"SIKUMI" (ON THE ICE) Directed by: Andrew Okpeaha MacLean, (USA)

BAFTA/LOS ANGELES CERTIFICATES OF EXCELLENCE

"AQUARIUM"

Directed by: Rob Meyer, (USA)

"WAVES"

Directed by: Adrian Sitaru, (Romania)

YOUTH JURY PRIZE

$500

"CHERRIES"

Directed by: Tom Harper, (UK)

AUDIENCE FAVORITE AWARD

$1,000 (shared)

"COME BACK TO SUDAN" Directed by: Daniel Junge, Patti Bonnet, (USA)

"ONE BRIDGE TO THE NEXT"

Directed by: Kim A. Snyder, (USA)

2008 Award Winners of the Hong Kong International Film Festival

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 09:04:00 PST

The Hong Kong International Film Festival Society is a non-profit, non-governmental organization which develops, promotes and encourages creativity in the art and culture of film through the presentation of the annual Hong Kong International Film Festival (HKIFF). The Society is also committed to organizing regular programs and other film related activities throughout the year in order to promote the art and creativity of cinema, with an international dimension and outlook.

In 2007, the Society further demonstrated its commitment to the development of a vibrant film culture by organizing three flagship events; the Hong Kong International Film Festival (HKIFF), the Hong Kong - Asia Film Financing Forum (HAF) and the Asian Film Awards (AFA).

Golden Digital Award: What the Heart Craves (Japan), Takahashi Izumi

Silver Digital Award: Little Moth (China), Peng Tao

Humanitarian Award for Best Documentary: Yasukuni (China/Japan), Li Ying

Humanitarian Award for Outstanding Documentary: Bingai (China), Feng Yan

Grand Prize, Fresh Wave Short Film Competition: The Monk (Hong Kong), Chan Siu-hei

FIPRESCI Prize: Wonderful Town (Thailand), Aditya Assarat

SIGNIS Award: Empties (Czech Republic/UK), Jan Svěrák

Highlights of the 32nd edition were a complete retrospective of Edward Yang, the world-renowned Taiwanese auteur who passed away in 2007 as well as special sections on Young Taiwanese Cinema, Israeli Cinema and Czech Cinema. Chinese Renaissance, a stage for new films and filmmakers from the Chinese Mainland, once again premiered important new works from directors such as Wang Xiaoshuai, Gu Changwei, and Ning Hao. This year’s guests of honor were Yamada Yoji, who recently received a Lifetime Achievement Award from HKIFF’s sister event, the Asian Film Awards (AFA) and whose latest film, Kabei – Our Mother, was an Opening Film of the 32nd HKIFF, as well as Peter Greenaway and Bela Tarr. Also present were Filmmaker in Focus – Eric Tsang, who contributed two World Premieres along with eight earlier works to this year’s film festival, and Ishii Yuya, recipient of the Edward Yang New Talent Award at the 2nd AFA.

2008 award winners announced for the Bermuda International Film Festival

Tue, 22 Apr 2008 05:18:00 PST

"Caramel" wins Best Feature Award at BIFF 2008

"Caramel," by Lebanese director Nadine Labaki, has won the Mary-Jean Mitchell Green Award for Best Narrative Feature at the 11th Bermuda International Film Festival.

The award was announced at the festival’s Wrap Party and Awards Ceremony at Fairmont Hamilton Princess Hotel on Saturday night by the Features Jury of director Robert Favreau ("A Sunday in Kigali") and producer Charles Bishop ("Bowling for Columbine"). Ms. Labaki wins a $5000 cash prize.

"XXY," by director Lucia Puenzo of Argentina, was given a Special Jury Mention in the Narrative Features category.

“Caramel, in a very brilliant way, shows us a complex microcosmos where many stories and sub-stories take place,” Mr. Favreau said. “The stories are all well-developed and involve many characters to whom we become strongly attached. We also gave the award to Caramel for its great sense of humour, true tragic breath, for its authentic and subversive feminine perspective, and for its unforgettable scenes without dialogue that made us laugh and cry at the same time.”

The Documentary Jury of filmmakers Linda Hattendorf ("The Cats of Mirikitani") and Peter Raymont ("Shake Hands With the Devil: the Exile Journey of Ariel Dorfman") announced co-winners of the Best Documentary prize. The award is shared by "Saving Luna" (d. Michael Parfit and Suzanne Chisholm, Canada) and Souvenirs (d. Shahar Cohen and Halil Efrat, Israel). The Jury also gave a Special Mention to Steven-Charles Jaffe’s film, Gahan Wilson: Born Dead, Still Weird.

“We gave the award to "Souvenirs" for its loving revelation of an intimate and evolving father-son relationship that brought laughter and tears,” Ms. Hattendorf said, “and also for its cinema verite, car-to-car and car mount shooting, and for its heart and terrific scored music.

“'Saving Luna' was an inspiring, mesmerising, spiritual and poetic story. It featured spectacular locations and beautiful cinematography. It was honest, had a grand, theatrical feel and gave us an inside look at filmmakers who became activists.”

The Shorts Jury of Al Seymour Jr. and Ted Bezaire gave the M3 Wireless Bermuda Shorts Award to "Toyland" (d. Jochen Freydank, Germany). Mr. Freydank wins a cash prize of $3000. Mr. Michael Beckles represented M3 Wireless. The Jury awarded Special Mentions to "Ark" (d. Grzegorz Jokajtys, Poland) and "The Legend of the Slow Man" (d. Armando del Rio, Spain).

“We gave the award to 'Toyland' for its beauty, fantastic sound, great acting, and a story that is complete and powerful,” Mr. Bezaire said.

The Bacardi Limited Audience Choice Award, which is voted on by filmgoers, was won by "Red Dust," director Tom Hooper, who receives a $3000 cash prize. Mr. Vernon Pemberton represented Bacardi.

2008 Method Fest Award Winners Announced

Tue, 22 Apr 2008 03:26:00 PST

Melissa Leo won the Time Warner Cable Geraldine Page Award for Best Actress for her performance in "Lullaby," and Richard Jenkins took home the Charter Communications John Garfield Award for Best Actor for his role in "The Visitor," as the 10th annual The Method Fest independent film festival announced its winners at the Awards Ceremony at Viewpoint School 's Carlson Family Theatre in Calabasas.

“The performances this year in film at the festival exceeded anything we had seen before at The Method Fest. The overall quality of the films was also higher and some awards were almost impossible for the judges to determine," Don Franken, the festival's executive director, said. “More top quality films with breakout performances as well as career-defining performances by other actors made it the fiercest competition yet for awards. There are so many emerging new stars this year at The Method Fest and this really brought more energy and excitement at the festival".

The City of Calabasas Jury Award for Best Picture was presented to "Unfinished Sky," directed by Peter Duncan and starring William McInnes, Monic Hendrickx, Milo, Bille Brown, Christopher Sommers, and David Field.

The Christie Digital Audience Award for Best Picture was presented to "Chain Link," directed by Dylan Reynolds.

The LA.com Award for Best Supporting Actress in a Feature Film went to Danai Gurira, ("The Visitor"), and the Stockholm Krystal Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Feature Film went to John Saxon, ("God's Ears").

Tom McCarthy, who directed "The Visitor," was awarded the Modern VideoFilm Award for Best Director of a Feature Film.

The Daily News Award for Best Screenplay went to Rick Bieber, for "Crazy." Bieber also directed and produced the film.

The Prudential California Realty Award for Best Ensemble Cast was presented to the cast of "Familiar Strangers," directed by Zachary Adler, written by John Bell, and starring Shawn Hatosy, DJ Qualls, Cameron Richardson, Ann Dowd, Nikki Reed, and Tom Bower.

Special Recognition: Eduart. "Greece," directed by Angeliki Antoniou.

The Corona Maverick Award for High Quality in Low Budget Filmmaking went to "Harrison Montgomery," directed by Daniel Dávila.

Other winners included:

The jetBlue Airways Award for Best Short – "Indecent" directed by Matt Cavanaugh

The Enterprise Rent-A-Car Award for Best Foreign Film – "Corpo" (Body), Brazil,

directed by Rubens Rewald and Rosanna Foglia, produced by Rubens Rewald.

Special Recognition: "This Beautiful City"

directed by Ed Gass-Donnelly

The Viewpoint School Award for Best Actor in a Short – Colin Cunningham, ("Centigrade").

The Motion Picture and Television Fund Award for Best Actress in a Short – Vanessa Born, ("Sky").

The Bernards Award for Best Student Short – "A Day's Work"

directed by Rajeev Dassani from the University of Southern California.

The Country Inn & Suites by Carlson Audience Award for Best Short Film – "Psycho Hillbilly Cabin Massacre!" directed by Robert Cosnahan

Special Recognition Awards

The Valley of the Stars Festival Director's Award for Excellence – "Chronic Town"

directed by Tom Hines

The Barefoot Winery Festival Director's Award for Breakthrough Acting – Octavio Gomez Berrios "Harrison Montgomery"

The Award for the Best Ensemble Cast in a Short Film – "Last Day of Limbo" starring Ian Abercrombie, Roby Bessent, Johnny Holiday, Matt Malloy, Patrick Thomas O'Brien, Mark Pellegrino, Joseph Rigano, Rico Simonini, and Vinny Vella.

Special Awards presented before and during the festival:

Career Achievement Award: Richard Jenkins

Maverick Award: Melissa Leo

Future Filmmaker Audience Awards

Sony Future Filmmakers Award for Best Picture – Michael Fishbein for "Chope."

Final Draft Future Filmmakers Award for Best Screenplay – Mike Toomy and Kevin Murphy for "Chope."

Indieprinting.com Future Filmmakers Award for Best Acting – Aaron Moody for "Chope."

Special Recognition: "Winter's Hero" by Alexi Scuitto

Award Winners for the 2008 AFI DALLAS International Film Festival

Tue, 22 Apr 2008 02:46:00 PST

The AFI DALLAS International Film Festival honors the best in filmmaking with a series of prestigious honors and awards. They include cash prizes, commissioned crystal awards and tributes to some of the most talented and distinguished individuals who have ever contributed to the art form.

TARGET TEN NARRATIVE FEATURE:

"MERMAID"

DIR: Anna Melikyan (Russia)

Cast: Mariya Shalayeva, Yevgeni Tsyganov, Mariya Sokova

HONORABLE MENTION:

"BAD HABITS"

DIR: Simón Bross (Mexico)

Cast: Ximena Ayala, Elena de Haro, Marco Antonio Treviño

TARGET TEN DOCUMENTARY FEATURE:

"IRON LADIES OF LIBERIA"

DIR: Daniel Junge (USA)

CURRENT ENERGY EARTH FRIENDLY:

"FIELDS OF FUEL"

DIR: Josh Tickell

MPS STUDIOS TEXAS:

"COOK COUNTY"

DIR: David Pomes

Cast: Anson Mount, Xander Berkeley, Ryan Donowho, Polly Cole

HONORABLE MENTION:

"CIAO"

DIR: Yen Tan (USA)

Starring: Adam Neal Smith, Alessandro Calza, Ethel Lung

HDNET FEATURE:

"TRACING COWBOYS"

DIR: Jason Wulfsohn (USA)

Starring: Eileen Dietz, Megan Edwards, Sacha Grunpeter

SHORT:

"THE SECOND LINE"

DIR: John Magary (USA)

HONORABLE MENTION:

"A CATALOG OF ANTICIPATIONS"

DIR: David Lowery (USA)

STUDENT SHORT:

"THE VULNERABLE ONES" (LES VULNERABLES)

DIR: Bent-Jorgen Perlmutt (Congo/USA)

HONORABLE MENTION:

"A DAY’S WORK"

DIR: Rajeev Dassani (USA)

ANIMATED SHORT:

"KEY LIME PIE"

DIR: Trevor Jimenez (Canada)

AUDIENCE AWARDS

NARRATIVE:

"AMAL"

DIR: Richie Mehta (Canada)

Cast: Rupinder Nagra, Naseeruddin Shah, Seema Biswas, Koel Purie

DOCUMENTARY:

"THE BLACK LIST"

DIR: Timothy Greenfield-Sanders (USA)

Featuring: Chris Rock, Lou Gossett Jr., Vernon Jordan, Thelma Golden

SHORT:

"A DAY’S WORK"

DIR: Rajeev Dassani (USA)

AFI DALLAS STAR AWARDS

The AFI DALLAS International Film Festival also honors individuals for the major role they have played and continue to play in shaping the face of modern cinema and the advancement of the art of film. The AFI DALLAS Star Award, designed from Steuben crystal, is courtesy of Neiman Marcus.

THE 2008 STAR AWARD RECIPIENTS:

Helen Hunt

With roles in more than 80 films and television series, Helen Hunt is one of the most recognized actresses of our time. She is one of only three women to have won a Golden Globe, an Academy Award and an Emmy in the same year. She was nominated seven consecutive times for the Emmy for her work on Mad About You, winning four years in a row, 1996-1999 — the only person ever to do so.

Hunt was born into a film industry family in Los Angeles and began her acting career as a child in the 1970s, making appearances on The Mary Tyler Moore Show and The Bionic Woman. In the ’80s she had a recurring role on St. Elsewhere and made a splash in the TV movie Bill: On His Own, which co-starred another AFI DALLAS Star Award recipient, Mickey Rooney.

But it was her role as the feisty, independent Jamie on Mad About You that caught the public’s eyes — and hearts. Her work in the sitcom propelled her to starring roles in Twister and her Academy Award-winning performance in As Good as it Gets. She has since split her time between film and Broadway, appearing onstage in The Twelfth Night and Life x 3 and onscreen in Dr. T & the Women, Cast Away and The Curse of the Jade Scorpion among others.

She co-owns the Hunt/Travel production company, and she makes her directorial debut with Then She Found Me screening at AFI DALLAS.

Helen Hunt will accept her AFI DALLAS Star Award at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 27, at the Majestic Theatre.

Mickey Rooney

After making his stage debut at 15 months of age, Mickey Rooney hasn’t stopped. He effortlessly made the jump from silent films to talkies, giving memorable performances in A Midsummer Night’s Dream (1935), The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (1939) and National Velvet (1944). He was born Joe Yule Jr. to parents who were vaudeville performers. Two weeks later he was on the circuit with his folks, and soon after that he was onstage.

His break came in 1927 when he was cast for Mickey ‘Himself’ McGuire, a series of fi lms based on a comic strip. A few years later, he caught the attention of legendary producer David O. Selznick who created a role for him in Manhattan Melodrama, which led to a long-term contract with MGM. He starred in 15 Andy Hardy films and began his longtime association with Judy Garland with 1937’s Thoroughbreds Don’t Cry. In 1938, he made Boys Townwith Spencer Tracy. All this before his 18th birthday.

In his remarkable career, Rooney has worked on more than 240 films and more than 70 television shows. He has earned four Emmy nominations — winning once — and four Oscar nominations. He received the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ Lifetime Achievement award in 1983. Rooney is an icon of Hollywood movie-making and the epitome of the word “entertainment.”

Mickey Rooney will accept his AFI DALLAS Star Award at

Jack Lemmon

Starting with 1949’s The Lady Takes a Sailor and ending

with 2000’s The Legend of Bagger Vance, Jack Lemmon’s

film career included 61 titles, including such acclaimed films as The Apartment, Some Like it Hot, Glengarry Glen Ross and Grumpier Old Men. He was nominated for eight Oscars and won twice, once for his supporting role in Mr. Roberts (1956) and again for Best Actor in Save the Tiger (1973). In 1988, he received the American Film Institute’s Life Achievement Award.

A Harvard grad and Navy veteran, Lemmon worked in television, radio and film beginning in the mid-’40s. He worked with many of Hollywood’s iconic leading ladies, including Betty Grable, Doris Day, Kim Novak, Rita Hayworth and Sophia Loren. His pairing with Marilyn Monroe in Billy Wilder’s Some Like It Hot, screening at AFI DALLAS, is one of his most loved works.

His partnership with Wilder extended to several more films, including The Apartment, The Fortune Cookie and Buddy Buddy. However, it’s his work in the latter two films, and most famously in The Odd Couple with Walter Matthau, that is regarded as one of the best comedic pairings of all time. Lemmon never fell out of favor with Hollywood, because audiences never could pass him up. Whether in comedies like Days of Wine and Roses or thrillers like The China Syndrome, he had a charm that couldn’t be ignored.

Todd Wagner

Chief executive officer of 2929 Entertainment and founder of the Todd Wagner Foundation, Todd Wagner began his ascension in the business world in 1995 as co-founder and CEO of Broadcast.com. Wagner’s passion for entertainment and business led to his current venture, the Wagner/Cuban Companies. This vertically integrated group of media entities spans content creation, distribution and exhibition: 2929 Productions, HDNet Films, Magnolia Pictures, Landmark Theatres, HDNet and HDNet Movies.

As CEO, he has executive produced Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room, Akeelah and the Bee (showing at AFI DALLAS) and Good Night, and Good Luck., which also earned several Oscar nominations, including Best Picture. Two more fi lms, Gonzo: The Life and Work of Dr. Hunter S. Thompson and What Just Happened? also screen at this year’s Festival.

The Todd Wagner Foundation has developed numerous programs dedicated to improving the lives of at-risk children and inner-city entrepreneurs, including MIRACLES, a structured after-school program focusing on technology, education and life skills for children grades 6-12.

The Foundation’s other involvements include serving on the national board of directors of the After-School All-Stars, which offers year-round technology, academic, sports and cultural programs for inner-city children. The Foundation was also instrumental in providing funding to bring the nationally recognized KIPP (Knowledge is Power Program) charter school to Dallas in 2003.

Charlize Theron

In her relatively short 12-year cinema career, Charlize Theron has made a profound impact. Her roles in Monster (for which she won the 2004 Best Actress Oscar), The Cider House Rules, North Country (for which she received an Academy Award nomination) and Battle In Seattle show that she relishes non-traditional parts and inhabits them with gusto.

An only child who grew up on a farm near Johannesburg, South Africa, Theron worked as a model and trained at the Joffrey Ballet School in New York before moving to Los Angeles at 19. There, she started her acting career with a small role in Children of the Corn III, but captured the attention of then first-time director Tom Hanks and landed a part in That Thing That You Do!

She moved on to bigger movies, such as The Devil’s Advocate, Mighty Joe Young and Cider House. Her portrayal of a lesbian serial killer in Monster caught the attention of the Academy and critics alike. It led her to the Oscar and made her one of the most sought-after actresses in Hollywood. She received both Academy Award and Golden Globe nominations for her fi lm North Country.

She stars in Battle for Seattle at AFI DALLAS, which was directed by her longtime companion Stuart Townsend.

Chris Wedge

From his work as a principal animator on Tron to his directing on Ice Age and Robots, Chris Wedge seems to always have his hand in a cutting-edge project that both critics and audiences adore. His short film, Bunny, took an Oscar in 1999, while his creative work on Joe’s Apartment and Alien:Resurrection shows he’s in touch with his creepy side, too. Wedge, a graduate of State University of New York at Purchase and Ohio State University, has taught animation at the School of Visual Arts in New York City. He’s co-founder and Vice President of Creative Development at Blue Sky Studios, one of the country’s most prestigious computer animation studios and the producer of his films.

Kids and parents may know Wedge best, however, as the voice of Scrat, the saber-toothed squirrel from the Ice Age films who’s gone on to star in shorts of his own (that Wedge also executive produced): Scrat’s Missing Adventure and No Time for Nuts.

Wedge’s current project as an executive producer is Blue Sky’s take on the Dr. Seuss classic Horton Hears a Who!, which stars Jim Carrey, Steve Carell and Carol Burnett.

2008 Award Winners Announced for the Ann Arbor Film Festival

Tue, 22 Apr 2008 02:21:00 PST

The 46th Ann Arbor Film Festival awards, providing more than $18,000, have been selected by this year's jury and announced.

Ken Burns Award for Best of the Festival - $3,000

"The Betrayal"

Directed by: Ellen Kuras

Lawrence Kasdan Award for Best Narrative Film - $1,000

"Diente por Ojo"

Directed by: Elvind Holmboe

Chris Frayne Award for Best Animated Film - $1,000

"Spontaneous Generation"

Directed by: Andrew Cahill

"The Mermaid"

Directed by: Lisa Barcy

The Barbara Aronofsky Latham Award for Emerging Experimental Video Artist - $1,000

"Energie!"

Directed by: Thorsten Fleisch

Prix DeVarti for Funniest Film - $1,000

"On the Assassination of the President"

Directed by: Adam Keker

Griot Editorial Award for Best Editing - $500

"I, of the Cyclops"

Directed by: George Kuchar

Peter Wilde Award for Most Technically Innovative Film - $500

"Yours Truly"

Directed by: Osbert Parker

\aut\FILM Award for Best LGBT Film - $500

"Cat Dancers"

Directed by: Harris Fishman

Award for Best International Film - $500

"Nijuman no Borei"

Directed by: Jean-Gabriel Periot

Gus Van Sant Award for Best Experimental Film - $1,000

"Office Suite"

Directed by: Robert Todd

Michael Moore Award for Best Documentary Film - $1,000

"kids + money"

Directed by: Lauren Greenfield

Tom Berman Award for Most Promising Filmmaker - $1,000

"Doxology"

Directed by: Michael Langan

The EMPA Work Life Award - $1,300

"Beginning Filmmaking"

Directed by: Jay Rosenblatt

Kodak/Filmcraft Imaging Award for Best Cinematography - $1,500

"Li: Patterns of Nature"

Directed by: John Campbell

Ghostly Award for Best Sound Design - $500

"Observando El Cielo"

Directed by: Jeanne Liotta

The VUE/DFC Award for Best Michigan Filmmaker - $750

"Mort"

Directed by: Dean Denell

"buzzards steal your picnic"

Directed by: Terri Sarris

The Eileen Maitland Award - $500

"Teat Beat of Sex"

Directed by: Signe Baumane

Honorable Mentions - $1,050

"The Last Moment"

Directed by: Deco Dawson

"Number One"

Directed by: Leighton Pierce

"The Juche Idea"

Directed by: Jim Finn

"Faux Mouvements"

Directed by: Pip Chodorov

"My Olympic Summer"

Directed by: Daniel Robin

"Victory Over the Sun"

Directed by: Michael Robinson

Award WInners Announced for the 2008 Bird's Eye View Film Festival

Tue, 01 Apr 2008 11:00:00 PST

Best Feature – "Persepolis"

Directed by: Vincent Paronnaud, Marjane Satrapi

Best Newcomer feature –"Hotel Very Welcome"

Directed by: Sonja Heiss

Best Documentary – "Hold Me Tight Let Me Go"

Directed by: Kim Longinotto

Best Short – "Sophie "

Directed by: Birgitte Staermose

The Jury comprised of:

Best Short Film Jury:

Julia Short is co-owner of Verve Pictures, an independent distribution company which has released "Bullet Boy," the BAFTA award winner Amma Asante's "A Way of Life," Andrea Arnold's "Red Road" and Penny Woolcock's "Mischief Night."

Matthieu de Braconier manages and exec-produces Cinema Extreme: a short film scheme funded by the UK Film Council's New Cinema Fund and Film4. Past commissions include "Wasp" by Andrea Arnold and "Strange Little Girls" by Savina Dellicour.

Kate Vogel is the Commissioning Editor for "3 Minute Wonders," Channel 4's short documentary strand for new talent and innovation.

Barbara Stone produces features, directs documentaries and short films and founded the Gate Cinema in London. Unrelated, directed by Joanna Hogg and screened at BEV on Tuesday March 11th, is her latest production.

Best feature Film Jury

Harriet Walter is a Laurence Olivier Award winning stage actress. Her film credits include "Atonement," "Babel" and Martha Fiennes' "Chromophobia."

Damon Wise is a regular contributor to The Guardian, Times Online and Empire (for which he was previously the Film Editor).

Jane Giles , formerly Head of Acquisitions at Tartan Films UK & USA, is now Head of Content at the British Film Institute.

Sarfraz Manzoor is a leading UK journalist, author and broadcaster, regularly contributing to The Guardian. His critically acclaimed memoir "Greetings from Bury Park" was published last year.

Best Feature Newcomer Jury:

Sharman MacDonald is a playwright and novelist. Her plays include "When We Were Women" and "The Winter Guest." She has just finished writing the film "The Edge of Love" which stars her daughter Keira Knightley.

Matt Bochenski is the co-founder and editor of cutting edge independent film magazine, "Little White Lies."

Monica Ali's first novel "Brick Lane" was published in 2003 and was shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize. It has recently been made into a feature film, directed by Sarah Gavron. Ali's second novel, "Alentejo Blue," was published in 2006.

Wendy Mitchell is the Senior Editor of Screen International, and its sister website ScreenDaily.com. Prior to that, she was based in New York as Managing Editor of independent film publication indieWIRE.

Best Documentary Jury:

Sarah Mulvey is Channel 4's Commissioning Editor for Documentaries, commissioning Cutting Edge and the documentary strand for up and coming directors, First Cut.

Geoff Andrew is a film writer and critic who worked for a number of years as Film Editor at Time Out magazine. He is currently Head of Film Programming at BFI Southbank.

Beadie Finzi produced "Unknown White Male" and is now directing two new films, "The Hunger Season" for More 4 and "Vida Ballet" for Channel 4 and Arte France. Beadie is also a director of the Channel 4 British Documentary Film Foundation, and the festival director for BRITDOC

Franny Armstrong made "McLibel," watched by 35 million people and featured in the BFI's Ten Documentaries "Which Shook The World" season. She is now filming her new climate change epic, "The Age of Stupid."

Award Winners Announced for the 2008 International Film Festival of Uruguay

Mon, 31 Mar 2008 02:47:00 PST

Fallo del Jurado de la sección Cortometrajes Uruguayos

Integrado por: Natacha López, Matías Castro y Gerardo Minutti

Antes de detallar cuáles son los cortos ganadores en cadacategoría, el jurado quiere dejar constancia de algunas consideraciones importantes que se desprenden del material de la muestra.

Advertir sobre el bajo nivel que se encontró en la mayoría de los trabajos presentados, salvando algunas pocas excepciones. Tanto a nivel de ficción como de documental, la mayoría de los problemas están relacionados con el trabajo de guión y la posibilidad de contar una historia, definir un universo que sea coherente con sus personajes y ofrecer una estructura narrativa sólida, de principio a fin.

Lejos de que estas consideraciones se transformen en una voz de desaliento, y valorando el enorme esfuerzo de todos los realizadores, el jurado entiende que su opinión debe tomarse como una contribución para seguir avanzando y pensando en futuros cortometrajes.

Fallos:

Mejor Corto Documental

"Fulbito" de Ines Blixen, Matías Costa, Rodrigo Durañona, Santiago Echevarría y Matías Estévez.

Por acercarse de una forma cálida y atractiva a una realidad social como el Baby Fútbol. Por elegir un conjunto de personajes muy ricos narrativamente, y ofrecerle un cuidado desarrollo a sus historias, sus sueños y sus emociones.

Mejor Corto de Ficción

"La velocidad de los ceibos" de Pablo Aguirrezabal

Por contar una historia tan mínima como universal, entrañable, emocionante, curiosa y divertida. Por su cuidado trabajo de arte y edición, su buen cocktail de personajes y su audacia narrativa.

Mejor Corto de la Muestra

"La velocidad de los ceibos" de Pablo Aguirrezabal

Fallo del jurado de la Sección Documental:

Integrado por: Nelson Carro y Luis Elbert

Mejor Documental

Premio compartido para:

El mundo global visto de acá: "Milton Santos" de Silvio Tendler (Brasil)

Rapsodias balcánicas: "Serbia y Kosovo" de Jeff Daniel Silva (Estados Unidos)

Fallo del Jurado de Signis-Uruguay (ex OCIC), Asociación Católica para la Comunicación.

Integrado por: Nils Helander, Enrique Crosignani y Carla Lima

Premio Signis:

"Luz silenciosa" de Carlos Reygadas (México)

Fallos del jurado de Fipresci (Federación internacional de Prensa de Cine)

Integrado por : Miguel Blanco, Andrés Caro Berta, Sergio Moreira, Fernando Palumbo, y Alberto Postiglioni.

Mejor película del Festival:

"El parque" de Yin Licuan (China)

Mejor filme iberoamericano:

"Luz silenciosa" de Carlos Reygadas (México)

Mejor Opera Prima:

"El parque" de Yin Licuan (China)

Mención:

"La muchacha de la laguna" de Andrea Malaioli (italia)

Fallo del Jurado de la Sección Largometrajes de Ficción

Integrado por: Jorge Jellinek, Carlos Oroño y Rosalba Oxandabarat

Mejor Ópera Prima:

"Medusas" de Edgar Keret y Shira Geffen (Israel).

Mejor Película Latinoamericana:

"Estomago" de Marcos Jorge (Brasil).

Premio especial a la calidad artística:

"Luz silenciosa" de Carlos Reygadas (México).

Mejor Película para:

"My Winnipeg" de Guy Maddin (Canadá).

Award Winners for the 2008 Alès Film Festival

Mon, 31 Mar 2008 02:11:00 PST

La compétition : les Jurys

Le Jury de la 24° compétition:

Bruno Danan, réalisateur, lauréat de la compétition 2007 avec Bonne nuit Malik.

Andrew Kötting, réalisateur, scénariste, et comédien.

Alexandra Lamy, comédienne (Au Suivant, On va s’aimer…).

Michelange Quay, réalisateur (Mange, ceci est mon corps), mention spéciale à Alès en 2006 pour L’Évangile du cochon créole.

Le Jury Sacem: Guy Lukowski, guitariste classique, compositeur, il a joué avec Jean Wiener,

Astor Piazzolla, Ennio Morriconne.

Gilles Marc Dardenne, pianiste de jazz, il a joué avec Sunny Murray, Byard Lancaster,

Archie Shepp et a donné le premier ciné concert du Festival, en 1995.

Jérôme Hauffman, compositeur.

Le Jury de l’option cinéma audiovisuel Composé d’élèves de la classe de 1ère option CAV du lycée Jean-Baptiste Dumas :

Typhaine Augusto, Douania Jauneaud, Hélène Mathieu, Charles Huck, Jonathan Lanau.

La compétition : le Palmarès

Prix décerné par le public

Prix du public : "Surprise!"

réalisateur Fabrice Maruca

1500 € offerts par la région Languedoc-Roussillon

Prix décernés par le jury de la 24° compétition

Grand prix du jury: "Taxi Wala"

réalisateur: Lola Frederich

2500 € offerts par la fondation Groupama Gan pour le cinéma

Prix spécial du jury: "Songes d’une femme de ménage" réalisateur: Banu Akseki

1000 € de prestation offerts par Titra films

Prix décerné par le jury Sacem

Prix de la musique originale : Patrice Sanchez

Prix de la musique originale : pour la musique de "Pièces détachées"

1500 € offerts par la Sacem

Prix décerné par CINECINEMA

Prix Ciné court: "Pièces détachées"

réalisateur: Sébastien Drouin

Achat des droits de diffusion pour CINECINEMA

Prix décerné par le jury de l’option cinéma

Prix de l’option audiovisuel: "Songes d’une femme de ménage"

réalisateur: Banu Akseki

Mention de l’option audiovisuel : "Le Genre Humain"

réalisateur: Patrick Bossard

Prix de l’École des Mines

Prix de l’École des Mines: "Surprise!"

réalisateur: Fabrice Maruca

2008 Awards for the Creteil International Festival of Women's Films

Mon, 31 Mar 2008 01:49:00 PST

GRAND JURY PRIZE

Best Fiction Film: "Mainline"

directed by: Rakhshan Bani-Etemad & Mohsen Abdolvahab - Iran

PRIX DOCS LYCEENS

Best documentary: "A côté"

directed by: Stéphane Mercurio

AUDIENCE AWARDS

Best Fiction Film: "Hidden Faces"

directed by: Handan Ipekçi - Turkey/Germany

Best Documentary: "Babel Caucase toujours!"

directed by: Mylène Sauloy - France

Best French Short Film: "Ata"

directed by: Cagla Zencirci & Guillaume Giovanetti - France

Best Foreign Short Film: "Hush"

directed by: Dena Curtis - Australia

BEAUMARCHAIS ASSOCIATION AWARD

Best French-Speaking Short Film: "Sarah"

directed by: Kadija Leclere (Belgium)

‘Graine de Cinéphage’ JURY AWARD: "Maati Maay"

directed by: Chitra Palekar - India

CANAL + AWARD: "Un hombre Tranquilo"

directed by: Arantzazu Gomez Bayon - Espagne

UNIVERSITY PARIS XII JURY AWARD

Best European Short Film: "Milan"

directed by: Michaela Kezele - Serbia/Germany

Special Mention to: "Ela"

directed by: Silvana Aguirre - United-Kingdom

SCREENPLAY AWARD

IN ASSOCIATION WITH LE MANUSCRIT

"Tombée des nues"

directed by: Stéphanie de Mareuil

FRESNES WOMEN AWARD: "Juste une heure"

directed by: Virginie Peignien - France

"Ata"

directed by: Cagla Zencirci & Guillaume Giovanetti - France

Award WInners Announced for the 2008 San Francisco International Asian American Film Festival

Mon, 31 Mar 2008 01:43:00 PST

The 26th SFIAAFF is proud to announce its 2008 award winners in the categories of Best Narrative Feature and Best Documentary Feature.

Narrative Competition

The Best Narrative Award is presented to the best feature-length narrative film by or about Asian Americans and Asian Canadians, as selected by a three-person jury that included independent filmmaker and playwright Philip Gotanda, Gina Kwon, independent producer of projects including Miranda July’s "You and me and Everyone We Know," and Academy Award winning screenwriter Iris Yamashita.

This year’s Narrative Competition consisted of 9 exciting new films, including 5 world premieres, that took on issues ranging from love and sex to table tennis. These films provoke, entertain and exhibit some of the best in Asian American cinema.

Congratulations to "Amal," by director Richie Mehta, winner of this year’s Best Narrative Award.

In this remarkable film debut, the director demonstrates an uncannily mature command of craft, story-telling and direction. In telling this classic tale of morality, the director has created a perfectly pitched film, full of wonderfully understated performances and subtly beautiful moments.

For the Narrative Competition Special Jury Prize, the jurors felt there were two films equally deserving the award. Both presented the best of independent filmmaking: the telling of stories full of heart and honesty; the dedication to portraying authentic worlds; and the commitment to their specific visions.

Congratulations to "Always Be Boyz," directed by Johnny Kwon, and Santa Mesa, directed by Ron Morales, this year’s Special Jury Prize winners in the Narrative Competition.

Documentary Competition

The Best Documentary Award is presented to the best feature-length documentary film by or about Asian Americans or Asian Canadians, as selected by a three-person jury that included Kathryn Lo, Associate Director of Program Development and Independent Film at PBS, Stanley Nelson, Bay Area-based documentary filmmaker, and Celine Parrenas Shimizu, Associate Professor of Asian American, Film and Women’s Studies at UC Santa Barbara.

This year’s Documentary Competition included seven documentaries that explored some of the most pressing and intriguing issues in Asian America. Far-reaching, personal, uplifting and thought-provoking, these select films prove themselves heavy contenders in the genre of documentary filmmaking.

Congratulations to "Planet B-Boy," directed by Benson Lee, this year’s Best Documentary Award winner.

"Planet B-Boy" combines form and content to tell a story that is constantly entertaining and exciting. A story that gets at universal truths while dancing it’s way to our hearts.

For the Documentary Competition Special Jury Prize, the jury chose a film that tells the story of Kamikaze pilots during WWII in a way that is both universal and personnel. A film that brilliantly uses archival footage, animation and interviews to tell this harrowing and remarkable story.

Congratulations to "Wings of Defeat," directed by Risa Morimoto, winner of this year’s Special Jury Prize in the Documentary Competition.

Award Winners Announced for 2008 Aubagne International Film Festival

Mon, 31 Mar 2008 12:57:00 PST

The jurys of the 9th edition of Aubagne International Film Festival, devoted to young creation, have awarded 18 prizes among which 2 Grands Prix for a best musical creation.

The Grand Prix of the short film competition for a best musical score goes the composer Gilles ALONZO for «Les Miettes» by Pierre PINAUD (France). The jury was seduced by «the narrative quality of its score which celebrates the link between music and cinema».

The Grand Prix for a best musical score for a feature is awarded to Tom HOLKENBERG for the feature «Blind» by Tamar Van den Dop which seduced the jury for «the quality of the composition and interpretation, which is completely part of the story telling».

Feature Film Competition

Grand Prix of the best original music score doted with 2 000€, awarded to the dutch composer Tom Holkenberg, also know as Junkie XL, for "Blind" by Tamar van den Dop - Hollande, Belgique, Bulgarie - 2007 - Fiction - 1st feature film

Best Feature Film: "Continental, un film sans fusil"

Directed by: Stéphane Lafleur - Québec 2007 - Fiction - for its «artistic and human qualities, and its achieved approach»

Special mention of the Jury «for originality and creative work» to: "La Antena" (Telepolis)

Directed by: Esteban Sapir - Argentine - 2007 - Fiction - 2nd feature film.

Short film competition Great Prize for a best music doted with 3000€ (1 500€ going to the composer and 1 500€ to the director): Gilles Alonzo for "Les Miettes by Pierre Pinaud"

Special Mention of the Jury for SOUND DESIGN:

Tiffany Veys and Kris van Roy for the film "Administrators" by Roman Klochkov - Belgium - 2006 - 2nd film

Best Fiction doted with 750€: "Alterego"

Directed by: Ferenc Sebö - Hungary - 2006 - Fiction - 2nd film

Special mention for a fiction: "Galerianki"

Directed by: Kasia Roslaniec - Poland - 2007 - Fiction - 1st film

Special Mention of the Jury for best directing: "Sexy thing"

Directed by: Denie Pentecost - Australia - 2006 - Fiction - 1st film

Special Mention of the Jury for best script

ex-aequo: "Fereshtegan dar khak mimirand"

Directed by: Babak Amini - Iran - 2007 - Fiction - 1st film and "Roads by Lior Geller" - Israël - 2007 - Fiction - 1st film

Special Mention for Humur: "Tony Zoreil"

Directed by: Valentin Potier - France - 2007 - Fiction - 1st film

Best documentary doted with 750€: "Raghs haye talayee"

Directed by: Ali Kalantari - Iran - 2006 - Documentary - 2nd film

Special mention: "Un déchet parmi d'autres"

Directed by: Sébastien Pierre - France - 2007 - Documentary - 1st film

Best Animation doted with 750€: "Liebeskrank"

Directed by: Spela Cadez - Germany/Slovénia - 2007 - 1st film

Best Expérimental doted with 750€: "Under construction" by Zhenchen Liu - France - 2007 - Documentary - 3rd film

OFQJ prize for Soundtrack: Gilles ALONZO composer of the film "Les Miettes"

Directed by: Pierre Pinaud

Audience Prize voted by the audience during the short film night, doted with 750€ by the newspaper Zibeline: "Fini de rire"

Directed by: Pénélope Bagieu - France - 2006 - 1st film

College jury prize

"Mr Schwartz, Mr Hazem & Mr Horlocker"

Directed by: Stefan Müller - Germany - 2006 - 1st film

12th SIRAR grant: Pierre DAIGNIÈRE (Paris) for the script «L’âge adulte »received the 12th SIRAR Grant. He wins a grant of 22 000€, doted by the city of Aubagne and the Regional Council of Paca. He will also enjoy different help from a network of partners : Groupe de Recherche d’Essais Cinématographiques (GREC), Régie Culturelle Régionale, the Département des Sciences, Arts et Techniques de l’Image et du Son (Satis) de l’Université de Provence à Aubagne, France 3, Fujifilm).

Moreover, a jury composed by the Céfédem Sud chose 3 composers : Valerio SANNICADRO (Paris), Alireza FARHANG (Paris) et Jonathan BELL (Parisamong who the young director will choose the author who will compose his film's music. This one will receive a grant of 2 000 € offered by SACEM.

Award Winners for the 2008 Guadalajara International Film Festival

Mon, 31 Mar 2008 12:21:00 PST

After eight days of screenings, seminars, homages and special events, the festival came to an end and the winners of the 23rd edition of the Guadalajara International Film Festival were announced on Friday 14th during a Press Conference that took place at 1:30 pm at the Fiesta Americana Hotel.

The list of winners for each category are:

IBERO-AMERICAN FICTION FEATURE FILMS

BEST FILM: "14 KILÓMETROS"

Directed by: Gerardo Olivares (Spain)

SPECIAL JURY MENTION: Ishtar Yasin (Costa Rica) for "EL CAMINO"

SPECIAL JURY AWARD: "A OUTRA MARGEM"

Directed by: Luis Filipe Rocha (Portugal)

BEST FIRST FEATURE: "EL BAÑO DEL PAPA"

Directed by: César Charlone & Enrique Fernández (Uruguay/Brazil/France)

BEST DIRECTOR: Eliseo Subiela (Argentina) for "NO MIRES PARA ABAJO"

BEST SCREENPLAY: "MATAHARIS"

Directed by: Icíar Bollaín & Tatiana Rodríguez (Spain)

BEST ACTOR: Marlon Moreno (Colombia) for "PERRO COME PERRO"

BEST ACTRESS: María d’Aires (Portugal) for "A OUTRA MARGEM"

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY: Pedro Farkas (Brazil) for "OS DESAFINADOS"

SELECTION FOR THE GOLDEN GLOBE® AWARDS 2009:

"EL BAÑO DEL PAPA"

Directed by: César Charlone & Enrique Fernández (Uruguay/Brazil/France)

"OS DESAFINADOS"

Directed by: Walter Lima Jr. (Brazil)

MEXICAN FICTION FEATURE FILMS:

BEST FEATURE FILM: "DESIERTO ADENTRO"

Directed by: Rodrigo Plá.

BEST FIRST FEATURE: "CONOZCA LA CABEZA DE JUAN PÉREZ"

Directed by: Emilio Portes.

BEST DIRECTOR: Fernando Eimbcke for "LAKE TAHOE"

BEST SCREENPLAY: Rodrigo Plá & Laura Santullo by "DESIERTO ADENTRO"

BEST ACTOR: Mario Zaragoza for "DESIERTO ADENTRO"

BEST ACTRESS: Dolores Heredia for "ENEMIGOS ÍNTIMOS, CONOZCA LA CABEZA DE JUAN PÉREZ" & "DESIERTO ADENTRO"

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY:

Serguei Saldívar Tanaka for DESIERTO ADENTRO

MEZCAL AWARD: "DESIERTO ADENTRO" by Rodrigo Plá.

AUDIENCE AWARD: "DESIERTO ADENTRO" by Rodrigo Plá.

PRE-SELECTION FOR THE GOLDEN GLOBE® AWARDS -2009: "LAKE TAHOE"

Directed by: Fernando Eimbcke.

"DESIERTO ADENTRO"

Directed by: Rodrigo Plá.

DOCUMENTARY

BEST IBERO-AMERICAN DOCUMENTARY:"STRANDED: VENGO DE UN AVIÓN QUE CAYÓ EN LAS MONTAÑAS"

Directed by: Gonzalo Arijón (Uruguay/Spain/France).

SPECIAL JURY MENTION: "LUCIO"

Directed by: Aitor Arregi & José Mari Goenaga (Spain)

BEST MEXICAN DOCUMENTARY: "TRAZANDO ALEIDA"

Directed by: Christiane Bukhard.

SPECIAL JURY MENTION: "NIÑO FIDENCIO… DE ROMA A ESPINAZO"

Directed by: Juan Farre.

SHORT FILMS

BEST IBERO-AMERICAN SHORT FILM: "DIENTE POR OJO"

Directed by: Eivind Holmboe “Salmón” (Spain).

BEST MEXICAN SHORT FILM: "CAFÉ PARAÍSO"

Directed by: Alonso Ruizpalacios.

BEST ANIMATION: "JACINTA"

Directed by: Karla Castañeda (Mexico).

SPECIAL MENTION IBERO-AMERICAN SHORT: "UN RAMO"

Directed by: Juliana Rojas & Marco Dutra (Brazil).

SPECIAL MENTION MEXICAN SHORT: "PRIMER MOVIMIENTO PARA 20 HOMBRES EN UN CUARTO VACÍO"

Directed by: Gabriel Herrera.

TVE AWARD: "LATINOS"

Directed by: Víctor Gaviria (Colombia)

FEISAL AWARD: "SIETE INSTANTES"

Directed by: Diana Cardozo (Mexico).

FIPRESCI AWARD: "EL CAMINO"

Directed by: Ishtar Yasin (Costa Rica)

AUDIENCE OF THE FUTURE AWARD: "ÁNGELES S.A."

Directed by: Eduard Bosch (Spain)

GUADALAJARA CONSTRUYE:

NEW ART DIGITAL PRIZE: "VEDADO"

Directed by: Asori Soto & Magdiel Aspillaga (Cuba).

SWISS EFFECTS PRIZE: "CRÓNICAS CHILANGAS" Directed by: Carlos Enrique Enderle Peña (Mexico).

LATINOFUSION PRIZE: "CRÓNICAS CHILANGAS"

Directed by: Carlos Enrique Enderle Peña (Mexico).

ASTRO ESTUDIO PRIZE: "CRÓNICAS CHILANGAS"

Directed by: Carlos Enrique Enderle Peña (Mexico).

CHURUBUSCO PRIZE: "CRÓNICAS CHILANGAS"

Directed by: Carlos Enrique Enderle Peña (Mexico).

SIGNIS-OCLACC PRIZE: "VEDADO"

Directed by: Asori Soto & Magdiel Aspillaga (Cuba).

THE LIFT PRIZE: "CRÓNICAS CHILANGAS"

Directed by: Carlos Enrique Enderle Peña (Mexico).

"VEDADO"

Directed by: Asori Soto & Magdiel Aspillaga (Cuba).

TITRA CALIFORNIA PRIZE: "CRÓNICAS CHILANGAS"

Directed by: Carlos Enrique Enderle Peña (Mexico).

"VEDADO"

Directed by: Asori Soto & Magdiel Aspillaga (Cuba).

Award Winners for the 2008 Hong Kong Independent Short Film & Video Awards

Mon, 24 Mar 2008 11:37:00 PST

Hurray, creative talents! More than 20 local and Asian directors have just received prizes from the 13th Hong Kong Independent Short Film and Video Awards (ifva) and are prepared to radiate their creative energies in the

city and around the world.

The ifva is the most active promoter of creative media in Hong Kong and Asia.

From this year’s ifva award-winning works, one can see the diversity of styles and possibilities of “Moving the Images.” “Merry X’mas” by the Open Category Gold award winner AU Man-kit Jevons, as the jury Elaine Chow said, “is genuine and rather touching” showing the ordeal of poverty on a little girl. “A very direct way of letting viewers feel the problems of the blind and the response they elicit” as commented by the jury Chan Pik-yu.

“Voice in the Darkness” by Lee Ka-wai and Lau Chui-ting, Gold award winners of the Youth Category, brings the audience to the darkness through lens.

Leong Suet-yan Cherry reveals her great potential in joining the rapid-growing local animation field with her Gold-awarded work “The Hole” using paper-cutting techniques with a “delightful surprise” (commented by the jury Lo Che-ying Neco).

Isfansyah Ifa from Indonesia impresses the jury of the Asian New Force Category with his highly stylized work “Half Teaspoon.”

Suwichakornpong Anocha from Thailand plays around with the real and the fabricated real with respects to the ontology of filmmaking in his work “Jai.”

The full list of Awards include:

Single-Screen-Based Interactive Media Category-

Gold Award: "With hold"

Silver Award: "Alliance"

Director: kWONG Wing-fat

and "Rubbing Tool"

Director: KWOK Yu-ho, CHAN Wai-yu

Special Mention: "Pixsonic Playground"

Director: CHEUNG Hon-him, LAM Chi-fai, Jason

Animation Category-

Gold Award: "The Hole"

Director: LEONG Suet-yan, Cherry

Silver Award: "Link"

Director: CHUI Chun-yu, CHAN Wai-yee

Special Mention

The Red Buds

Director: LEUNG Man-ki

and "Wisdom Tree"

Director: HO Man-kit, TSUI Ka-hei, TSUI Ka-long, CHAN Siu-chung

Open Category-

Gold Award: "Merry X’mas"

Director: AU Man-kit, Jevons

Silver Award: Wong Tsz Ching in "Search for Wong Tsz Ching"

Director: WONG Tsz-ching

and The Young Dream

Director: CHOW Tze-chun, LAI On-ching

Special Mention: "Variable"

Director: WONG Wai-kit

Youth Category-

Gold Award: "Voice in the Darkness"

Director: LEE Ka-wai, LAU Chui-ting

Silver Award: "Family"

Director: HONG Chun-wai, LAM Chi-Kin, CHAN Fu-lim, TANG Ho-man

Special Mention: "GameLive"

Director: FONG Ching-kui

and "Lost View"

Director: CHAN Kai-lun, CHAN Shun-wa

"Deliverance"

Director: KWAN Tsz-wai, Alan

Asian New Force Category-

Grand Prize: "Half Teaspoon"

Director: ISFANSYAH Ifa

"Jia"

Director: SUWICHAKORNPONG Anocha

Special Mention: "Bare"

Director: Santana ISSAR

The Independent Short Film and Video Awards (ifva), hosted annually by the Hong Kong Arts Centre, has been actively promoting innovative creative media since 1995. In addition to supporting short film, video, and interactive media, ifva also organizes pre- and post-award activities to enhance public awareness of creative media and encourage media interaction. Committed to developing local indie talent, ifva seeks to break new ground and push the boundaries of innovation and creativity.

Award Winners for the 2008 Tiburon International Film Festival

Mon, 24 Mar 2008 10:52:00 PST

Best Film: "The Yellow House"

directed by: Amor Hakkar [Algeria]

Best Director: Zoltan Kamondi for "Dolina" [Hungary]

Best Actor: Jan Decleir for "A Perfect Match" [Belgium]

Best Actress: Minnie Driver for "Take" [US]

Best Documentary: "Behind Forgotten Eyes" directed by:

Anthony Gilmore [US/Korea/Japan]

Best Cinematography: Lazlo Kovacs for "Torn from the Flag" [Hungary]

Humanitarian Award: "Welcome Europa"

directed by: Bruno Ulmer [France]

Best Musical: "The Samba Poet"

directed by: Ricardo Van Steen [Brazil]

Best Short: "Julieta"

directed by: Raul Antonio Caballero Carreto [Mexico]

Best Music Video: "Gone"

directed by: Andrew Watson [US]

Best Dance Short Film: "The Rain"

directed by: Pontus Lidberg [Sweden]

Best Animation: "One Night in a City"

directed by: Jan Baledj [Czech Republic]

Best Sports Film: "Row Hard, No Excuses"

directed by: Luke Wolbach [US]

Federico Fellini Award: Miaoyan Zhang for "Xiaolin Xiaoli" [China]

Orson Wells Award: "In the Name of the Son" directed by: Harun Mehmedinovic [US]

Best Experimental Film: "Agnieszka 2039"

directed by: Martin Gauvreau [UK]

Best Student Film: "The Vaudevillian"

directed by: Bryan Nest [US]

Best Comedy: "American Fork"

directed by: Chris Bowman [US]

Best Children’s Film: "The Flyboys"

directed by: Rocco DeVilliers [US]

Audience Choice Award: "Spine Tingler"

directed by: Jeffery Schwarz [US]

2008 REGARD – Saguenay International Short Film Festival Awards Announced

Tue, 18 Mar 2008 05:21:00 PST

International Grand Prize

$4000 in cash offered by Promotion Saguenay

"Don't let it all unravel"

Directed by: Sarah Cox

animated film (United Kingdom)

National Grand Prize

$3000 in cash offered by Rio Tinto Alcan

"Mon nom est Victor Gazon"

Directed by: Patrick Gazé

fiction film (Quebec)

Public's Prize:

$1000 in cash offered by Ville de Saguenay

J'viendrai t'chercher

Directed by: Sophie Dupuis

fiction film (Quebec)

Special Prize "Coup de coeur Bravo!FACT"

$5000 in cash offered by CTVglobemedia Bravo!FACT (Foundation to Assist Canadien Talent)

"I met The Walrus"

Directed by: Josh Raskin

animated film (Ontario)

Best Director Prize

$1000 in cash offered by the Association of Directors of Quebec (ARRQ) and an acquisition for broadcast by Télé-Québec

"Madame Tutli-Putli"

Directed by: Chris Lavis and Maciek Szczerbowski

animated film (Canada)

Best Scenario Prize

$1000 in cash offered by the SARTEC (Société des auteurs de Radio, Télévision et Cinéma)

"J'viendrai t'chercher"

Directed by: Sophie Dupuis

fiction film (Quebec)

"Tourner à tout Prix!" Prize

$15000 in cash offered by Spirafilm

"Un an déjà"

Directed by: Claudia Chabot

fiction film (Quebec)

Special mention - awarded by the professional jury:

"Un dimanche à 105 ans"

Directed by: Daniel Léger

documentary film (Canada)

Special mention - awarded by the public jury:

"John and Karen"

Directed by: Matthew Walker

animated film (United Kingdom)

Award Winners Announced for the 2008 Bergamo Film Meeting

Tue, 18 Mar 2008 04:58:00 PST

The three "Rosa Camuna" awarded by the audience of Bergamo Film Meeting go to:

GOLDEN ROSA CAMUNA: "MIEHEN TYO"(Un lavoro da uomo)

Directed by: Aleksi Salmenpera, Finland 2007

SILVER ROSA CAMUNA: "GOODNIGHT IRENE" (Buonanotte Irene)

Directed by: Paolo Marinou-Blanco, Portugal 2007

BRONZE ROSA CAMUNA EX AEQUO: "TAJNOSTI" (Segreti)

Directed by: Alice Nellis, Czech Republic 2007

and "PRZEBACZ" (Perdono)

Directed by: Marek Stracharski, Poland 2006

PREMIO CORAZON WINNERS- 15th ANNIVERSARY SAN DIEGO LATINO FILM FESTIVAL 2008

Tue, 18 Mar 2008 12:56:00 PST

Media Arts Center San Diego’s 15th Anniversary San Diego Latino Film Festival 2008 closed this past Sunday, March 15th to record-breaking crowds; attended by 18,833 people, premiered 166 films and hosted over 100 special guest actors and directors for its’ 2008 edition”, announced Ethan van Thillo, Executive Director and Founder of Media Arts Center San Diego.

Media Arts Center San Diego’s 15th Anniversary San Diego Latino Film Festival is proud to announce this year’s Premio Corazon winners: State Farm Insurance Best Narrative Feature: "La Zona" (Dir. Rodrigo Pla, Mexico), Best Documentary Feature: "Calavera Highway" (Dir. Renee Tajima-Pena, U.S.A.), Best Narrative Short: "La Quela" (Dir. Liz Lobato, Spain), Best Documentary Short: "Fuego de Angel" (Dir. Marcelo Bukin, U.S.A./Peru), Best Local Work: Sleep (Dir. Omar de Leon, U.S.A.), Best Student Work: "La Quinceanera" (Dir. Adam Taub, U.S.A.), Best Experimental Work: "Magnavoz" (Dir. Jesse Lerner, U.S.A./Mexico), Nickelodeon Best Animation Short: "Tyger" (Dir. Guilherme Marcondes, Brazil), Best Animation Feature: "Nocturna" (Dir. Adrian Garcia, Spain), Best Youth Work: "America’s Invisible Backbone – Rights vs. Limitations" (Educational Video Center , U.S.A.), Audience Award: "El Brindis" (Dir. Shai Agosin, Chile).

Jury members for the Best Narrative Feature and Best Documentary Feature categories included: Federico Luppi, Gaston Pauls, Leo Ricciardi, Jose Yenque, Almudena Carrecedo, Paul Espinosa, Sal Lopez, and Sonia Gonzalez.

Descriptions on the award-winning films and all of the participating special guests and films can be found at www.sdlatinofilm.com.

Cleveland International FIlm Festival Announces 2008 Award Winners

Tue, 18 Mar 2008 12:51:00 PST

Audience Award Winner for Best Film:

"One Bad Cat: The Reverend Albert Wagner Story"

Directed by Thomas G. Miller, USA

Runners-Up:

"Young@Heart"

Directed by Stephen Walker, United Kingdom and USA

"Bliss"

Directed by Abdullah Oguz, Turkey and Greece

"Iron Ladies of Liberia"

Directed by Daniel Junge and Siatta Scott Johnson, USA and Liberia

"Under the Same Moon"

Directed by Patricia Riggen, USA and Mexico

"She's a Boy I Knew"

Directed by Gwen Haworth, Canada

The Greg Gund Memorial Standing Up Film Competition:

"Iron Ladies of Liberia"

Directed by Daniel Junge and Siatta Scott Johnson, USA and Liberia

Central and Eastern European Film Competition:

"Travelling with Pets"

Directed by Vera Storozheva, Russia

The Nesnadny + Schwartz Documentary Film Competition:

"Out of Time"

Directed by Harald Friedl, Austria

The Time Warner American Spirit Award:

"Under the Same Moon"

Directed by Patricia Riggen, USA and Mexico

The Clover and Maggie Award- Celebration of Life:

"Tripe and Onions" - Winner

Directed by Marton Szirmai

"The Job" - Honorable Mention

Directed by Jonathan Browning

The Spalding Award- Celebration of Joy

"The Substitute" - Winner

Directed by Andrea Jublin

"El Regalo" (The Gift) - Honorable Mention

Directed by Stuart Altman

Process Award for Visual Excellence:

"God Only Knows" - Winner

Directed by Mark V. Reyes, USA

Jesse Epstein Humanitarian Award

"Salim Baba"

Directed by Tim Stern, USA

Best Live Action Short Film Award:

"Bitch" - Winner

Directed by Lilah Vandenburgh

"Hesitation" - Honorable Mention

Directed by Virginia Gilbert

Best Documentary Short Film Award:

"The Tribe"

Directed by Tiffany Shlain

Best Short Animated Film Award:

"I Met the Walrus"

Directed by Josh Raskin

Best Ohio Short Film Award:

"Make a Wish"

Directed by Cherien Dabis

Best International Short Film Award:

"Fair Trade" - Winner

Directed by Michael Dreher

"Soft" - Honorable Mention

Directed by Simon Ellis

Best Women's Short Film Awardl:

"Plus or Minus: A Few Things I Thought I Should Consider"

Directed by Amanda Sweikow

Best LGBT Short Film Award:

"The Knockout"

Directed by Trevor White

The Cleveland State University Audience Choice Award:

"Conviction: The True Story of Clarence Elkins"

Directed by Mike West, USA

Sofia International Film Festival Announces 2008 Award Winners

Tue, 18 Mar 2008 12:31:00 PST

GRAND PRIX For best film in the International Competition

SOFIA FILM FESTIVAL GRAND PRIX FOR BEST FILM in the international competition goes to "THE MERMAID" (Rusia) directed by ANNA MElIKYAN .

The award is given for its achievements in art direction, cinematography, decoupage production, acting and it’s play for energy and invention.

The award includes a diploma and EUR 5000

SPECIAL JURY AWARD

For film in the International Competition (diploma)

THE SPECIAL MENTION AWARD goes to “Bird can’t fly” (The Netherlands- South Africa- UK) directed by THREES ANNA for creating a unique and magical world the jury awards a Special Mention to the “Bird can’t fly”.

AWARD FOR BEST DIRECTOR PROVIDED BY CADILLAC

For film in the International Competition (diploma and a prize of 1000 Euro)

THE CADILAC AWARD FOR BEST DIRECTING goes to director Stefan Arsenijevic for his film “LOVE AND OTHER CRIMES”( Serbia-Germany-Austria-Slovenia) for the humanity and lyricism of his style.

KODAK AWARD FOR BEST BULGARIAN FEATURE FILM

(diploma, a trophy, film negative and laboratory services amounted of 4000 USD, provided by Kodak)

JAMESON SHORT FILM AWARD FOR BEST BULGARIAN SHORT FILM

THE JAMESON AWARD FOR A BULGARIAN SHORT FILM goes to "Family Therapy" directed by PETAR VALCHANOV. Of all the short films that jury saw they narrowed the choice down to three films. They very much liked “The Third Floor” and “The go – Between”, but the winner, for its combination of dark humor and dramatic intensity is “Family Therapy.”

The award consists of a diploma, a statuette and EUR 6000 provided by JAMESON Irish Whiskey.

AUDIENCE AWARD

(provided by Sofia Municipality)

Audience award goes to "THE WORLD IS BIG AND SALVATION LURKS AROUND THE CORNER" directed by Stephan Komandarev

NO MAN’S LAND AWARD FOR BEST BALKAN FILM

THE BEST BALKAN FILM AWARD NO MAN’S LAND is presented by the Bulgarian Film Critics’ Guild to “4 months, 3 weeks and 2 days” directed by Cristian Mungiu.

The award is a diploma and a box of No Man’s Land.

FIPRESCI AWARD

The Jury of FIPRESSI consisting of

Leo Soesanto - ( France)

Kerem Akca – ( Turkey)

Antonia Kovacheva – ( Bulgaria) handed out its award to

film "SEAMSTRESSES" (Bulgaria) and director LUDMIL TODOROV.

The award is given because the film is a honest and refreshing story about broken dreams and beauty of hope in modern Bulgaria, filmed in a modern Bulgaria, filmed in a classical neat way.

Award WInners Announced for the 2008 Tampere Film Festival

Tue, 18 Mar 2008 11:24:00 PST

The winner of the International Competition of Tampere Film Festival was "Madame Tutli-Putli," an animated film by Chris Lavis and Maciek Szczerbowski. Madame Tutli-Putli also got the award for Best Animation and the Audience Award of the international series.

The animation that has been the topic of raging debates in Finland, "The Butterfly from Ural," was awarded the prize of the Best Finnish Animation. Director Katariina Lillqvist thinks that the prize will silence the debates down a little. After the film festival, "The Butterfly from Ural" will be screened in Helsinki and in Niagara cinema in Tampere. The film will also tour film festivals abroad.

"Palna's Daughters" by Kiti Luostarinen was the winner of Risto Jarva Prize, and "The Life Size Zoetrope" by Mark Simon Hewis was awarded the Main Prize of the LAB1O Competition. "René" by Swiss Tobias Nölle was chosen as the Best Fiction, and the Best Documentary was "Bidcatcher" by Pim Zwier and Marc Schmidt from the Netherlands. "The Pearce Sisters" by Luis Cook got the Prix UIP Prize.

2008 SXSW Film Announces Festival Winners

Tue, 18 Mar 2008 09:03:00 PST

2008 edition of the SXSW Film Festival.

Jury Awards

REEL SHORTS

Special Jury Award - "The Second Line,"

Director: John Magary.

Winner - (Tie) "Warlord,"

Director: David Garrett &

"Small Apartment,"

Director: Andrew T. Betzer

ANIMATED SHORTS

Special Jury Award - "I hate you don't touch me or Bat and Hat,"

Director: Becky James

Winner - "Madame Tulti-Putli,"

Director: Chris Lavis & Maciek Szczerbowski

EXPERIMENTAL SHORTS

Special Jury Award - "Upwards March,"

Director: Kaveh Nabatian

Winner - "Safari,"

Director: Catherine Chalmers

SXSW WHOLPHIN AWARD

Winner - "Glory at Sea,"

Director: Benjamin Zeitlin

MUSIC VIDEOS

Special Jury Award - (TIE) Group Sounds, 'Temporarily in Love,'

Director: Randy Scott Slavin &

Cornelius, 'Fit Song,'

Directors: Keigo Oyamada & Koichiro Tsujikawa

Winner - TV on the Radio," 'Me-I,'

Directors: Mixtape Club & Daniel Garcia

TEXAS HIGH SCHOOL COMPETITION

Special Jury Award - "Inflections,"

Director: Matthew Campbell

Winner - "Picnic,"

Director: Wesley Bronez

ON NETWORKS GREENLIGHT AWARD

Best Original Production - "The Guild,"

Director: Jane Selle Morgan

Best Original Series Idea - "Knock Off,"

Written: Brandi-Ann Milbradt

DOCUMENTARY FEATURE

Special Jury Award - "Full Battle Rattle,"

Directors: Tony Gerber & Jesse Moss

Grand Jury Award - "They Killed Sister Dorothy,"

Director: Daniel Junge

NARRATIVE FEATURE

Special Jury Award for Cinematography - "Explicit Ills,"

Director: Mark Webber

Special Jury Award for Best Ensemble Cast - "Up With Me,"

Director: Greg Takoudes

Grand Jury Award - "Wellness,"

Director: Jake Mahaffy

Audience Awards

EMERGING VISIONS

Winner - "In a Dream,"

Director: Jeremiah Zagar

DOCUMENTARY FEATURE

Winner - "They Killed Sister Dorothy," Director: Daniel Junge

NARRATIVE FEATURE

Winner - "Explicit Ills,"

Director: Mark Webber

Award WInners Announced for the 2008 Fribourg International Film Festival

Mon, 17 Mar 2008 12:55:00 PST

GRAND PRIZE «LE REGARD D’OR»

«Le Regard d’Or» (Golden Gaze) or Grand Prize of the

Fribourg International Film Festival, consists of CHF

30,000, the State of Fribourg contributing CHF

20,000 and the Municipality of Fribourg, CHF 10,000.

This award is conferred on the director (CHF 20,000)

and the producer (CHF 10,000) of the winning film

designated by the International Jury.

The members of the International Jury of the 22nd

Fribourg International Film Festival are:

Celina Murga (president)

Hugues de Wurstemberger

Prune Engler

Michel Khleifi

Tobias Noelle

This award goes to: "Flower in the Pocket"

Directed by: Liew Seng Tat

Malaysia, 2007

The director managed to take a tender and poetic

look at a complex and rich particularity of his society,

without forgetting the cinematographic adventure.

SPECIAL MENTION: "Geomen Tangyi Sonyeo Oi" (With the Girl of Black Soil)

Directed by: Jeon Soo-il

South Korea / France, 2007

The International Jury awards a special mention to

"With the Girl of Black Soil" for the extraordinary

performance of the young actress who guides us

through her world of human misery.

SPECIAL JURY AWARD GRANTED BY THE SSA AND SUISSIMAGE

This award (CHF 5,000) is conferred by the Swiss

Authors Society (Societe Suisse des Auteurs – SSA)

and Suissimage on the director of the winning film

designated by the International Jury for inventiveness

in script and directing, for renewal of cinematographic

language or for thematic and formal audacity.

This award goes to: "El Camino"

Directed by: Ishtar Yasin

Costa Rica, 2008

The film draws its power from the thin line between

fiction and documentary, between poetry and reality.

THE SWISS OIKOCREDIT AWARD

This award, conferred by the International Jury,

amounts to 5,000 Swiss francs. Oikocredit grants

loans, especially micro credit, to the neediest, the

nonbankables, to give them at last a chance to grow.

Priority goes to groups for the realization of their fare

trade projects and to micro-finance institutions. In this

spirit, the prize is bestowed upon a male or female

producer whose financial support enabled a male or

female director to complete his or her first or second

long feature.

This award goes to: "He Fengming

Fengming, Chronicle of a Chinese Woman"

Directed by: Wang Bing

China, 2007

An exceptional and touching testimony, presented in

a minimal, daring and radical form.

AUDIENCE AWARD

This award (CHF 5,000) is bestowed by the Swiss

Federal Agency for Development and Cooperation on

the director of the film selected by the public.

This award goes to: "La Zona"

Directed by: Rodrigo Pla

Mexico, 2007

ECUMENICAL JURY AWARD

This award (CHF 5,000) is conferred jointly by two

organisations of development, «Action de Careme»

(Catholic) and «Pain pour le Prochain» (Protestant), to

the director whose film best reflects the values upon

which these two organizations are basing their

support of the struggle of poor populations in African,

Asian or Latin American countries. The Ecumenical

Jury is composed of a representative of the two

associations, and a representative each of the Swiss

Catholic Media Agency and the Protestant Cinema

Agency.

The members of the Ecumenical Jury of the 22nd

Fribourg International Film Festival are:

Jean-Michel Zucker (president)

Regine Luthy

Bernadette Meier

This award goes to: "El Camino"

Directed by: Ishtar Yasin

Costa Rica, 2008

This award goes to the film El Camino by Ishtar Yasin

for the universal nature of its denunciation of the

scourge called sexual child abuse and the silence that

surrounds it, by showing the courage and the

determination of a twelve year old girl and her mute

brother. With the sophistication of the subjective

image reflecting the children’s look at the enigmatic

adult world, the director tells a true tale without

pathos or vain pedagogy, the poetic transposition of

which is undertaken with purely cinematic means.

SPECIAL MENTION

"He Fengming Fengming, Chronicle of a Chinese Woman"

Directed by: Wang Bing

China, 2007

For the courageous restitution of half a century of

China’s Maoist history with a quite conceptional

cinematographic installation that depicts the painful

relationship of a woman with her personal history that

became a daily struggle. The exaltation of the

extreme richness of her emotions and notably of her

conjugal love adds a particular spark to this shattering

testimony.

THE FIPRESCI JURY AWARD

Conferred by the representatives of the International

Federation of the Cinematographic Press, this award

aims to promote cinema as an art and encourage

new, young cinematographers.

The members of the FIPRESCI Jury of the 22nd

Fribourg International Film Festival are:

Jose Carlos Avellar (president)

Lotfi Ben Khelifa

Malvina Grochowska

Claude Loser

Leo Soesanto

This award goes to: "Geomen Tangyi Sonyeo Oi" (With the Girl of Black Soil)

Directed by: Jeon Soo-il

South Korea / France, 2007

From a number of impressive films that let the

audience freely interpret their subject matter as they

were openly constructed, one was finally chosen – for

its humanistic and cinematographic qualities, for its

intelligent use of silence, elliptic narration and off-

screen information, the Jury decided to honour With

the Girl of Black Soil by Jeon Soo-il.

E-CHANGER AWARD

Conferred by E-CHANGER, a Fribourg-based agency

of North-South co-operation, this award (CHF 5,000)

is bestowed by the Youth Jury. Its aim is to

encourage the younger people to express themselves

at the festival, but also to give preference to a film that

takes into account the problems they encounter in

today’s world. It is bent on awakening students and

apprentices to the fact that, beyond entertainment,

cinema is an irreplaceable means to discover the

riches of other cultures and to learn tolerance and

justice.

The members of the E-CHANGER Jury of the 22nd

Fribourg International Film Festival are:

Shendra Stucki (president)

Aline Baeriswyl

Pablo Ferrari

David Muhlemann

Vincent Saerens

Julien Tannier

Katarina Tereh

This award goes to: "God Man Dog"

Directed by: Singing Chen

Taiwan, 2007

Many films would have deserved the award of the

Youth Jury, but we had to make a choice, and it was

not an easy one. After a long and passionate

discussion we decided to award the film "God Man

Dog," a Taiwanese fiction by Singing Chen.

We appreciated the originality of its script, its images

and its characters. The filmmaker managed to create

a specific mood that deeply touched us. The

presence of music increased the emotional power of

many scenes. The subtle humur added a lighter

touch to some of the sad situations of the film. The

film also embraces a number of different and universal

topics that everyone can identify with.

FICC «DON QUIJOTE AWARD»

The members of the IFFS (International Federation of

the Film Societies) are:

Regula Treichler (president)

Ursula Philipp-Schurmann

Christi Grunwald-Merz

This award goes to: "Geomen Tangyi Sonyeo Oi" (With the Girl of Black Soil)

Directed By: Jeon Soo-il

South Korea, 2007

The film depicts the family life of a nine year old girl,

living with her father and her mentally retarded brother

in a mining village. The growing responsibility for her

brother and her everyday life become unbearable: the

father loses his job at the mine and - after some

additional blows of fate - increasingly resorts to

alcohol. The maternal, caring attitude of the girl finally

leads to radical decisions.

The powerful images of the dying industrial landscape

reflect the story in an impressive way. The film delivers

a convincing and respectful representation of the

protagonists, whose integrity is never betrayed. At the

same time, the director has created a work of global

validity.

SPECIAL MENTION: "He Fengming Fengming, Chronicle of a Chinese Woman"

Directed by: Wang Bing

China, 2007

In deliberately static shots, this three hour

documentary creates enough space for seventy year

old Chinese woman He Fengming to talk about her

life and about her fate during the phases of cleansing.

We believe that this film deserves particular

recognition as a historic document and as a personal

testimony.

Award Winners Announced for the 2008 Byron Bay FIlm Festival

Mon, 17 Mar 2008 10:07:00 PST

The GreenhouseFX Best Animation Award: "The Tale of How"

Directed by: The Blackheart Gang

Best Cinematography Award: "Tanghi Argentini"

Directed by: Frank Van den Eeden

Best Documentary Award: "Indestructible"

Directed by: Ben Byer & Rebeccah Rush

The Byron At Byron Best Environmental Film Award: "Saving Luna"

Directed by:Suzanne Chisholm & Michael Parfit

The Frontline Best Experimental Film Award: "Tyger" Directed by: Guilherme Marcondes

The Bay FM Best Byron Bay Filmmaker Award: Mick Waters for "Believe"

BBFF08 Honorable Mention: "To Touch the Soul"

Directed by: Ryan Goble

Produced by: Teresa Hagen

The Splendour in the Grass Best Short Film Award: "Tanghi Argentini" -

Directed by: Guido Thys & Anja Daelemans

Best Surf Film Award: "Sliding Liberia"

Directed by: Britton Cailouette & Nicholai Lidow

The SAE Institute Best Dramatic Feature Award: "Heartlines"

Directed by: Angus Gibson & Mariki Pretourius

The Avid Technology 2008 Best Young Filmmaker Award Lav Bodnaruk: "The Sound of Cry"(Prod) & "The Pain of the Macho" (Dir)

The Southern Cross University Best Film Award: "Laya Project"

Award Winners Annnounced for the 2008 Miami International Film Festival

Sat, 15 Mar 2008 01:11:00 PST

2008 MIFF COMPETITION AWARDS

Dramatic Features: World Cinema Competition

Knight Grand Jury Prize: TRICKS (SZTUCZKI)

Andrzej Jakimowski’s picaresque film is about a fatherless boy who tries to tempt fate in this charming and bittersweet film from Poland.

Special Mention: IT'S HARD TO BE NICE (TESKO JE BITI FIN)

Srdan Vuletic’s urban fairytale about post-war society from Bosnia follows a Sarajevo taxi driver whose attempts to change his life for the better are met with resistance at all turns.

Special Mention: FOUL GESTURE (TNUAH MEGUNA)

Itshak (Tzahi) Gradi’s film about vendetta and vigilantism centers on a middle-aged man who decides to take justice into his own hands after becoming the victim of a road rage incident.

Dramatic Features: Ibero-American Competition

Knight Grand Jury Prize: COCHOCHI

This Mexican road movie and fairytale by Israel Cárdenas and Laura Amelia Guzmán is part of this year’s MIFF Abroad program.

Knight Grand Jury Prize: EAT, FOR THIS IS MY BODY

Michelange Quay’s debut feature explores the spiritual corrosion of Haiti’s colonialist legacy with surreal, often wordless imagery.

Special Mention: THE GIRLS (LAS NIÑAS)

Using film as a scalpel to cut open the feminine mystique, Chilean director Rodrigo Marín’s two-hander pierces the heart of female relationships with uncanny perception.

Special Mention: BLUE EYELIDS (PARPADOS AZULES)

Quiet and nuanced, Ernesto Contrera’s touching dramatic comedy from Mexico explores the role that destiny plays in shaping our lives.

Documentary Features: World and Ibero-American Competition

Knight Grand Jury Prize: SANTIAGO

A fascinating meditation on the measure of a man, João Moreira Salles’ splintered documentary is a portrait that is both proud and profoundly erudite.

Special Mention: SANTA FE STREET (CALLE SANTA FÉ)

Calle Santa Fé is Carmen Castillo's poignantly personal journey to the homeland she was forced to leave behind, as well as her search for meaning in the struggle against oppression.

Special Mention: A PAPER TIGER (UN TIGRE DE PAPEL)

Luis Ospina’s dazzling, wickedly playful portrait of Manrique Figueroa mirrors his own country’s political upheaval from the 1940s to the 1970s.

Shorts Competition

Knight Grand Jury Prize: HOMECOMING

Connie Diletti’s film explores post-war trauma. While trying to process the indigestible experience of war, Drew tries to bring a friend home with him.

Honorable Jury Mention: TRAUMOLOGY (TRAUMOLOGIA)

Daniel Sánchez Arévalo’s follows Antonio’s wedding, where his father has a heart attack and whole family goes to the hospital where all of their traumas and miseries appear during a tense night.

Special Mention for Best Animated Short Film: MADAME TUTLI PUTLI

Is Chris Lavis’ and Maciek Szcerbowski’s film a Hitchcockian suspense or an artistic tour de force? The night train awaits you…

Special Mention for Best First-Time Director: OVERNIGHT A ROSE

Viv Koh’s film is about overcoming lies and the nature of true love.

MIFF Audience Awards

Dramatic Features: World Cinema Competition: BLISS (MUTLULUK)

Abdullah Oguz’s intense and beautifully rendered drama boasts stellar performances and a compelling musical score and stunning images of the Sea of Marmara.

Dramatic Features: Ibero-American Cinema Competition: LA ZONA

Rodrigo Plá’s taut thriller doubles as a damning critique of Mexico City’s shocking economic disparity. Once threatened, an enclave of privilege sheds all pretense of civility to succumb to the basest of instincts—the deadly mob mentality.

Documentary Features: World & Ibero-American Competition: STRANDED: I'VE COME FROM A PLANE THAT CRASHED IN THE MOUNTAINS (VENGO DE UN AVIÓN QUE CAYÓ EN LAS MONTAÑAS)

Through the use of carefully constructed dramatizations, news footage, and interviews with survivors atop the crash site, filmmaker Gonzalo Arijón crafts a moving testament to the strength and endurance of the human spirit.

FIPRESCI International Critics Award

FOUL GESTURE (TNUAH MAGUNA)

Itshak (Tzahi) Gradi’s film about vendetta and vigilantism centers on a middle-aged man who decides to take justice into his own hands after becoming the victim of a road rage incident.

A Turn From Tornatore

Following the Gala Awards Ceremony, the Festival offered the pleasure of the Closing Night Film, LA SCONOSCIUTA (THE UNKNOWN WOMAN) by Oscar-winning Italian director Guiseppe Tornatore (CINEMA PARADISO). The film, a suspenseful thriller, has been a great box office success in its native Italy and throughout Europe. It won the Audience Award at the European Film Awards and was a major winner at the David di Donatello Awards (the Italian Oscars), winning awards as Best Film, Best Director, Best Actress, Best Cinematography and Best Music.

Award Winners Annnounced for the 2008 Cinequest Film Festival

Sat, 15 Mar 2008 01:04:00 PST

Cinequest is proud to announce the following award winners for the 2008 Festival:

NARRATIVE FEATURES

Maverick Spirit Award (Cinequest’s top prize)

SUPERHEROES

Director: Alan Brown

Best First Feature

IT’S BETTER IF GABRIELA DOESN’T DIE

Director: Sergio Umansky

Special Jury Award for Narrative Feature

A BETTER LIFE

Director: Andrew James

DIRECTORS AWARDS

Global Visions Award

THE TRAP

Director: Srdan Golubovic

New Visions Award

WHO IS K.K. DOWNEY?

Directors: Darren Curtis and Pat Kiely

DOCUMENTARY FEATURES

Best Documentary Feature

AUTISM: THE MUSICAL

Director Tricia Regan

Special Jury Award for Documentary Feature

DEAR ZACHARY: A LETTER TO A SON ABOUT HIS FATHER

Director: Kurt Kuenne

SHORTS

Best Student Short Film

MAMITAS

Director: Nick Ozeki

Best Documentary Short Film

BROADCAST COWBOY

Director: David Washburn

Best Animated Short Film

PAPIROFLEXIA

Director: Joaquin Baldwin

Best Narrative Short Film

CENTIGRADE

Director: Colin Cunningham

AUDIENCE AWARDS

Audience Award for Best Short

PERSONAL SPECTATOR

Director: Emmanuel Jespers

Audience Award for Best Feature

TIE-VOTE BETWEEN

SHERMAN’S WAY

Director: Craig Saavedra

and

THE VILLAGE BARBERSHOP

Director: Chris Ford

Audience Award for Best Documentary

DEAR ZACHARY: A LETTER TO A SON ABOUT HIS FATHER

Director: Kurt Kuenne

MAVERICK SPIRIT AWARD RECIPIENTS

The following individuals received Maverick Spirit Awards at Cinequest 18 for their Maverick careers in the film industry: Michael Keaton, Michael Arndt, Bobby Moresco and Danny Glover.

SCREENPLAY COMPETITION WINNERS

First Place

SWITCHBACK

Writer: Bill Schreiber

Second Place

VERA

Writer: Caitlin McCarthy

Third Place

THE ORCHARD

Writer: Diane Stredicke

In addition, THE BRITISH ACADEMY OF FILM & TELEVISION ARTS/LA continues to celebrate the filmmaking artistry of the short film by selecting top winners at festivals around the world. For the 2008 Cinequest Film Festival, the members of BAFTA / LA have chosen:

First Place Winner - BRITISH ACADEMY OF FILM & TELEVISION ARTS/LA

SOFT

Director: Simon Ellis

Runners Up – Certificates of Excellence - BRITISH ACADEMY OF FILM & TELEVISION ARTS/LA

RATTLESNAKES

Director: Hafsteinn Gunnar Sigurdsson

CHIEF

Director: Brett Wagner

2008 Sedona International Film Festival Award Winners

Wed, 05 Mar 2008 01:19:00 PST

Directors’ Choice Award-Winners

• Best Feature – Ripple Effect

Director: Philippe Caland

• Best Documentary – Semper Fi, One Marine’s Journey

Director: Vince DiPersio

• Best Foreign Feature Film - Ben X

Director: Nic Balthazar

• Best Short Film – Validation

Director: Kurt Kuenne

• Best Foreign Short Film – The Kolaborator

Director: Chris Bessounian

• Best Foreign Language Short – VODA (Water)

Director: Gabriela Ilijeska

• Best Humanitarian Short Film – In the Wake

Director: Craig Strong

• Best Humanitarian Film – The Human Experience

Director: Charles Kinnane

• Best Animation – Papiroflexia (Origami)

Director: Joaquin Baldwin

• Discovery Award-Winner - The Cake Eaters

Director: Mary Stuart Masterson

• Most Inspiring Documentary and winner of the Georgia Frontiere Memorial Scholarship - The Music In Me

Director: Nigel Traill

• Most Compelling Documentary and the winner of the Arizona Republic Bill Muller Award for Excellence in Screenwriting – Fields of Fuel

Director: Josh Tickell

• Best Director - Roger Donaldson, The Bank Job

Audience’ Choice Award-Winners:

• Best Feature – The Flyboys

Director: Rocco DeVilliers

• Best Documentary (tie) – Water Flowing Together

Director: Gwendolen Cates

• Best Documentary (tie) – Standing Silent Nation

Director: Suree Towfighnia

• Best Foreign Feature Film - Ben X

Director: Nic Balthazar

• Best Short Film – Milk Bum

Director: Tim Parker

• Best Animation – Papiroflexia (Origami)

Director: Joaquin Baldwin

• Most Requested Film - Dalai Lama Renaissance

Director: Khashyar Darvich

Award Winners for the 2008 Belgrade International Film Festival

Wed, 05 Mar 2008 12:56:00 PST

DECISION OF THE EUROPE OUT OF EUROPE JURY

After careful consideration of all eight films in the competitive program, the ’Politika’ Award Jury consisting of: Mr Kim Dong Ho, President of the Jury and Director of Pusan Film Festival; Mr Hrvoje Hribar, film director and Ms Dubravka Lakić, film critic, would firstly like to mention the special artistic qualities of the Russian film ’Traveling With Pets’ by Vera Storozheva.

However, ’Politika’ Award for Best Film in Europe out of Europe program unanimously goes to Kristijan Milić for the film with precise directing, expressive acting and sensible cinematography work - the Croatian-Bosnian anti-war film ’The Living and The Dead’.

The "Nebojsa Djukelic Award"

The "Nebojsa Djukelic Award" is traditionally awarded in memory and respect of one of the FEST selectors, renown film critic Nebojsa Djukelic, author of the TV program “Moving Pictures”, that had become a synonym for an well-thought, analytical and authoritative approach to interpreting and presenting the art of film. This year, the Association of Film Journalists and Critics of Belgrade and the Film Critics Society award this Award jointly, which will remain a tradition in the future.

In quest of a film, from the program of this year’s FEST, which is first and foremost the result of inspiration, but at the same time a film with integrity, recognizable and different by the virtue of its expression and style, we have agreed that this year’s “Nebojsa Djukelic Award” is to go to the Israeli film “The Band’s Visit” of novice director Eran Kolirin.

The Jury for “Nebojsa Djukelic Award”: Dubravka Vojvodic, Bogdan Zlatic and Ivan Arandjelovic, members of the Film Critics Society and the Association of Film Journalists and Critics of Belgrade.

The FIPRESCI Award for BEST FILM of FEST 2008

The Jury of FIPRESCI Serbia of the 36th FEST is awarding the FIPRESCI Award for BEST FILM to the Russian film “12”of Nikita Mihalkov. The Award has been received on the final press conference of FEST by the Cultural Attache of the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Belgrade, Mr. Oleg Buldakov, on behalf of the director and the crew of the film.

The Jury of FIPRESCI Serbia of the 36th FEST is awarding the SPECIAL FIPRESCI AWARD to the Turkish-German film “THE EDGE OF HEAVEN” of Fatih Akin. The Award was handed over on the final press conference of FEST to Mr. Igor Stankovic, the Director of the distribution company MCF.

The Jury of the FIPRESCI Award deliberated in the following composition: Aleksandar Sasa Erdeljanovic (Chairman of the Jury, the Yugoslav Film Archive), Sandra Perovic (RTS) and Vladan Petkovic (Screen International).

2008 Award Winners of the Carolina Film and Video Festival

Tue, 04 Mar 2008 10:26:00 PST

Bill Arnold North Carolina Film Awards ($250 prize):

"The Outlaw Lewis Redmond" by Neal Hutcheson

"Bolt" by Joey Ingram and Josh Mahan

UNCG Student Award ($125 prize):

"Some Apologies" by Adem Weldon

Documentary Award ($250 prize):

"Bill Gottlieb: Riffs" by Bill Hall

Independent Narrative ($250 prize):

"Partially True Tales of High Adventure" by Murphy Gilson

Student Narrative ($250 prize):

"Maine Story" by Nina Chernik

Independent Experimental/Animation ($250 prize):

"Mugs"by Ronnie Cramer

Student Experimental/Animation ($250 prize):

"Kujira" by Reiko Murakamim

Albert Ahler High School Awards ($100 prize):

"Evolution" by Rebecca Potts

"Stairwell" by Zach Romeo and Eric Perini

"Ping Pong" by James Hodgens

Screenwriting Award ($250 prize):

"Jack of Diamonds" by Edward Tyndall

Kodak Cinematography Award:

"China" by Jacob Hatley

CineFilm Award for Direction:

"Absolute Zero" by Alan Woodruff

Fauxharmonic Orchestra Award for Best Original Score:

"China" by Jacob Hatley (score by Daryl White)

Wave Riders announced as Audience Award Winner

Thu, 28 Feb 2008 11:49:00 PST

Irish surf documentary "Wave Riders" won the hotly contested Audience Award as part of the 2008 Jameson Dublin International Film Festival, inching out the early frontrunner "Dambé – The Mali Project" which finished second. Commenting on the award, Joanne O’Hagan, CEO of the JDIFF said, “Wave Riders is such a beautifully made film and I’m delighted that it has won this generous accolade from our audience! We would also like to thank Cine Electric Ltd. for its generous sponsorship for this exciting award”.

The award shows the strength of Irish documentary making in Ireland, with these two events selling early and proving must-see events. “I’m overwhelmed and delighted! As a totally indigenous project funded on the island of Ireland, it is great to get recognition on home turf in the biggest film festival in Ireland. With so many big films and big filmmakers it is a real honour to win this award for everyone involved in the film.”

Closely following in third place was "Lars and the Real Girl," with "The Orphanage" in fourth and "In Bruges" and "There Will Be Blood" in joint fifth.

2008 Award Winners for the Boulder International Film Festival

Thu, 28 Feb 2008 11:35:00 PST

Best Student Film: "The Replacement Child"

Directed by: Justin Lerner

Most Inspirational Film: "The Singing Revolution"

Directed by: Jim Tusty and Maureen Castle

Best Comedy: "The Job"

Directed by: Jonathan Browning

Best Colorado Film: "Iron Ladies of Liberia"

Directed by: Daniel Junge and Siatta Scott Johnson

Best Adventure Film: "3 Peaks 3 Weeks"

Directed by: Michael Brown

Best Animation: "The Fog"

Directed by: Emilio Ramos

Best Short Film: "Tanghi Argentini"

Directed by: Guido Thys

Best Short Documentary: "In Times of War: Ray Parker"

Directed by: Mark and Christine Bonn

Best Feature Documentary: "War Dance"

Directed by: Andrea Nix and Sean Fine

Best Feature Film: "Charlie Bartlett"

Directed by: Jon Poll

Grand Prize: "Stranded"

Directed by: Gonzalo Arijon

Berlinale 2008: Crystal Bears and Deutsches Kinderhilfswerk Awards in Generation Kplus

Wed, 27 Feb 2008 04:59:00 PST

The members of the Kinderjury Generation Kplus:

Justus Paul Bauch

Jana Marie Bussmann

Jesper Ole Ebbert

Tita-Antonia Hagen

Carl-Ludwig Hausl

Ntozake Iglesias

Max Kressner

Lisa Frederike Lassen

Joelle Marianek

Lino Steinwärder

Nina-Liliht Völsch

give the following awards:

The Crystal Bear for the Best Feature Film goes to

"Buda Az Sharm Foru Rikht"

by Hana Makmalbaf (Iran/France)

This film is exciting and provocative and at the same time it is very shocking. It is about a little girl who is struggling to be allowed to go to school. We were moved by the poignant way the film depicts how a country dominated by violence affects the everyday life of children. The film showed us the senselessness of just sending soldiers to a troubled region. More necessary are people who can convince children that violence is not the solution.

The Crystal Bear for the Best Short Film goes to

"Nana"

by Warwick Thornton (Australia)

A little girl is talking about her special relationship with her dear old nana. She is always cooking for her granddaughter and looking after the old people in the village. But there’s another side to her as well. The film is funny and full of humour.

The Special Mention for a Feature Film goes to

"Titanics ti liv"

by Grethe Bøe (Norway)

Great actors combined with an excitement and mystery were the ingredients which convinced us in this film. The story was also accompanied by wonderful music.

The Special Mention for a Short Film goes to

"New Boy"

by Steph Green (Ireland)

The plot is easy to follow even though there is not much dialogue. The portrayal of the characters’ feelings touched us and swept us along and the reminder of Joseph’s earlier homeland gave us a realistic insight into his former life as well as his feelings. In the end we learned that having prejudices just isn’t worth it.

The members of the International Jury Generation Kplus:

Yasmin Ahmad

Anna Justice

Omri Levy

Antonia Ringbom

give the following awards:

The Deutsche Kinderhilfswerk Grand Prix for the best feature film goes to

"TOUS A L’OUEST! Une aventure de Lucky Luke"

by Olivier Jean-Marie (France)

A rollercoaster ride of laughs and adventures, delivered with great wit, genius, and humor. A film full of inventive visual gags combined with an intelligent use of music, mixing historical and modern life elements. A celebration of the joy of cinema.

The Deutsche Kinderhilfswerk Special Prize for the best short film goes to "Min morbror tyckte mycket om gult" by Mats Olof Olsson (Sweden)

Lasting merely 9 minutes this film leads us through a whole range of deep human emotions. An homage to all that is good in people, reminding us to be careful with the fragility surrounding us. A moving story told with simple masterly cinematic strokes.

The Special Mention is awarded to the film "Mutum"

by Sandra Kogut (Brazil/France)

A journey into a young boy’s life that leads you gently through a world infused with love as well as rejection, confusion and heartbreak. With a curious mix of dreamy, open-ended events, it paints a picture of remote Brazil with bursts of poetry and humanity.

The Special Mention is awarded to the film "POST!"

by Christian Asmussen and Matthias Bruhn (Germany)

A joyful film with inventive visual solutions, crazy anarchistic humor and a warm message about one man’s ability to make a whole community happy.

Perspektive Deutsches Kino: "Drifter" from Sebastian Heidinger wins "Dialogue en perspective"

Wed, 27 Feb 2008 04:55:00 PST

A young German-French jury from TV5MONDE and the German-French Youth Office (GFYO) will award the independent prize for the fifth time at this year’s 58th Berlin International Film Festival. This year, the film Drifter from Sebastian Heidinger received the prize. The "Dialogue en perspective" was initiated in 2004 by the international francophone television channel TV5MONDE and the Berlinale, and is awarded in cooperation with the GFYO to a film from the section Perspektive Deutsches Kino.

As in previous years, a young jury of three German and four French film lovers aged between 18 and 29 selected which film will win the "Dialogue en perspective." Together with their jury president Peter Sehr, who received the German Film Prize in 1994 as director of the film Kaspar Hauser, the jury members watched all films presented in the Berlinale-section Perspektive Deutsches Kino and discussed which film deserved the "Dialogue en perspective."

A Special Mention goes to the short film "Lostage."

With the "Dialogue en perspective" award, TV5MONDE and the GFYO above all want to encourage the young German-French exchange and the intercultural dialogue about German film. The Berlinale, as the most important German film festival, is the perfect platform.

The winning film will be presented on the Festival of the German Film in Paris in autumn 2008.

Synopsis winning film:

Aileen (16), Angel (23) and Daniel (25) have escaped the remnants of their families and the constraints of their villages in search of the anonymity of the big city of Berlin. Their territory is the Zoo station and its environs. This is where they prostitute themselves in order to earn money for their drug addiction; they stay at doss houses, at friends’ places, or with their regular clients. They all have dreams and desires and a vague plan for their lives, but everything remains a building site, just as the world in which they are constantly obliged to reshape their lives and themselves – a world of transitions and unstable places in between; of backstreets, deals, niches and places of transit.

2008 Award Winners for the Pan African Festival

Wed, 27 Feb 2008 03:30:00 PST

The 16th ANNUAL PAN AFRICAN FILM & ARTS FESTIVAL (PAFF) announced the winners of its 2008 Pan African Film and Arts Filmmakers Awards and Audience Favorite Awards .

Jury Prizes were awarded in the following categories: Best Documentary, Best Short Documentary, Best Narrative Short, Best Feature, and Best Director-First Feature. New for the 2008 PAFF is the addition of The Oscar Micheaux Award, named after the first African-American filmmaker.

In addition to the Jury Prizes, Audience Favorite Awards were voted on in the following categories: Best Feature , Best Documentary, and Best Short Narrative . The PAFF Vision Award was given to the film that the Festival chose that best exemplified its mission of reinforcing positive images and helping to destroy negative stereotypes.

2008 PAFF FILMMAKER AWARDS

PAFF VISION AWARD: "NAMIBIA: THE STRUGGLE FOR LIBERATION"

(Namibia/US/Director: Charles Burnett)

Honorable Mention: "BROTHERS IN ARMS"

(South Africa/Doc/73min/Director: Jack Lewis)

"VICTIMS OF OUR RICHES" (VICTIMES DE NOS RICHESSES)

(Mali/France/Doc-short/58min/Director: Kal Touré)

BEST DOCUMENTARY COMPETITION: "RETURN TO GORÉE"

(Senegal/Switzerland/Luxembourg/Director: Pierre-Yves Borgeaud)

Honorable Mention: "THIS IS THE LIFE"

(US/Director: Ava DuVernay)

BEST SHORT DOCUMENTARY COMPETITION: "HIP-HOP: BEYOND BEATS AND RHYMES"

(US/Director: Byron Hurt)

Honorable Mention: "THOMAS SANKARA: THE UPRIGHT MAN"

(France/Director: Robin Shuffield)

BEST NARRATIVE SHORT COMPETITION: "PARIAH"

(US/Director: Dee Rees)

Honorable Mention: "WE ARE ALL RWANDANS" (Rwanda/UK/Director: Debs Gardner-Paterson)

BEST FEATURE COMPETITION: "POOR BOY'S GAME" (Canada/Director: Clément Virgo)

Honorable Mention: "EZRA" (Nigeria/France/Austria/Director: Newton I. Aduaka)

BEST DIRECTOR-FIRST FEATURE COMPETITION: "SOUTH OF PICO"

(US/Director: Ernst Gossner)

Honorable Mention: "THE DISCIPLE"

(US/UK/Director: Rodney Charles)

THE OSCAR MICHEAUX AWARD COMPETITION: "SOMETHING IS KILLING TATE"

(US/Director: Leon Lozano)

Honorable Mention: "KINGS OF THE EVENING" (US/Director: Andrew P. Jones)

2008 PAFF AUDIENCE FAVORITE AWARDS

AUDIENCE FAVORITE- FEATURE: "SOMETHING IS KILLING TATE"

(US/Director: Leon Lozano)

Runner Up: "CORDIALLY INVITED"

(US/Narr/123min/Director: Michael Fouther)

AUDIENCE FAVORITE- DOCUMENTARY: "THIS IS THE LIFE"

(US/Director: Ava DuVernay)

Runner Up: "MALCOLM'S ECHO: THE LEGACY OF MALCOLM X"

(UK/Doc/84min/Director: Dami Akinnusi)

AUDIENCE FAVORITE- SHORT DOCUMENTARY: "IRON LADIES OF LIBERIA"

(US/Doc/78min/Director: Daniel Junge)

Runner Up: "AMERICAN LANDING: JIMI HENDRIX LIVE AT MONTEREY"

(US/Doc/63min/Director: Bob Smeaton)

AUDIENCE FAVORITE-SHORT NARRATIVE: "THE DON OF VIRGIL JR. HIGH"

(US/Narr-short/20min/Director: Deon H. Hayman)

Runner Up: "EZEKIEL"

(US/Narr-short/13min/Director: Keith Sam Jr.)

2008 National Competition Award Winners for the Mumbai International Film Festival for Documentary, Short & Animation Films

Wed, 27 Feb 2008 03:13:00 PST

Best DOCUMENTARY Film / Video

Prize: Golden Conch+ Rs. 1,50,000/-

"India Untouched –Stories of A People Apart"

Directed by: Stalin K.

Produced by: Drishti – Media, Arts & Human Rights India Untouched-Stories of a People Apart for achieving the ideals of socially and politically committed documentary film making. The film unflinchingly uncovers the all pervasive, deeply rooted and still existing caste system in twenty first century India, with chilling evidence that it shows no sign of abating in generations to come. The Jury recommends it as essential viewing for all audiences worldwide.

Second Best DOCUMENTARY Film / Video

Prize: Silver Conch + Rs. 75,000/-

"Mahua Memoirs"

Directed by: Vinod Raja

Produced by: Ashok Maridas

Mahua Memoirs for compassionately exposing the ruthless underside of corporate globalization through the ongoing decimation of Adivasi lands, people and their cultures throughout India. Beautifully crafted with outstanding visuals and haunting music, it is an urgent call to re-examine the policies of the day.

Best FICTION Film / Video (Upto 75 Mins)

Prize: Golden Conch+ Rs. 1,50,000/-

Directed by: Rahi Anil Barve

Produced by: Animaa Films

Manjha for the first-time director’s fictional expression of child sexual abuse and survival, portrayed in a highly individualistic, graphic and cinematic style. The filmmaker manages to extract outstanding performances from the actors within a stark, industrial urban landscape.

Second Best FICTION Film / Video (Up to 75 Mins)

Prize: Silver Conch+ Rs. 75,000/-

"The Lost Rainbow"

Directed by: Dhiraj Meshram

Produced by: Director, Film & Television Institute of India, Pune

"The Lost Rainbow" for presenting a series of nostalgic, touching moments in an evocative and playful manner, enhanced by the realistic performances of the child actors. The film details how the results of mischievous sibling rivalry can haunt the protagonists for the remainder of their lives.

Best ANIMATION Film / Video

Prize: Golden Conch + Rs. 1,50,000/-

"Myths About You"

Directed by: Nandita Jain

Produced by: Periyar Tiger Reserve, Kerala

"Myths About You" for a clever and imaginative representation of the history of the Universe, both in terms of Hindu mythology and scientific research, in an original graphic style, all within a short span of 9 minutes.

Second Best ANIMATION Film / Video

Prize: Silver Conch + Rs. 75,000/-

"Three Little Pigs"

Directed by: Bhavana Vyas & Akanito Assumi

Produced by: National Institute of Design

"Three Little Pigs" for presenting a well-known childhood story through wire frame animation techniques in a deceptively simple style. The film has background voice-overs in the form of a conversation recalling the story, which is both engaging and amusing while bridging the documentary form with animation.

Indian JURY Award

Prize: Rs.1,00,000/-

"I’m The Very Beautiful"

Directed and Produced by: Shyamal Kumar Karmakar "I’m the Very Beautiful" for a personal, complex and often contradictory portrait of an indomitable woman and her continuous struggle in her pursuit of a life of freedom and dignity despite her social stigma in a patriarchal and chauvinistic society. In its style and treatment, the film mirrors the free spirit of the protagonist with abandon and candour.

and "Thousand Days and A Dream"

Directed by: P. Baburaj & C. Saratchandran

Produced by: Third Eye Communications & Vikas Abhyayan Kendra

"Thousand Days And A Dream" for its poignant and dramatic account of the peaceful struggle of common people against a gigantic multinational company supported by the policies of the state in which the people have been deprived of their vital, basic natural resources and livelihood.

Best First Film / Video of a Director Instituted by Indian Documentary Producers’ Association. (IDPA)

Prize: Trophy + Rs. 25,000/-

"Manjha"

Directed by: Rahi Anil Barve

Produced by: Animaa Films

For the understanding of cinematic form and idiom and having the courage to push the form and tell a difficult story.

Indian CRITICS Award

"Mahua Memoirs"

Directed by: Vinod Raja

Produced by: Ashok Maridas

Best Film / Video of the Festival Award ( for Producer only)

Prize: Rs.1,00,000/-

"India Untouched – Stories of A People Apart"

Directed by: Stalin K.

Produced by: Drishti – Media, Arts & Human Rights Drishti – Media Arts & Human Rights for taking the initiative and having the courage to investigate the issue of untouchability and its ramifications in all corners of Indian society. The Jury strongly feels that this film is in the best tradition of documentary film making and is an inspiration to all filmmakers for independent, thought-provoking, free-spirited use of the medium for social change.

Special Mention & Certificate of Merit

"Our Family"

Directed and Produced by: Dr. K.P. Jayasankar & Dr. Anjali Monteiro

"Our Family" for its compassionate and sensitive portrayal of the third sex – their bonding and their aspirations. The film traces their roots sourced from mythology combined with a mesmerizing one-person performance of the traumas and stigma experienced by their community.

"Raga Of River Narmada"

Directed by: Rajendra Janglay

Produced by: Madhya Pradesh Madhyam

"Raga of River Narmada" for its fascinating flowing visuals highlighting the river in its many vibrant moods through its journey complemented by an exceptional use of the Dhrupad.

2008 International Awards for the Mumbai International Film Festival for Documentary, Short & Animation Films

Wed, 27 Feb 2008 02:45:00 PST

Best Documentary Film / Video (Upto 60 mins)

Prize: Golden Conch + Rs. 2,50,000/-

"GODDESSES"

Directed by: LEENA MANIMEKALAI

Prize: Produced by: C.JERROLD

The young filmmaker, Leena Manimekalai, is faced with three old material goddesses who for different reasons find themselves naturally emancipated from Tamil tradition and orthodoxy. Leena creates for Goddesses a trusting filming arena that was never manipulative so that the three women opened up and revealed their total strength and power bordering on the archetype. They emerged free, master of the very tradition that had earlier kept them shackled.

Second Best Documentary Film / Video (Up to 60 mins.)

Prize: Silver Conch + Rs. 1,00,000/- To Be Shared Between Two Directors ( i.e. Rs.50,000/- each + Silver Conch )

"ONE DAY IN PEOPLE’S POLAND"

Directed and Produced by: MACIEJ .J. DRYGAS

September 27, 1962 was an ordinary day in Poland except for its reconstruction by Maciej J Drygas in the film One Day in People's Poland . The archival images and sounds retrieved from several sources obviously do not synchronize to a singular reality. Without an effort to force a historical realism upon the material, the director keeps the two tracks independent, makes them move closer and further away from each other, creates an extraordinary document that is startling in its revelation of the nature of surveillance the state maintained in the sixties by keeping account of banal and inconsequential details in the daily life of its suspect citizens. The enormous task of editing the monumental archival material in the way it has been done is most commendable.

and "BEYOND THE WALL"

Directed by: VITA ZELAKEVICIUTE

Produced by: MACIEJ . J. DRYGAS

Beyond the Wall uses short and pure images that elude description, often cannot be named. Through this poetic procedure the director directly enters into a hazy (often out of focus) universe of Russian soldiers sent to prison hospital to serve their sentence. The nondescript events such as the walks, the meals, the medicines, the crowding of the cell generate an unforgettable poem of silence and depth in confinement. Vita Zelakeviciute's narrative of broken spirits is a reflection on cold and heartless systems mankind is able to set in place in governance of countries.

Best Documentary Film / Video (Above 60 mins.)

Prize: Golden Conch + Rs. 2,50,000/-

"SALATA BALADI" (HOUSE SALAD)

Directed by: NADIA KAMEL

Produced by: SHARRY LAPP, NADIA KAMEL, ELDA GUIDINETTI and RICHARD COPANS

Salate Baladi breaks down the classical cinema composition and makes a home movie deeply insightful of history. It makes geographical borders between countries appear unnatural, incapable of constricting families from their extensive affinities. The metaphor is no longer the family tree rooted in local soil – it is closer to a multiplicity in the manner the grass grows. Naida Kamel brings a new world family together.

Second Best Documentary Film / Video (Above 60 mins.)

Prize: Silver Conch + Rs. 1,00,000/-

"VIEW FROM A GRAIN OF SAND"

Directed By: MEENA NANJI

Produced by: MEENA NANJI and AMIE WILLIAMS

Faced with an environment where women are oppressed to the extreme, Meena Nanji was able to make her characters in View from a Grain of Sand feel safe for them to re-evaluate their condition under the Taliban and post-Taliban periods in Afghanistan in front of the camera. Even as they put themselves to risk they are prepared to boldly share their knowledge and experience with the filmmaker - we sensed, for other women and children to understand and question.

Best Fiction Film / Video (Up to 75 mins.)

Prize: Golden Conch + Rs. 2,50,000/-

"'KRAMASHA"

Directed by: AMIT DUTTA

Produced by: DIRECTOR, FILM & TELEVISION INSTITUTE OF INDIA , PUNE

In the manner music keeps you quietly enthralled with a resonating sense of things without a need to necessarily reduce the experience to a verbalization of meanings, Kramasha offers a world of images and sounds that made us smell and touch the lush of nature amid a mysterious index of hallucinations. Like a dream that we may fail to understand but that reaches deep recesses of our unconscious and touches familiar chords, Amit Dutta's Kramasha weaves a powerful narrative that blends legends, myths and nostalgia into a film that allows us to recall our own early experiences.

Second Best Fiction Film / Video (Upto 75 mins.)

Prize: Silver Conch + Rs. 1,00,000/- To Be Shared Between Two Director ( i.e. Rs.50,000/- each + Silver Conch )

"UNDERTAKERS"

Directed by: EMANNUEL QUINDO PALO

Produced by: DIRECTOR, FILM & TELEVISION INSTITUTE OF INDIA, PUNE

Emannuel Quindo Palo's Undertakers inverts certain empty conventions of acting to distance the viewer from the narrative and create a moving account of a Catholic coffin maker whose business is death but whose dead friends can claim free coffins. The absurd idiom of the film draws a humane picture of the struggles of an ordinary salesman who appears strangely caught between his survival and personal ethic.

"BARE HANDED"

Directed and Produced by: THIERRY KNAUFF

Just the manner in which the dancer in Thierry Knauff's Bare Handed handles the newspaper, handles the noise of the newspaper, strangely reveals the violence a newspaper and therefore the world around us may carry. But it is the dancing woman whom a verbal world threatens to contain. In a series of deft choreographed movements and an equal graphic light the film makes the dancer dance her way through memories and desires until after a complete immersion in this world she loses herself in it.

International Jury Award

Prize: Rs. 1,00,000/-

"FLOW : FOR LOVE OF WATER"

Directed by: IRENA SALINA

Produced by: STEVEN STARR

The Jury decided to characterize the Award as a recognition of films that bring unknown shocking revelations that threaten ecological and even existential balance of the planet we inhabit. The depiction of a global crisis caused by privatization of natural resource such as water in the film Flow: Love of Water attempts to educate the audience of atrocities major corporations commit against individuals, families and communities in the name of water and for the sake of plain old profit. The message of the film is clear: make water free, clean and available to the citizens of the world. The Jury commends the revealing research Irena Salina brought to bear on the film and unlike our condition for awards at this edition of MIFF, the Jury exempts this film from the obligation of discovering a parallel cinematic form to its content.

Best First Film / Video of a Director - instituted by "Dadasaheb Phalke Chitranagari" (A Govt. of Maharashtra Undertaking)

Prize: Trophy + Rs. 1,00,000/-

"INK" (SIRA)

Directed by: BHARANI TANIKELLA

Produced by: SREENIVAS TANIKELLA

Through surreal imagery, Bharani Thanikela, Ink, is able to employ a violent visual idiom for existential struggle of the poet, for the fight the poet wages against violence of terrorism. His wife deeply worried about their lives, takes on the mantle of fight against terrorism after the poet's death. Film full of resilience.

International Critics Award

Prize: Certificate of Merit

"SALATA BALADI" (HOUSE SALAD)

Directed by: NADIA KAMEL

Produced by: SHARRY LAPP, NADIA KAMEL, ELDA GUIDINETTI and RICHARD COPANS

Best Film / Video of the Festival Award (for Producer only)

Prize: Rs. 1,00,000/-

"KRAMASHA"

Produced by: DIRECTOR, FILM & TELEVISION INSTITUTE OF INDIA, PUNE

2008 National Competition Award Winners for the Clermont-Ferrand Short Film Festival

Wed, 27 Feb 2008 02:09:00 PST

Grand Prix: "Como todo el mundo"

Directed by: Franco Lolli / France / 2007

Pablo, aged sixteen, lives with his mother. Over the last few years, she has done her best to deal with financial difficulties, but it hasn't been easy. Pablo tries to...

Audience Prize: "C'est dimanche!"

Directed by: Samir Guesmi / France / 2007

Thirteen-year-old Ibrahim is expelled from middle school and has his father believe that he received a diploma.

Special Jury Prize: "Erémia Erèmia"

Directed by: Anthony Quéré , Olivier Broudeur / France / 2007

A man tries to free himself from an alienating job through intense exercise. By subjecting his body to the rigors of the elements, and living these sensations, he hopes...

Best First Film: "Les Ombres qui me traversent"

Directed by: Emilie Carpentier / France, Romania / 2007

In Romania, the 15th of August is a huge religious and popular celebration. Fourteen-year-old Alia works with her mother in the bar at the heart of the celebration. Her...

Best Actor: "La Main sur la gueule"

Directed by: Arthur Harari / France / 2007

Bruno, accompanied by his friend Liliane, pays a visit to his father, who lives deep in the countryside. He has something to ask of him.

Best Actress: "Primrose hill"

Directed by: Mikhaël Hers / France / 2007

A western suburb of Paris, a big park overlooking the city, the Seine below, a hill in London, the tune of a dissonant melody, friendship, forgotten faces, the shadow of...

Best Soundtrack Creation Award: "Les Miettes"

Pierre Pinaud / France / 2008

A woman lives in her house, goes to work in a factory, and goes shopping at the local store. One morning she learns that the factory, which is the background of her...

Best Animation Film Award: "La Saint Festin"

Directed by: Léo Marchand , Anne-Laure Daffis / France / 2007

Hurrah! Tomorrow is the 40th of November! It's Saint Feast Day, the great celebration of Ogres, so if you haven't caught a child yet hurry up now... and good hunting!

Canal + Award: "Tony Zoreil"

Directed by: Valentin Potier / France / 2007

Tony is a 28 year-old bachelor who inherited a remarkable physical particularity. Like the rest of his family, he has very big ears and suffers from an extreme...

Procirep's Award for Best Producer: "Irinka et Sandrinka"

Directed by: Sandrine Stoïanov , Jean-Charles Finck / France, Belgium

Fifty years separate Irène and Sandrine. One, from Russian nobility, lived through the fall of the regime, the absence of an exiled father, and an adoptive family. The...

"Attention Talent" FNAC Award: "664 Km"

Arnaud Bigeard / France / 2008

Two men are looking for stashed cash in abandoned stations. Competition is stiff and things turn south. David's a small-time crook who gets cold feet and hides out with...

Youth Jury Prize: "Les Miettes "

Pierre Pinaud / France / 2008

A woman lives in her house, goes to work in a factory, and goes shopping at the local store. One morning she learns that the factory, which is the background of her...

Press Prize: "Lisa"

Lorenzo Recio / France / 2007

Lisa is a young girl who lives in an isolated house with her parents and her two brothers, under the firm authority of her father. One day, Lisa shatters his sacred...

Special Jury Mention: "La Saint Festin"

Léo Marchand , Anne-Laure Daffis / France / 2007

Hurrah! Tomorrow is the 40th of November! It's Saint Feast Day, the great celebration of Ogres, so if you haven't caught a child yet hurry up now... and good hunting!

and "Les Illusions"

Directed by: James Thierrée / France / 2007

How do you, as an artist, when the show is over, leave the imaginary world of the stage and deal with life after seven years spent performing a first play you gave birth...

and "Tony Zoreil"

Directed by: Valentin Potier / France / 2007

Tony is a 28 year-old bachelor who inherited a remarkable physical particularity. Like the rest of his family, he has very big ears and suffers from an extreme...

and "La Main sur la gueule"

Directed by: Arthur Harari / France / 2007

Bruno, accompanied by his friend Liliane, pays a visit to his father, who lives deep in the countryside. He has something to ask of him.

Jury Mention: "Pour la comédienne Marie Nicolle

Lucas sur terre"

Maud Alpi / France / 2007

Today is Isabelle's birthday. She would have been 25. Lucas got a bottle out, then went to work next to the silo, to his favorite song... That's when she appeared, the...

Youth Jury Mention: "Résistance aux tremblements"

Olivier Hems / France / 2007

A mysterious old lady lives in an abandoned apartment block. She lives alone but simply will not leave the place.

Press Mention: "La Saint Festin"

Directed by: Léo Marchand , Anne-Laure Daffis / France / 2007

Hurrah! Tomorrow is the 40th of November! It's Saint Feast Day, the great celebration of Ogres, so if you haven't caught a child yet hurry up now... and good hunting!

and "Le Vacant"

Directed by: Julien Guetta / France / 2007

Pierre is a man in his sixties who refuses to accept early retirement for health reasons. Between hardship and makeshift solutions, he comes up with occasionally...

2008 Labo Competition Winners at the Clermont-Ferrand Short Film Festival

Wed, 27 Feb 2008 01:36:00 PST

Grand Prix: "Pikapika, Lightning Doodle Project"

Directed by: Kazue Monno , Takeshi Nagata / Japan / 2007

Exploring parks, train tracks, schools, hallways and Tokyo Bay.

Audience Prize: "Charlotte Sieling"

Directed by: Annette Kristina Olesen / Denmark / 2007

A man and a woman pass each other in a hotel corridor. They notice each other – it is possible that their personal space will be invaded in the very moment they pass...

Special Jury Prize: "Plot Point"

Directed by: Nicolas Provost / Belgium, United States

This is a land of New York cops, with its howling police cars, uniforms, ambulances, and crowded streets, which soon turns into the perfect scenery of a nation in fear....

Canal + Award: "Yours Truly"

Directed by: Osbert Parker / United Kingdom, England / 2007

Re-assembled into a surreal city this dark romance of Frank and Charlie is told with unexpected plot twists as they sacrifice their morals to find more than what they...

Press Prize: "Do-It-Yourself "

Directed by: Eric Ledune / Belgium / 2007

“If you don’t violate someone’s human rights some of the time, you probably aren’t doing your job.” Washington Post – December 26, 2002

Digital Work of Art Award (SCAM): "Cuisine"

Directed by: François Vogel / France / 2007

What is the relationship between a banana and your field of vision? How can a box of camembert cheese modify your perception of reality?

Special Jury Mention: "Plivnuti polibkem"

Directed by: Milos Tomic / Czech Rep. / 2007

Jakub sees the world from a different perspective, as he spends his days lying on the ground. Many legs pass him by, and one pair especially catches his attention -...

"The Apology Line"

Directed by: James Lees / United Kingdom, England / 2007

The creation of an "apology line" where members of the public can anonymously confess absolutely everything over the phone.

Press Mention: "Silencio"

Directed by: Sivaroj Kongsakul / Thailand / 2007

A soundman goes in search of that rarest of sounds – silence.

"Milk Teeth"

Directed by: Tibor Bànòczki / United Kingdom, England / 2007

A young boy follows his sister into a field as she sneaks out to see her boyfriend. Lost in the strange world of the cornfield, the siblings experience fear, love and...

2008 International Competition Award Winners for the Clermont-Ferrand Short Film Festival

Wed, 27 Feb 2008 01:18:00 PST

Grand Prix: "Auf der Strecke"

Directed By: Reto Caffi / Germany, Switzerland / 2007

A department store security guard is racked by guilt after not helping someone who was being attacked in the subway.

Audience Prize: "The Wednesdays"

Directed By: Conor Ferguson / Ireland / 2007

Sometimes, when you’re in the autumn of your days, you’ll try anything to put a smile on your face again. Two pensioners who manage to re-ignite the love they’d almost...

Special Jury Prize: "Mompelaar"

Directed By: Wim Reygaert , Marc Roels / Belgium / 2007

Lubbert is a withdrawn young man living with his overbearing mother in a little house. A morning walk through the Flemish hinterland is upset by a surreal encounter with...

Best Animation Film Award: "The Pearce Sisters"

Directed By: Luis Cook / United Kingdom, England / 2007

Lol and Edna Pearce live on a remote and austere strip of coast. When the sea offers up a handsome but half drowned man they do their best to resuscitate him.

Canal + Award: "I Love Sarah Jane"

Directed By: Spencer Susser / Australia, United States / 2007

Jimbo is thirteen. All he can think about is one girl, Sarah Jane. And no matter what stands in his way - bullies, violence, chaos, zombies - nothing is going to stop...

Youth Jury Prize: "René"

Directed By: Tobias Nölle / Switzerland / 2007

A man in a yellow raincoat is desperately trying to break out of his solitude.

Press Prize: "La Rebelion de los pinguinos"

Directed By: Simón Bergman / Chile, Spain, Finland / 2007

While Chilean students demonstrate to demand better schooling, all Diego can think about is sex. He encounters a political conspiracy and has a love affair.

Special Jury Mention: "Wrestling"

Directed By: Grimur Hakonarson / Iceland / 2007

A love story about two gay wrestlers living in rural Iceland.

and "Ryba"

Directed By: Alexander Kott / Russia / 2008

A cold winter... Only hope can melt the ice.

and "John and Karen"

Directed By: Matthew Walker / United Kingdom, England / 2007

John the polar bear apologises to Karen the penguin after an argument they had and then has some tea and a biscuit.

Mediatheques Award: "La Rebelion de los pinguinos"

Directed By: Simón Bergman / Chile, Spain, Finland / 2007

While Chilean students demonstrate to demand better schooling, all Diego can think about is sex. He encounters a political conspiracy and has a love affair.

Youth Jury Mention: "Mompelaar'

Wim Reygaert , Marc Roels / Belgium / 2007

Lubbert is a withdrawn young man living with his overbearing mother in a little house. A morning walk through the Flemish hinterland is upset by a surreal encounter with...

Press Mention: "Giganti"

Directed By: Fabio Mollo / Italy / 2007 / Fiction

In his attempt to become a man, Pietro, a 15-year-old boy who lives in the deep south of Italy, begins to understand the reality in which he is growing up and...

and "Lacreme napulitane"

Francesco Satta / Italy / 2007

Two contrasting characters clash on a train from Naples to Milan on Christmas Eve. In the background, the Italian landscape is made of old, colourful postcards.

Best Comedy "Fernand Raynaud" Award: "I Am Bob"

Donald Rice / United Kingdom, England / 2007

Bob Geldof – rockstar, campaigner, international man of action - gets accidentally stranded at a look-alike convention. Will anyone believe he is the real deal?

2008 Award Winners of the Berlinale Shorts

Wed, 13 Feb 2008 04:43:00 PST

The members of the International Short Film Jury: Marc Barbé (France), Ada Solomon (Romania) and Laura Tonke (Germany) award the following prizes:

The Golden Bear: "O zi buna de plaja"

Directed by: Bogdan Mustata (Romania)

The film raises questions about its issues rather than bring resolution to them. It does so in a very precise and unpredictable way. We feel that it is one of the most precious things when a film stays with you and keeps unravelling long after the final credits have ended.

The Silver Bear: "Udedh bun"

Directed by: Siddharth Sinha (India)

The Silver Bear goes to Udedh bun for its modern narration. A sharp focus that relies on a harmony between images and sound rather than words. We are also sensitive to the new erotica brought to the traditional figure of the desired woman in the history of cinema.

Prix UIP: "Frankie"

Directed by Darren Thornton (Ireland)

A simple and powerful approach. The straight forward point of view of a working class teenager on love, responsibility and fatherhood. We also want to re-encourage the director in developing his project of short films for young makers.

DAAD Short Film Prize: "B teme"

Directed by Olga Popova (Russian Federation)

We feel this film achieves a physical and sensual intimacy with its subjects without ever violating the secret of this intimacy. We wish to encourage the director’s talent as a filmmaker.

And two Special Mentions to

A special mention for directing goes to a film for its precise and sensitive direction on a topic which otherwise would have felt politically correct. "Superfície" Directed by Rui Xavier.

A special mention for a very contemporary gesture in animation in a wonderful nasty sense of humour goes to "RGB XYZ" Directed by David OReilly.

Award ceremony at Göteborg International Film Festival’s closing party

Tue, 05 Feb 2008 06:28:00 PST

The 31st Göteborg International Film Festival closed with an award ceremony at Börsen and a big party at Magasinsgatan, both indoors and outdoors. The following prizes are awarded:

The Nordic Film Award

The Göteborg International Film Festival's Nordic Film Prize is awarded the director Tomas Alfredson for his film "Let the Right One in." The motivation is: "The Göteborg International Film Festival Nordic Award goes to director Tomas Alfredson for the film Let the Right One in. He succeeds to transform a vampire movie to a truly original, touching, amusing and heart-warming story about friendship and marginalisation."

The prize consists of 100.000 SEK from Västra Götalandsregionen and the Filmdraken (the Film Dragon), a statuette covered in mosaic, created by Ernst Billgren.

The Kodak Nordic Vision Award

The Kodak Nordic Vision Award goes to the photographer Hoyte van Hoytema for his excellent camera work in "Let the Right One In." The motivation is: "The Kodak Nordic Vision Award goes to the cinematographer Hoyte van Hoyten for his exquisite camera work in "Let the Right One In." His images, observant and full of details, bring out the human beings and their environment, thus adding dimensions to a multilayered story."

The Nordic jury consisted of Monika Tunbäck-Hanson (Chair Woman, Sweden), Aku Louhimies (director, Finland), Ragnar Bragason (director, Island), Anna Anthony (producer, Sweden), Sonja Richter (Sweden, Danmark), and Jørgen Storm Rosenberg (producer, Norway).

The Church of Sweden Film Award

The Danish film "Go With Peace Jamil" by Omar Shargawi is awarded the Church of Sweden Film Award. The prize consists of 50.000 SEK. The motivation is: "In the middle of an outburst of revenge, a conversation is made about freedom and human dignity. Faced with predestinated violence, the film describes human beings as responsible for each other and God with a possibility of freedom and reconciliation."

This year's jury consisted of Mikael Ringlander (Chair Man), Andja Arnebäck (director), Anne-Louise Eriksson (Swedish Church), Jes Nysten (clergyman and film critic).

The FIPRESCI Award

The FIPRESCI award is given by the International federation of film critics to one the competing Nordic feature films. This year the film "Go With Peace Jamil" by Omar Shargawi is awarded the FIPRESCI prize. The jury made the following statement about the winner: "The FIPRESCI Jury was unanimous in selecting Go With Peace, Jamil as our winner. It impressed us with its energy, force and originality, and the way it addressed serious, topical, social and political themes in an accessible and absorbing way. We are sure that first-time director Omar Shargawi will go on to become established as a major name in Nordic cinema, and we would also like to express our delight that his film has yesterday been named as a Tiger Award winner at the International Film Festival Rotterdam. Of course, we made our decision several days BEFORE the Tiger Jury: once again, where Gothenburg leads, the rest of the world follows!"

This year's jury consisted of Henrik Uth Jensen (Denmark), Bregtje Schudel (Netherlands), and Neil Young, (United Kingdom).

The Ingmar Bergman International Debut Award

This year's Ingmar Bergman International Debut Award goes to "Solitary Fragments" by Jaime Rosales from Spain. The motivation is: "Following Ingmar Bergman's vision for the award for 'a director making his or her debut with a film dealing with, in a broad sense, existential issu es and displaying a dynamic or experimental awareness of the cinematic means of expression', the jury has decided on Solitary Fragments directed by Jaime Rosales for its skilfully orchestrated acting, for portraying every character with love, for expressing emotions with human faces and for inviting the audience to watch the film with patience."

The TIBIDA jury consisted of Margarethe von Trotta, director, Germany, Pen-ek Ratanaruang, director, Thailand, István Szabó, director, Hungary, and Anu Koivunen, film professor, Sweden.

Startsladden - the Short Film Award

The winner of the short film award Startsladden is "I stället för Abrakadabra" by Patrik Eklund. The motivation is: "The jury awards a colorful fi lm, whose creators will surely supply Swedish film with a healthy dose of humour. We are looking forward to seeing more films by Patrik Eklund."

The Startsladden jury consisted of Nanna Huolman, director, Robert Lillhonga, director, Mimmi Forss, Stockholm Film Commission, Henrik A. Persson, Dagsljus.

The Producer Award Lorens

The winner of Stockholm Post Production's new producer award is Fredrik Heining for "Darling." The award consists of free development of the winning producer's next feature film and is estimated to about 500.000 SEK. The winner was picked from 2007 year's Swedish feature films.

The jury consisted of Tony Forsberg (photographer), Petra Ahlin (editor), Reza Parsa (director), Jesper Bergom-Larsson (producer), Ali Boriri (film lab manager and filmer).

Viewer's Choice Award

The viewers have made their choice;

Best feature film: "Three Miles North of Molkom" by Robert Cannan and Corinna Villari-McFarlane, United Kingdom.

Best short film: "I stället för Abrakadabra" by Patrik Eklund.

The 2008 Tiger Awards of the Rotterdam International Film Festival

Tue, 05 Feb 2008 06:03:00 PST

This year’s VPRO Tiger Awards, open to fifteen first or second-time features, go to: "Wonderful Town," Aditya Assarat’s delicate love story set in a town in the

south of Thailand recovering from the Tsunami; "Flower in the Pocket", Malaysian director Liew Seng Tat’s touching teen drama; and "Go with Peace Jamil," Omar Shargawi’s urban revenge drama set among Copenhagen’s young Muslim community.

The award includes a cash prize of €15,000, up €5,000 on last year. In a statement released by the five-person jury chaired by Iranian director Jafar Panahi, the jurors praised the winning films.

FIPRESCI Award

Also announced last night, the FIPRESCI Award went to "El cielo, la tierra y la lluvia" (The Sky, the Earth and the Rain), Chilean director Jose Luis Torres Leiva’s debut fiction feature. Chosen from entries for the VPRO Tiger Awards competition, the film is an atmospheric rural drama revolving around three lonely women in southern Chile.

Dioraphte Award

Awarded to the twenty-two Hubert Bals-supported films playing at IFFR, the Dioraphte Award went to "Mutum," Sandra Kogut’s Brazilian drama revolving around a sensitive child protagonist on a remote farm.

NETPAC Award

Established to promote Asian cinema, the NETPAC Award, open to all Asian titles at IFFR, went to "What On Earth Have I Done Wrong?!," Taiwanese director Niu Chen-zer’s mockumentary self-portrait.

Explaining their decision, the three-member jury said: ‘It is a début film that has deftly crafted a humorous drama that mocks filmmaking with great sensitivity and arrives at a profound insight into the human condition.’

They also made a Special Mention of "Crude Oil," Wang Bing’s documentary about oil refining in the Gobi Desert. ‘Its dispassionate expose of the hardship of human labour which is the basis of economic progress.’

KNF Award

"Cargo 200," Alexei Balabanov’s grueling thriller, won the KNF Award, the Association of Dutch Film Critics’ prize for best film in the official selection that hasn’t yet been acquired for Dutch distribution.

2008 Award Winners for the Trieste Film Festival

Tue, 05 Feb 2008 05:45:00 PST

FEATURE FILM COMPETITION:

“Plac Zbawiciela” (Saviour’s Square)

Director: Krzysztof Krauze and Joanna Kos-Krauze, (Poland, 2006)

Special Mentions:

“Instalacija ljubezni” (Installation of Love)

Director: Maja Weiss, 2007

“Pora umieraç” (Time to Die)

Director: Dorota K´dzierzawska, Poland

SHORT FILM COMPETITION

“Annem Sinema Ogreniyor” (My Mother Learns Cinema)

Director: Ismet Ergun

Special Mentions

“Bende Sira-Ich bin Dran!” (My Turn)

Director: Janez Burger

“Porno”

Director: Jan Wagner

DOCUMENTARY COMPETITION

“DasLeben is Ein Langer Tag” ( Life is one long day)

Director: Svenja Kluh

“Plosca” (Kalinovski Square)

Director: Jurij Chascevatskij

CCEI AWARD

“ San sanyc” ‘

Director: George Agadjanean

PUBLIC PRIZE

Feature Film Award:

1. “Pora Unierac” (Tiem to Die)

Director: Dorota Kedzierzawska

2. “Estrellita – Pesem za Domov” (Estrellita)

Director: Metod Pevec

3. “Klopka” (The Trap)

Director: Srdan Golubovic

Short Film Competition

1. “Intre Zidure” (In Between Walls)

Director: Ana-Felicia Scuteinicu

2. “Szalontudo” (Tripe and Onions)

Director: Marton Szirmal

3. “Sasa, Grisa si Ion”

Director: Igor Cobileanski

Documentary Competition

1. “Das Geheiminis von Deva” (The Secret of Deva)

Director: Anca Miruna Lazarescu

2. “Otroci s Petricka” (The Children of Petricek)

Director: Miran Zupanic

3. “Gyveno Senelis ir Bobute” (Grandma and Granddad)

Director: Giedre Beinoriute

Awards Winners Announced for the 2008 Festival de Premiers Plans

Tue, 05 Feb 2008 04:59:00 PST

EUROPEAN FEATURE FILM AWARDS

GRAND PRIX DU JURY

“PROSTYE VESHCHI “

Director: Alexei Popogrebsky (Russia)

PRIX SPÉCIAL DU JURY

“SZTUCZKI”

Director: Andrzej Jakimowski (Poland)

PRIX DU PUBLIC

“SZTUCZKI”

Director: Andrzej Jakimowski (Poland)

PRIX DE LA CREATION MUSICALE

ÜLO KRIGUL for “SÜGISBALL “

Director: Veiko Õunpuu (Estonia)

EUROPEAN SHORT FILM AWARDS

GRAND PRIX DU JURY

"TURELEM"

Director: Laszlo Nemes Jeles (Hungry)

PRIX DU PUBLIC

"LA DRUMUL MARE"

Director: Gabriel Sirbu (Romania)

PRIX SPECIAL DU JURY

"LA DRUMUL MARE"

Director: Gabriel Sirbu (Romania)

PRIX ARTE

TURELEM

Director: Laszlo Nemes Jeles (Hungry)

PRIX DU PUBLIC - FEATURES

"LA VACILLANTE"

Director: Philippe Van Leeuw

PRIX DU PUBLIC - SHORT FILMS

"CE N'EST QU'UN HOMME" (LA NOIRAUDE II)

Director: Fabienne & Veronique Kanor

FRENCH SHORT FILM AWARDS

GRAND PRIX DU JURY

"SUR SES DEUX OREILLES"

Director: Emma Luchini

PRIX DU PUBLIC

"CHOISIR D’AIMER"

Director: Rachid Hami

PRIX CCAS

"PETITE FLAMME"

Director: Eric Morfaux

PRIX DES BIBLIOTHECAIRES

"FACCIA D'ANGELO"

Director: Elsa Amiel

European Film School Awards:

GRAND PRIX DU JURY:

"COMO TODO EL MUNDO"

Director: Franco Lolli (France)

PRIX DU PUBLIC: "DAS BABY"

Director: Falco Jagau (Germany)

PRIX UIP

"PROCRASTINATION"

Director: Johnny Kelly (UK)

PRIX MIKROCINE /CANAL+ CINEMA

"FRIENDS FOREVER"

Director: Marcal Fores (UK)

PRIX DE LA CREATION MUSICALE

CHRIS BALDWIN in "DOG ALTOGETHER"

Director: Paddy Considine -(UK)

SPECIAL MENTION

MIRO MANTERE pour "LILLI"

ACTOR AWARDS:

PRIX “JEAN CARMET”

Sergey Puskepalis in "PROSTYE VESHCHI"

Director: Alexei Popogrebsky(Russia)

PRIX MADEMOISELLE LADUBAY

Ceci Schmitz-Chuch in "DIE UNERZOGENEN"

Director: Pia Marais (Allemagne)

PRIX D’INTERPRETATION FEMININE

Virag Marjai in "TURELEM"

Director: Laszlo Nemes Jeles (Hungry)

PRIX D’INTERPRETATION MASCULINE

Carlo Brandt in "TAXI WALA"

Director: Lola Frederich (France)

ANIMATION FILM AWARDS

GRAND PRIX DU JURY

"IRINKA ET SANDRINKA"

Director: Sandrine Stoianov & Jean-Charles Finck (France)

SPECIAL MENTION

"PROCRASTINATION"

Director: Johnny Kelly (UK)

"LA MAIN DE L'OURS"

Director: Marina Rosset (Switzerland)

2008 SLAMDANCE FILM FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES AWARDS WINNERS

Tue, 05 Feb 2008 12:35:00 PST

The 14th annual Slamdance Film Festival has announced 15 film and screenplay prize winners in three categories who will share more than $200,000 in cash and prizes, plus, for one winner, guaranteed production of a feature film. The just-concluded Festival in Park City, Utah, received over 3,500 submissions from 25 countries for less than 100 programming slots.

There are three competitive divisions at Slamdance: Grand Jury, Audience and Writer Awards, in addition to a Special Award given by Kodak. The Grand Jury Narrative Feature and Documentary Feature Award winners will be screened at the IFC Center in New York City in February. Feature competition is limited to first-time filmmakers working with production budgets of $1 million or less.

Additionally, Slamdance, Angel Baby Entertainment and Maverick Films will produce a feature film based on the year's prize-winning entry culled from the Slamdance Horror Screenplay Competition. Besides having their screenplay guaranteed to be made into a feature motion picture, the winning writer will receive an upfront payment of $10,000 against 5% of the film's budget, plus net profits participation on the movie and payments for any sequels made of the motion picture. Production of the completed script will occur during the ensuing months, with the intent of having the film's World Premiere during the follow year's Slamdance Film Festival.

The winners of the Grand Jury Awards are as follows:

Grand Jury Award for Best Narrative Feature

Prize: $15,000 Credit at Filmworksfx

LP3 Pictures Grip, Electric, and Studio Package ($15,000 value)

$3,500 Credit on legal services from Pierce Law Group, LLP

Winner: "The New Year Parade" directed by Tom Quinn

Special Jury Honorable Mention for Narrative Feature

"How To Be" directed by Oliver Irving

Grand Jury Award for Best Documentary Feature

Prize: Panasonic HVX200 Camera

$10,000 Credit Filmworksfx

$3,500 Credit on legal services from Pierce Law Group, LLP

$500 Credit from Discmakers

Winner: "Song Sung Blue" directed by Greg Kohs

Special Jury Honorable Mention for Documentary Feature

Winner: "My Mother’s Garden" directed by Cynthia Lester

Grand Jury Award for Best Animated Short

Prize: $2,500 Credit at Filmworks/FX

Winner: "Blood Will Tell" directed by Andrew McPhillips

Grand Jury Award for Best Documentary Short

Prize: $2,500 Credit at Filmworks/FX

Winner: "The Ladies" directed by C.A. Voros

Grand Jury Award for Best Experimental Short

Prize: $2,500 Credit at Filmworks/FX

Winner: "Doxology" directed by Michael Langan

Grand Jury Award for Best Narrative Short

Prize: $2,500 Credit at Filmworks/FX

Winner: "Son" directed by Daniel Mulloy

Special Jury Honorable Mention for Narrative Short

Winner: "4960" directed by Wing-Yee Wu

The winners of the Audience Awards are as follows:

Audience Award for Best Narrative Feature

Prize: $4,000 Credit from Filmworksfx

Winner: "The Project" directed by Ryan Piotrowicz

Audience Award for Best Documentary Feature

Prize: $4,000 Credit from Filmworksfx

Winner: "Song Sung Blue" directed by Greg Kohs

Global Audience Award for Best Anarchy Film

Prize: $2,500 Credit from Filmworksfx

Winner: "Rock Garden" directed by Gloria Kim

Spirit of Slamdance Award*

Prize: Jagermeister Gift Basket

Winner: "Woman in Burka" directed by Jonathan Lisecki

*Awarded by the 2008 filmmakers, for exhibiting passion and talent as a filmmaker, commitment to the independent community, and enthusiastically embracing all Slamdance has to offer.

The winners of the Writer Awards are as follows:

Award for Best Feature Length Screenplay

Prize: $7,000 cash

Winner: "The Wonder Girls" by Anthony Meindl

Award for Best Short Screenplay

Prize: $500.00 cash

Winner: "Easy Pickins'" by Will Hartman

Award for Best Teleplay

Prize: $5,000 cash

Winner: "Stage Six Pandemic" by Barbara Marshall

Award for Best Horror Competition Screenplay

Prize: $10,000 cash prize and a production deal with Angel Baby Entertainment & Maverick Films

Winner: "The Punished" by Tony Mosher

Creative Excellence Award for the Horror Screenplay Competition

Prize: $1,000 cash

Winner: "Child in the Dark" by Damian Lahey & Ian Ogden

Special Award:

Kodak Vision Award for Best Cinematography

Prize: $10,000 worth of Kodak film (16mm or 35mm)

This is the 11th year Kodak is sponsoring the Kodak Vision Award at Slamdance

Winner: "Crooked Lake" (programmed as "Portage") cinematography by Sascha Drews & Ezra Krybus

Slamdance 2008 Awards are sponsored by Kodak, Panasonic, LP3 Pictures, Filmworksfx, Pierce Law Group, LLP, Discmakers, Digital Film Central, Alpha Cine, and Angel Baby Entertainment. Closing Awards and Reception

2008 SUNDANCE/NHK INTERNATIONAL FILMMAKER AWARD WINNERS ANNOUNCED

Tue, 05 Feb 2008 12:19:00 PST

The four winners were selected from among 12 finalists by members of an international jury which included: Gregg Araki, Jeremy Pikser, Erin Cressida Wilson, Martin Rejtman, Andrucha Waddington, Shekhar Kapur, and Anand Tucker.

These annual awards were created in 1996 to honor and support visionary film directors from four global regions

(Europe, Latin America, the United States, and Japan) in realizing their next projects. The four winners were presented with the award at the annual Sundance Film Festival Awards Ceremony on Saturday, January 26.

The winning director from each region will receive a $10,000 award and a guarantee from NHK to purchase the Japanese television broadcast rights upon completion of their project. NHK is Japan’s largest broadcaster with five 24- hour TV and three radio channels. In addition, the Sundance Institute staff will work closely with the award recipients throughout the year, providing ongoing support and assistance in seeking out opportunities to finance and distribute their projects.

The winning filmmakers and projects are:

Alejandro Fernandez Almendras for "HUACHO" from Chile; Braden King for "HERE" from the United States;

Aiko Nagatsu, for "APOPTOSIS" from Japan;

Radu Jude for "THE HAPPIEST GIRL IN THE WORLD" from Romania.

“We are thrilled by the quality and vision of this year's winning filmmakers, all of whom embody what the award is about. In an extremely competitive year, these projects stood out as truly original," said Alesia Weston, Associate

Director of the Feature Film Program, International.

“The Sundance/ NHK award is part of the Sundance Institute Feature Film Program's year-round commitment to support singular voices in world cinema,” said Michelle Satter, Director, Sundance Institute Feature Film Program.

"We expect that the creativity and unique storytelling of this year’s four winners will resonate far beyond their countries of origin."

Past recipients of the award include: Andrucha Waddington, THE HOUSE OF SAND (Brazil); Miranda July, ME AND YOU AND EVERYONE WE KNOW (USA); Lucrecia Martel, LA CIENAGA (Argentina); Juan Pablo Rebella and Pablo Stoll, WHISKY (Uruguay); Walter Salles, CENTRAL STATION (Brazil); Chris Eyre, SMOKE SIGNALS (USA); Gyorgy Palfi, TAXIDERMIA (Hungary) and Catalin Mitulescu, THE WAY I SPENT THE END OF THE WORLD (Romania).

Recent winners include: Lucia Cedron, LAMB OF GOD (Argentina), the opening night film at the 2008 International Film Festival Rotterdam ; Fernando Eimbcke, LAKE TAHOE (Mexico) premiering in competition at the 2008 Berlin International Film Festival; and Alex Rivera (USA) will premiere his film SLEEP DEALER in competition at the 2008 Sundance Film Festival.

Award Winners for the 2008 Pune International Film Festival

Fri, 18 Jan 2008 01:24:00 PST

Competition in World Cinema

PIFF is the only International Film Festival in India to hold a World Competition with cash prize awards

The Jury Attributes Three Special Mentions To:

Yan Binyang actress in "AI QING DE YA CHI" (TEETH OF LOVE) – China

Ines Efron actress in "XXY" (Argentina)

Damien UI actor in "SZTUCZKI" (TRICKS) – Poland

Special Jury Award: "OLGA VICTORIA OLGA" (TIME WITHOUT TIME) – Argentina

Best International Female Actor: : Ozgu Namal in "MUTLULUK" (BLISS) - Turkey

Best International Male Actor: Cezmi Baskin in "BEYNELMILEL" (INTERNATIONAL) – Turkey

Maharashtra Government Prabhat International Award For Best Director: Teresa Prata for "TERRA SONAMBULA" (SLEEPING WALKING LAND) – Mozambique

Maharashtra Government Prabhat International Award For Best Film: "XXY" (Argentina)

International Marathi Competition Awards

Special Jury Mention of the excellent performance of “Master Sharad Goyekar as Tingya” in the film of the same title.

Special Jury Award: “Mr. Sudheer Palsane”

The Following Three Awards Are Sponsored By The Akhil-Bharatiya Marathi Chitrapat Mahamandl:

Best Screenplay: "Aevdhe Se Aabhaal"

Written and Directed by: Mr. Bipin Nadkarni”

Prize: Rs. 25,000

The Best Acting Award: Ms. Prateeksha Lonkar for her performance in the film "Aevdhe Se Aabhaal"

Prize: Rs. 25,000

Best Director Award: “Valu” by “

Directed by: Mr. Umesh Vinayak Kulkarni

Prize: Rs. 25,000

Sant Tukaram- Gov. Of Maharashtra Best International Marathi Film Award: “Tingya”

Directed by Mr. Mangesh Hadawale

Whistling Woods International Student Film Awards (Short Film Category)

The Best Screenplay - $ 1000

The award goes to the film “Undertakers” from the Film and Television Institute of Pune

The Best Director - $ 1000

The award goes to Mr. Lovell Frank of SDSU Film Media

The Best Film - $ 2000

The award goes to the film “ROKDA” directed by Mr. Marash Shah of Whistling Woods International

Whistling Woods Students Animation Film Competition Awards –

The Award goes to the films

“Legend of Boruta”

“Feedback”

Award Winners for the 2008 Flickerfest

Fri, 18 Jan 2008 01:09:00 PST

INTERNATIONAL AWARDS:

Coopers Award for Best Film – "BLOOD SISTERS"(BLODSOSTRE) – Denmark

Produced by Lottie Terp Jakobsen & Jesper Morthorst

Directed by Louise N. D Friedberg

Prize: $5,000

Yoram Gross Award for Best Animation– "MADAME TUTLI PUTLI" - Canada

Produced by Marcy Page

Direction & Animation by Chris Lavis & Maciek Szczerbowski

Prize: $1,250

MINI Special Jury Prize – "SOFT" – UK

Produced by Jane Hooks

Directed by Simon Ellis

Prize: $500

SAE Prize for Best Use of Digital Technology In A Short Film– "TYGER" - Brazil

Directed by Guilherme Marcondes

Produced by Guilherme Marcondes & Trattoria

Prize: $1,000

National Geographic Award for Best Documentary – "DANCE LIKE YOUR OLD MAN" – Australia

Directed by Gideon Obarzanek & Edwina Throsby

Produced by Chunky Move

Prize: $1,000

Highly commended – "NIGGER LOVERS" - Australia

Directed by Rhonda Hagan

Produced by Daryl Sparkes

Special Mention – "THE WRONG TRAINERS" - UK

Produced & Directed by Kez Margrie

AUSTRALIAN AWARDS

JVC Short Film Award for Best Australian Film HDV– "NANA"

Produced by Kath Shelper

Directed by Warwick Thornton

Prize: camcorder GY HD111E

Seed Award for Best Achievement in an Original Australian Screenplay – "DUGONG"

Written by Erin White

Prize: $1,000

Icebergs Dining Room & Bar Award for Best Direction in an Australian Short Film– "CROSSBOW"

Directed by David Michod

Prize: $1,000

Special mention for Direction in an Australian short film – "MEDITATIONS ON A NAME"

Directed by Bonnie Elliott

Produced by Genevieve Derwent & Suzy Spoon

SBS Television Award – "YOLK"

Directed by Stephen Lance

Produced by Damon Escott

Written by Stephen Lance & Cory Taylor

Prize: Receipent to be awarded with the program purchase of their short film for broadcast

FujiFilm Award for Best Cinematography in an Australian Short Film – "PLAY"

Cinematographer – Nicola Daley

Prize: 35mm filmstock to the value of $2000 AUD

Avid Australia Award for Best Editing in an Australian Short Film: "SPIDER"

Editing by Luke Doolan & Nash Edgerton

Prize: Avid Media Composer Editing Software for MAC & PC rrp $7400 AUD

Film Support Award for most resourceful production – "WHAT THEY DON’T KNOW"

Produced by Caelin Smith

Directed by Samuel Bennetts

Prize: $500

AudioLoc Sound Design Award for Best Achievement in Sound – "CROSSBOW"

Sound designed by Sam Petty

Prize: One days sound mix at Crystal Palace

19th Annual Palm Springs International Film Festival Announces Festival Winners

Fri, 18 Jan 2008 01:01:00 PST

Audience Award Winners: "Then She Found Me"

Mercedes-Benz Audience Award for Best Narrative Feature: "Then She Found Me"

(USA) directed, co-written by and starring Helen Hunt

Audience Award for Best Documentary Feature: "Autism: The Musical"

directed by Tricia Regan (USA)

The documentary follows the six-month rehearsal process of the Miracle Project, in which a group of autistic children writer and perform a full-length musical. The film is shortlisted for the Academy Awards Best Documentary Feature nomination.

FIPRESCI Award: "Armin"

directed by Ognjen Svilicic (Croatia)

The film is an intimate, poignant drama about a small-town father and son trying to maintain their dignity in the big city and in the face of unexpected opportunities. The jury selected the film for its sensitive portrayal of a father-son relationship and the subtle intimations of unseen horrors, brilliantly evoked in a serio-comic manner.

FIPRESCI Award Best Actor: Song Gang-ho for his role in "Secret Sunshine"

directed by Lee Chang-dong (South Korea)

FIPRESCI Award Best Actress: Anamaria Marinca and Laura Vasiliu for their performances in "4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days"

directed by Cristian Mungiu (Romania)

This year’s FIPRESCI jury members include Ronald Bergen (UK), Isabelle Danel (France) and Adam Nayman (Canada).

The New Voices/New Visions category features films from ten new international directors whose first or second films have been selected by the Festival’s programming team to represent the best work of previously unheralded talents emerging in the narrative film making field with a particularly high standard of accomplishment and innovative technique. Reviewing the films for this award were journalist Elliot Kotek; Stefan Laudyn, director of the Warsaw Film Festival; and Thorsten Ritter, International Sales Agent from Bavaria Films.

New Voices/New Visions Award: "Hounds"

directed and co-written by Ann-Kristin Reyels (Germany)

“Themselves a strange mix of cultures, the jury found common ground in their appreciation of Hounds, an accomplished first feature directed and co-written by Ann-Kristin Reyels which subtly succeeds in all aspects of the art-form. Of particular importance to our decision was our sense of this film's consideration of its context within the world at large: Hounds cleverly and comically presents a small-town microcosm of global issues - the acceptance of disabilities without condescension, the respect for other species, and the importance of love and communication within families (however unconventional their composition).”

John Schlesinger Award for Outstanding First Feature (Narrative or Documentary): "The Champagne Spy"

directed by: Nadav Schirman (Israel)

This honor, selected by the Festival programming team, acknowledges the work of a first-time filmmaker whose narrative or documentary feature represents particular distinction and the promise of a major filmmaking career. The film follows a 12 year-old boy who journeys into the shadowy corners of his father’s real and covert identities, when he learns that he is a Mossad spy.

Commenting on the selection Co-directors of programming Carl Spence and Helen du Toit said, “Prior to making his mark with acclaimed features John Schlesinger made his debut with a documentary film. We are delighted to celebrate a filmmaker, who incidentally was inspired to get into filmmaking by John Schlesinger's Marathon Man and is working on his first narrative feature following the enthusiastic audience and critical response to his debut documentary feature The Champagne Spy.”

Heineken Red Star Award: "Ben X"

directed by: Nic Balthazar (Belgium)

The Heineken Red Star Award was created to provide increased exposure and visibility for the movies screened at these film festivals, while recognizing and rewarding innovative and original works of film. The art of filmmaking is a labor of love; it takes many people to create a movie, but even when the final cut is complete, there is still a long way to go before it makes it to the big screen, which is where the Heineken Red Star Award comes in. The winner of the Heineken Red Star Award receives a full-page profile in Variety magazine, featured on a segment on the Independent Film Channel, and invited to participate in an industry networking event in Los Angeles this December – all in an effort to provide much-needed recognition and exposure for talented filmmakers to assist in getting their works to screen.

Special Jury Mention went to "The Waltz"

directed by Salvatore Maira

Special Mention for Cinematography: "Two Embraces" directed by Enrique Begne; cinematography by Frederico Barbarosa.

Commenting on these two awards the jury stated: “For his ability to construct and execute the logistical feat of an entertaining feature film in one extended take without the sacrifice of story, the jury has decided to single out Salvatore Maira’s "The Waltz" for a Special Mention. And finally, the jury acknowledges by Special Mention the vivid and eloquent cinematography created by Federico Barbarosa for Enrique Begne’s 'Two Embraces.'”

Bridging the Border’s Award presented by Cinema Without Borders: "The Band’s Visit"

directed by Eran Kolinn (Israel)

This award is given to the film that is the most successful in bringing the people of our world closer together. The story of an Egyptian brass band in a backwater, desert Israeli town and the comical tensions that erupt among the band’s members, hosts and potential audience.

2007 Award WInners for the Bahamas International Film Festival

Fri, 18 Jan 2008 12:40:00 PST

Audience Award for Best Dramatic: "AMAL"

Directed by Richie Mehta

Audience Award for Best Documentary: "BEYOND THE CALL"

Director Adrian Belic

SPIRIT OF FREEDOM DRAMATIC: "IN THE VALLEY OF ELAH"

Directed by Paul Haggis

SPIRIT OF FREEDOM DOCUMENTARY: "IRON LADIES OF LIBERIA"

Directed by Siatta Scott Johnson & Daniel Junge

SHORT FILM AWARD: "ROSE"

Directed by Hoku Uchiyama

NEW VISION AWARD: "I’M THROUGH WITH WHITE GIRLS"

Directed by Jennifer Sharp

The 2007 Muhr Award Winners for the Dubai International Film Festival

Wed, 09 Jan 2008 04:44:00 PST

Short Films:

Gold: Khdija Leclere for the film "Sarah

Silver: Waleed al Shehhi for the film "Haresat al Ma’a" (The Water Guard)

Bronze: Lotfi Achour for the film "El Ezz" (Garbage)

Documentary:

Gold: Karim Goury for the film "Soneaa fi Masr" (Made in

Egypt)

Silver: Buthina Canaan Khoury for the film "Magharat Maria" (Maria’s Grotto)

Bronze: Nassri Hajjaj for the film "Dhil al Gheyab" (Shadow of Absence)

Feature Film:

Gold: Phillippe Aractingi for the film "Taht el Qasef" (Under the Bombs)

Silver: Nouri Bouzid for the film "Akher Film" (Making Of),

Bronze: Abdellatif Kechiche for the film "La Graine et le Mulet" (The Secret of the Grain)

Best Composer: Nejib Charradi for the film "Akher Film" (Making Of)

Best Actress: Nada Abou Fahat for the film "Under the Bombs"

Best Actor: Nadim Sawalha for the film "Captain Abu Raed"

Best Screenplay: "Borhane Alaouie" for the film Khalass

Best Editor: France Duez for the film "Khalass"

Best Cinematographer: Pierre Boffety ffor the film "Burnt Hearts"

Best Emirati Talent: Mohammed Saeed Harib for the film "Freej series"

Best Emirati Female Filmmaker: Nayla Al Khaja

Best Emirati Filmmaker: Ali Mostafa.

Les palmares et la ceremonie de clôture du Festival International du Film Marrakech 2007- En Francais

Wed, 09 Jan 2008 04:02:00 PST

L'Etoile d'Or du Festival a été remise au réalisateur du film Ounpuu par la grande star du cinéma français Catherine Deneuve qui a salué l'organisation de cette manifestation cinématographique dédiée au 7-ème art au Maroc et dans le monde.

Lors de la cérémonie de clôture, à laquelle ont assisté notamment le ministre de la communication, porte-parole du gouvernement, M. Khalid Naciri, et la ministre de la culture, Mme Touria Jabrane, ont également été distingués les films "The Hard-Hearted" du réalisateur russe Alexey Mizgirev et "Slingshot" du cinéaste philippin Brillante Ma Mendoza qui ont remporté ex aequo le Prix du Jury.

Le Prix de la meilleure interprétation féminine est revenu à l'actrice Yu Yun-mi pour son rôle dans le film "With a girl Of Black Soil'', oeuvre du réalisateur sud coréen Jeon Soo Il (2007).

Et c'est l'acteur Tommi Korpela qui a remporté le Prix de la meilleure interprétation masculine pour sa prestation dans le film "Man's Job'' réalisé par le finlandais Aleksi Salmenpera (2007).

"Il n'a pas été facile de trancher entre des films très différents représentants des cultures diverses" a révélé le président du Jury Milos Forman lors de la cérémonie de clôture à la quelle a pris part une pléiade d'artistes et de cinéastes marocains et étrangers et un public très nombreux.

Le choix a été difficile et les délibérations se sont passées dans un climat de franchise et d'honnête, a-t-il poursuivi, ajoutant que le principal était de participer.

Il a par la suite félicité la Fondation du FIFM pour la bonne organisation de cette manifestation et l'accueil chaleureux réservés aux participants.

Les récipiendaires, très émus, se sont dit très honorés et très heureux d'être consacrés par cette 7-ème édition du Festival International du Film de Marrakech (FIFM).

Pour cette 7-ème édition du FIFM, 15 longs métrages étaient encompétition notamment "Actrices'' de Valéria Bruni Tedschi (France),"The Red Awn'' de Cai Shangjun (Chine), "Autumn Ball'' de Veiko Ounpuu(Estonie), "Funuke Show Some Love You losers'' de Daihachi Yoshida(Japon), "GrandHotel'', de David Ondricek (Serbie), "Les Jardins deSamira'', de Latif Lahlou (Maroc), "Man's Job'' de Aleksi Salmenpera (Finlande), "Slingshot'' de Brillante Ma Mendoza (Philippines).

Etaient également en lice "The Hard Hearted'' de Alexey Mizgirev(Russie) ,"The Savage'' de Tamara Jenkins( USA), "L'envers du Miroir''de Nadia Cherabi (Algérie), "The Trap'' de Sdran Golubovic (Serbie),"Wolfsbergen'' de Nanouk Leopold ( Pays bas), "With A Girl of BlackSoil'', de Jeon Soo Il (Corée du Sud) et "Used Parts'' , de AaronFernandez (Mexique France). Le jury, présidé par le réalisateur tchèqueMilos Forman était également composé de Hamid Bennani ( Réalisateur,scénariste et producteur -Maroc) John Hurt (comédien -Grande Bretagne,)Shekhar kapur (réalisateur et comédien -Inde), Pavel Lounguine(réalisateur, scénariste et producteur -Russie), Aissa Maiga(comédienne -France) Claude Miller (réalisateur et scénariste -France)Parker Posey (comédienne -USA) et Aintana Sanchez Gijon (comédienne-Espagne).

Plus de 110 films ont été projetés dans le cadre de cette 7-èmeédition du FIFM organisé, sous le haut patronage de SM le Roi MohammedVI, du 7 au 15 courant.

Award Winners Announced for the 2007 Marrakech International Film Festival

Wed, 09 Jan 2008 03:58:00 PST

L'Etoile d'Or Prize: "Autumn Ball"

Director: Veiko Ounpuu (Estonia)

Jury Prize: "The Hard-Hearted"

Director: Alexey Mizgirev (Russia)

"Slingshot"

Director: Brillante Ma Mendoza (Phillipines)

Best Female Role: Yu Yun-mi for her role in "With a girl Of Black Soil''

Director: Jeon Soo Il (South Korea)

Best Male Role: Tommi Korpela for his role in "Man's Job'' Director: Aleksi Salmenpera (Finland)

2007 Award WInners for the Les Nuits Magiques Festival- In English

Wed, 09 Jan 2008 12:22:00 PST

Audience Choice Prize for Best Comedy Short: "Bolides"

Directed By: François-Xavier Bologna, Théophile Bondoux, Lyonel Charmette et Vincent le Ster

Audience Choice Prize for Best Short in the category of "curosity": "Musicothérapie"

Directed By: Amael Isnard, Manuel Javelle et Clément Picon

Audience Choice Prize for Best Fantasy Short: "Marin"

Directed By: Alexandre Bernard, Pierre Pages et Damien Laurent

Audience Choice Prize for Best Adult Comedy Short: "Le Café"

Directed By: Stéphanie Marguerite et Emilie Tarascou

Audience Choice Prize for Best Feature: "Les Trois Brigands"

Directed By: Rayo Freitag

Youth Audience Choice Award: "La queue de la souris"

Directed By: Benjamin Remer

Youth Jury Prize: "Blue"

Directed By: Vincent Coni, Anne-Sophie Palermo et Julien Thebault

Beaumarchais Prize: "Le Pont"

Directed By: Vincent Bierrewaerts

2007 Palmares du Festival Les Nuits Magiques- En Francais

Wed, 09 Jan 2008 12:18:00 PST

Prix du Public pour le meilleur court métrage humoristique tout public: "Bolides"

de François-Xavier Bologna, Théophile Bondoux, Lyonel Charmette et Vincent le Ster

Prix du Public pour le meilleur court métrage de la catégorie "curiosités": "Musicothérapie"

de Amael Isnard, Manuel Javelle et Clément Picon

Prix du Public pour le meilleur court métrage fantastique: "Marin"

de Alexandre Bernard, Pierre Pages et Damien Laurent

Prix du Public pour le meilleur court métrage humoristique adulte: "Le Café"

de Stéphanie Marguerite et Emilie Tarascou

Prix du Public pour le meilleur long métrage: "Les Trois Brigands"

de Rayo Freitag

Prix du Jeune Public: "La queue de la souris"

de Benjamin Remer

Prix du Jury Jeune: "Blue"

de Vincent Coni, Anne-Sophie Palermo et Julien Thebault

Prix Beaumarchais: "Le Pont"

de Vincent Bierrewaerts

Award Winners Announced for the 2007 Festival Tous Courts

Wed, 12 Dec 2007 03:52:00 PST

Grand Prix: "Milan"

Directed by: Michaela Kezele (Allemagne/Serbie – 2007)

Prix Spécial du Jury (ex-æquo): "Décroche"

Directed by: Manuel Schapira (France – 2006)

and "Photograph"

Directed by: Sarah Lambert (Australie – 2006)

Prix Fujifilm: "La Dernière journée"

Directed by: Olivier Bourbeillon – (France 2006)

Prix de la Musique Originale: "Flonja Kodheli pour Chimio"

Directed by: Pascal Colson – (Belgique – 2006)

Special Mention of the Jury: "By The Kiss"

Directed by: Yann Gonzales – (France – 2006)

Special Mention of the Jury: "200 000 Fantômes"

Directed by: Jean-Gabriel Périot – (France – 2007)

Special Mention of the Jury: "Tanghi Argentini"

Directed by: Guido Thys – (Belgium - 2006)

Prix Libre Court: "Même pas mort" d

Directed by: Claudine Natkin – (France – 2007)

Prix Cinécourts: "Regarding Sarah"

Directed by: Michelle Porter – (Canada – 2006)

Prize of the Youth Jury: "Soft"

Directed by: Simon Ellis – (UK – 2006)

Special Mention of the Youth Jury: "Graffiti"

Directed by: Vano Burduli – (Georgia – 2006)

Prize of the Children's Jury: - "Titi"

Directed by: Béatrice et Hugues Espinasse - (France - 2007)

2007 Award Winners for the International Film Festival of Bratislava

Wed, 12 Dec 2007 03:14:00 PST

GRAND PRIX for the Best Film - "Blind Mountain" (Mang shan)

Directed by: Li Yang, (China, Hong Kong, Germany, 2007)

A masterful film on a topic not limited to the special story. Blind mountains exist in many disguises and concern the fate of women in large parts of the world.

Prize for the Best Director - "The Autumn Ball" (Sügisball)

Directed by: Veiko Ounpuu, (Estonia, 2007)

Its director successfully opens a window in a dysfunctional society.

Prize for the Best Actress - Julie Kolbeck for "The Art of Crying" (Kunsten at graede i kor)

Directed by: Peter Schonau Fog, (Denmark, 2006)

Despite of her young age she succeeds in portraying complicated levels of a daughter who has to cope with an impossible relationship to her father and family.

Prize for the Best Actor - Sam Riley for "Control"

Directed by: Anton Corbijn, (Great Britain, 2007)

For convincing portrait of a talented man who can't deliver yet what life demands of him.

Special Mention of the Jury - "Jellyfish" (Meduzot)

Directed by: Etgar Keret, Shira Geffen, (Israel, France, 2007)

There is great humanity in these short stories which are woven into a poetic image with questions and no answers.

Prize of the Ecumenical Jury - "Jellyfish" (Meduzot)

Directed by: Etgar Keret, Shira Geffen, (Israel, France, 2007)

For the poetic and symbolic reconciliation with others and themselves of individuals facing existential torments.

Special Mention of the Ecumenical Jury - "Garage"

Directed by: Lenny Abrahamson, (Ireland, 2007)

Garage emphasises in a minimalist style the behaviour of a simple guy who offers and searches foe compassion, giving us a great lesson of human dignity.

Special Mention of the Ecumenical Jury - "Blind Mountain" (Mang shan)

Directed by: Li Yang, China, (Hong Kong, Germany, 2007)

Blind Mountain presents the tragic history of Chinese young girl sold and imprisoned, who with the only aid of a little boy tries to break the indifference and ignorance of a rural community.

Prize of the FIPRESCI - "Tricks" (Sztuczki)

Directed by: Andrzej Jakimowski, (Poland, 2007)

Student Jury Award - "California Dreamin' (Endless)" / California Dreamin' (Nesfarsit)

Directed by: Cristian Nemescu, Romania, 2006)

For an apt allegoric depiction of geopolitical situation not only in the Central Europe, but also in the rest of the world.

The Slovak television Award - "The Art of Crying" (Kunsten at graede i kor)

Directed by: Peter Schonau Fog, (Denmark, 2006)

For original, non-pathetic and impressive narration about tragic victims of perverted love between parents and their children.

Zlatý Bažant People's Choice Prize - "Halflife" (Polčas rozpadu)

Directed by: Vlado Fischer, (Slovak Republic, 2007)

The IFF Bratislava Award for Artistic Excellence in world cinematography Austrian director Ulrich Seidl

Award Winners Announced for the 2007 Vendôme Film Festival

Wed, 12 Dec 2007 03:07:00 PST

GRAND PRIX COMPETITION NATIONALE: "Belle-île en Mer"

de Benoit Forgeard

GRAND PRIX COMPETITION EUROPÉENNE: "Plot point"

de Nicolas Provost -

PRIX SPECIAL DU JURY COMPETITION NATIONALE: "Roc & Canyon"

de Sophie Letourneur

PRIX SPECIAL DU JURY COMPETITION EUROPÉENNE: "Vita di giocomo"

de Luca & Diego Governatori

PRIX DE LA JEUNESSE COMPETITION NATIONAL: "Nijunan no borei"

de Jean-Gabriel Périot

PRIX DE LA JEUNESSE COMPETITION EUROPÉENNE: "Adjustment"

de Ian Mackinnon

PRIX DE LA MISE EN SCENE DECERNE PAR LE JURY ETUDIANT: "Adjustment"

de Ian Mackinnon -

PRIX DU PUBLIC: "Premier voyage"

de Grégoire Sivan

PRIX D’INTERPRETATION: Salomé Stévenin pour

"Tel père, telle fille"

de Sylvie Ballyot

PRIX CINECOLE EN VENDOMOIS: "Premier voyage"

de Grégoire Sivan

Golden Oosik Award Winners at the 2007 Anchorage International Film Festival

Wed, 12 Dec 2007 03:02:00 PST

Best Feature: "The Clown and the Fuhrer"

Director: Eduard Cortés

Best Short (shared): "Anonymous"

Director: Cristian Pozo

and "Demain la Veille"

Director: Julien Lecat & Sylvain Pioutaz

Best Super Short: "Joseph Henry"

Director: Phil Allocco

Best Animation: "La Flor Mas Grande Del Mundo"

Director: Juan Pablo Etcheverry

Best Documentary: "The Prize of the Pole"

Director: Staffan Julén

Best Short Documentary: "Labeled"

Director: Dan Currier

Best Snow Dance: "Crossing Alaska with Horses"

Director: Pauline Decroix

Award Winners of the 2007 Whistler Film Festival

Wed, 12 Dec 2007 02:56:00 PST

Borsos Award for Best New Canadian Feature Film: "Continental, a Film Without Guns,"

by Stephane Lafleur,

Prize: $15,000

A bittersweet black comedy, Continental takes a fresh look at the vulnerability of individuals and the fragile link that unites us to one another.

“The jury presents the Borsos Award for Best Canadian Feature Film to Continental, "A Film Without Guns" for its masterful harnessing of compelling performances, adventurous structure, exquisite cinematography and sound design, in communicating a profoundly human examination of loneliness and the possibility of solace” stated the jury in making the announcement.

The other 2007 Borsos Competition finalists, all B.C. premieres, were: Mark Wihak’s "River;" Matthew Miller, "Sascha Drews and Ezra Krybus’ Portage;" Richie Mehta’s "Amal;" and Robert Cuffley’s "Walk All Over Me;" Helene Klodawsky’s "Family Motel."

The $500 awards for Best Actor and Best Actress in the Borsos Competition went to Rupinder Nagra for his portrayal of a humble rickshaw driver in "Amal" and Maya Batten- Young for her portrayal of an aspiring artist and writer trapped in a dead-end office cleaning job in "River."

“In awarding these prizes the jury would like to underline the role of new technologies in composing and framing the spontaneity and originality of these performances,” said a jury spokesperson.

The $5,000 Best Documentary Award, presented by CBC Newsworld, was awarded to "We Are Together" (Thina Simunye), directed by Paul Taylor, and featuring the Children of Agape.

The jury singled out the film's beauty and craftsmanship, and also cited “the skill and compassion with which the film treated a very difficult subject matter, choosing to

celebrate the human spirit in the face of adversity.”

The Best Mountain Culture Film Award went to "Steep" by Mark Obenhaus.

The Jury statement said: “Transcending the typical ski film, Steep contains all the elements of a great film - a sweeping story arc, empathetic character development,

spectacular filming and visceral, unbelievable shots - while telling the story of the evolution of extreme skiing.

Honourable Mention went to "Dog Gone Addiction" by Becky Bristow, which ‘leaves viewers chilled to the bone but warmed to their hearts.”

The Best Mountain Culture Film Award, presented by Whistler Blackcomb, recognizes a film that celebrates mountain experiences, mountain places and mountain people.

The $1,000 Best Short Film Award, presented by Movieola - The Short film Channel, was awarded to "The Colony" by Jeff Barnaby (BC Premiere) for what the jury said was its “outstanding accomplishment in every aspect of filmmaking: from its stunning visual presentation, gritty story, and remarkably engaging performances, as well as for its fresh direction that challenges what Canadian filmmaking can be.”

MPPIA Short Film Award went to Marshall Axani, director/writer of "The Light of the Family Burnham." Newly established this year, the MPPIA Short Film Award is an annual industry endowment that supports the career development of emerging BC filmmakers.

Founded by MPPIA in partnership with BC Film and the Whistler Film Festival, the prestigious award is comprised of $15,000 in cash plus in-kind service contributions of up to $100,000 for the production of a short film.

Audience Award Winners for the 2007 Washington Jewish Film Festival

Wed, 12 Dec 2007 02:47:00 PST

Best Feature Film: "Arranged"

Directed by: Diane Crespo and Stefan C. Shaefer

Best Documentary Film: "Praying With Lior"

Directed by: Ilana Trachtman

Best Short Film: "My Love My Love"

Directed by: Yaron Yarkoni

The 2007 Sante Fe Film Festival Award Winners

Wed, 12 Dec 2007 02:35:00 PST

THE 2007 MILAGRO AWARD WINNERS ARE:

Best Documentary presented by Kirk Ellis:

Kieran Fitzgerald’s "BALLAD OF ESEQUIEL HERNANDEZ" winner of $1,000 software bundle from Entertainment Partners

Best Short Presented by Gary Farmer:

"CROCODILE DREAMING" by Australian filmmaker Darlene Johnson winner of $1,000 software bundle from Entertainment Partners

Best Animation presented by Maura Dhu Studi:

Jay Bolotin’s "THE JACKLEG TESTAMENT: PART ONE, JACK AND EVE"

The Suzanne Pettit Memorial Fund Editing Award presented by Michaeal Pettit: Hans Vermy for "THE REPLACEMENT CHILD"

Best Creative Spirit presented by Jihmi Kennedy:

"FINDING KRAFTLAND," Richard Kraft and Adam Shell winner of $1,000 software bundle from Entertainment Partners

Tamalewood Studios Award for Best New Mexico Film presented by Val DeVargas:

Albuquerque filmmaker Billy Garberina’s "NECROVILLE"

Best Southwest presented by Alan Arkin:

"OFF THE GRID: LIFE ON THE MESA," Jeremy and Randy Stulberg winner of $1,000 software bundle from Entertainment Partners

Best Latino presented by Wes Studi: Gabriela Bohm’s "THE LONGING"

FORGOTTEN JEWS OF SOUTH AMERICA winner of $1,000 software bundle from Entertainment Partners

Best Independent Spirit presented by Jon Bowman and Stephen Rubin: D.B. Sweeney’s raucous road movie "TWO TICKETS TO PARADISE" winner of $1,000 software bundle from Entertainment Partners

Audience Choice presented by Mayor Coss: "JUMP!," Helen Hood Scheer winner of $1,000 software bundle from Entertainment Partners

Best of Fest presented by Aviva: "PERSEPOLIS," co-directed by Vincent Paronnaud and Marjane Satrapi winner of $1,000 software bundle from Entertainment Partners

1st Indigenous Film Presented by Francene Blythe:

"MISS NAVAJO," directedby Billy Luther

Luminaria Awards for Lifetime Achievement in Film were given to:

John Bailey and Carol Littleton: Presented by Alan Cumming

Marina Goldavskaya presented by Francesca Ursone

Alanis Obomsawin presented by Canadian Consulate

Tributee Maverick Award: Alan Cumming presented by – Lynn Stalmaster

NM Film Office awarded its 3 Governor's Cup Films

NM women in Film gave th Sage Award to Shirley MacLaine

The 2007 Cairo International Film Festival Award Winners

Wed, 12 Dec 2007 02:23:00 PST

Feature Digital Films Prizes

Silver Award: "THE ENGLISHMAN"

Directed by: IAN SELLER

Produced by: MECHANICAL FILMS LTD (U.K)

Prize: 6.000$ (shared between the director and the producer)

To the film succeeds in telling the story of an inner conflict in subtle, delicate images, without having recourse to narration. Conveying how Western man creates his own prisons, it portrays three characters: two of them refugees who have recently arrived in England and a third, native-born, who is even more alienated than they are.

Feature Digital Films Prizes

Golden Award: "LITTLE MOTH"

Directed by: PENG TAO

Produced by: NEW YOUTH INDEPENDENT FILM STUDIO (CHINA)

Prize: 10.000$ (shared between the director and the producer)

This film represents the best sort of utilization of digital technology to make a politically pointed and engaged film that looks at its society with an unflinching eye. This film tells a powerful story with great cinematic skill, and does so without manipulating the audience's emotions.

Special Mention: "Caramel"

Directed by: Nadine Labaki (Lebanon)

For its refined craftsmanship and sensitive ensemble of acting.

Special Mention: "The Seventh Heaven"

Directed by: Saad Hendawy (Egypt)

For its vivid portrayal of a life affirming spirituality.

The Prize for the Best Arabic Film: "Waiting for Pasolini"

Directed by: Daoud Aoulad-Syad

Produced by: Les Films Du Sud (Morocco)

Prize: 100.000 Egyptian Pounds

Presented by the Ministry of Culture To the Producer

The Award for best Arab film goes to a work with an authentic theme depicting the influence of cinema on the lives of a group of marginalized beings giving them the opportunity to understand new ideas for a better life.

The International Critics Prize

FIPRESCI Prize (Presented to the Director): JUAN PATRICIO RIVEROLL for his Film: "OPERA" (Mexico)

The film that explains nothing verbally and says everything visually, it is the cinematic language, the length of the setting, the timing ,the use of music , the movement of the two protagonists in rooms and landscape s, which identify the director as a great talent of modern cinema. The International Critics Prize, awarded by FIPRESCI, the Federation International de la Presse.

Special Mention for the Actor: Mathew Beard for his role in Film: "AND WHEN DID YOU LAST SEE YOUR FATHER"

Directed by: Anand Tucker (U.K)

The Prize For the Best Artistic Contribution (presented to the Directo : DERVIS ZAIM

In the Film: WAITING FOR HEAVEN (TURKEY)

This was the film that expressed in the most faithful way the thoughts and heart of the myths of its subject matter and of the book it was based on.

Naguib Mahfouz Prize- The Best first work of a Director: JUAN PATRICIO RIVEROLL for his film "OPERA" (MEXICO)

Only after this film had been running for about ten minutes did I realize I was putting my expectations into a work that was deliberately defying the general rules of the medium - and that kind of daring and creativity is very rare. I really believe this is a young first time film-maker with an extraordinary future. I already want to see his next movie.

Saad El-Din Wahba Prize- The Prize for the Best Screenwriter: ALBERT TER HEERDT for the Film "KICKS"

Directed by: ALBERT TER HEERDT (THE NETHERLANDS)

This was a film that was also runner up in three other categories. It is a cleverly structured script covering some of the most difficult, delicate and painful situations and it does it with wit and compassion and happy surprises - A very clever piece of work.

The Prize for the Best Actor: ALBERT DUPONTEL

For his role in Film: "L'ENNEMI INTIME" (INTIMATE ENEMY)

Directed by: FLORENT EMILIO SIRI (FRANCE)

You think something strange cannot happen twice and then of course it does and that is the case now. Best actor votes were handed in and there was a difference of one point - it was that close. Stranger still both actors were in the same film. That tiny difference made all the difference.

The Prize for the Best actress- Shared between

The Actress: MARINA MAGRO SOTO for her role in Film "OPERA"

Directed by: JUAN PATRICIO RIVEROLL (MEXICO)

AND

The Actress: TATIANA LUTAEVA for her role in Film "FULL SCOPE"

Directed by: VALERY PENDRAKOVSKY (Russia)

This was a very difficult prize to single out. There were so many wonderful and complex female characters in the movies. It took a lot of deliberation until finally someone said, ‘It might help if we had a draw’. So the prize is shared equally between a very young woman starring in her first film and a beautiful performance by an established actress.

The Prize for the Best Director: FLORENT EMILIO SIRI for his film "L'ENNEMI INTIME" (FRANCE)

Of course this film was brought to life by everyone involved but finally they had to bow to the ultimate vision of the director, which showed the talent of a true film-maker.

The Special Jury Prize- The Silver Pyramid Presented to the Director: IN THE NAME OF GOD

Directed by: SHOAIB MANSOUR (PAKISTAN)

How could a Festival go by without recognition of aspects of life today that reverberate through all our lives whether we embrace or reject them? This award divided the Jury at first, but eventually it won through. It’s a truthful and simple comment that people should be made aware of and make up their own minds about.

The Prize for the Best Film- The Golden Pyramid Presented to the producer: L'ENNEMI INTIME

Directed by: FLORENT EMILIO SIRI

Produced by: LES FILMS DU KIOSQU (FRANCE)

A brilliantly produced, devised and directed film of a time of war - A unique warning of the futility of armed conflict.

The 2007 Tirana International Film Festival Award Winners

Wed, 12 Dec 2007 02:12:00 PST

Best film: "Salvador"

Directed by: Abdelatif Hwidar

Spain / fiction / 11’

Best Fiction (EX EQUO): "Iron mungary"

Directed by: Burim Haliti

Kosova / fiction / 26’

and "Children who never existed"

Directed by: David Valero

Spain / fictio / 30’

Fiction Special Mention: "New Boy"

Directed by: Steph Green

Ireland / fiction / 11’

and "Stand Straight"

Directed by: Hannah Scheweier

Germany / fiction / 30’

Best Animation: "Ark"

Directed by: Grzegorz Jonkajtys

Poland / animation / 8’

Animation Special Mention: "George grows"

Directed by: Martin Schmidt

Germany / animation / 2’

and "Butterfly"

Directed by: Stefan Taci

Albania / animation / 9’

and "The memories of dogs"

Directed by: Simone Massi

France / animation / 8’

Best Documentary: "The Bridge"

Directed by: Haris Bilajbegovic

Austria / documentary / 12’

Documentary Special Mention: "Giovanni and the impossible myth"

Directed by: Gabriele Gismondi

Italy / documentary / 18’

Best Experimental: "Magnetic movie"

Directed by: R. Jarman & J. Gerhardt

UK & USA/ experimental/ 5’

Experimental Special Mention: "Hydrophil"

Directed by: Grau Mia

Germany / experimental / 10’

Prize of Media Jury: "Rise and shine"

Directed by: Sherif Elbendary

Egypt / fiction / 9’

Best Albanian Film: "Birth does not ask when"

Directed by: Parta Kelmendi

Documentary/Kosovo/ 20’

Public Award: "New Boy"

Directed by: Steph Green

Ireland / fiction / 11’

Films Awarded at Plus Camerimage 2007

Wed, 12 Dec 2007 01:27:00 PST

MAIN COMPETITION- 15 competitive films were judged by the international Jury:

Brett Ratner - President, Piotr Dumała, Paweł Edelman, Robbie Greenberg, Lawrence Grobel, Lilly Kilvert, Pierre Lhomme, Karl Walter Lindenlaub and Oliver Stapleton

During the seven days of deliberation, the criteria that the Jury decided upon were craftsmanship, creativity, and contribution to the story. The Jury also considered the lighting, the composition, the movement, and the choices the cinematographers made. After the in-depth discussions they were impressed by the tremendous efforts and creativity that went into all the competitive films.

The Plus Camerimage 2007 Golden Frog went to Janusz Kamiński for the cinematography on "The Diving Bell and the Butterfly."

According to the Jury, this film has advanced the art of cinematogeraphy and also takes the audience on a journey, one is totally unprepared for. It’s a film where the collaboration between the cinematographer and the director felt seamless. It’s bold, audacious, and visually challenging. It allows to see an extraordinary part of human nature in a fresh and profound way. It’s a very personal film whose photography was organic to the story - a story that expresses the trapped circumstances of an individual. The frame of composition and camera gives the feeling of being trapped - and yet it also gives a feeling of exhilaration and hope.

The Plus Camerimage 2007 Silver Frog went to Bruno Delbonnel for the cinematography in "Across the Universe."

The verdict of the Jury says: "This award goes to one of those movies that accomplishes what movies should do — take us on a journey. Technically, it was difficult to execute, and yet it captured the fluctuating movements of the times it portrayed. It was intelligently and beautifully photographed; it had moments of great emotion and was both though-provoking and inspired. It gave us a refreshing interpretation of music and story through an effective use of iconic songs. And, most of all, it was joyful."

The Plus Camerimage 2007 Bronze Frog went to Ed Lachman for the cinematography in "I’m Not There."

The Jury justified their choice: "For this award we have chosen the film which was one of the most experimental and innovative films we have seen. We admired the construction and the composition, the complexity and the style, the sensitive homage to the period black and white film, and the unique and individual perspective that brought us the songs of Bob Dylan."

STUDENTS ETUDES COMPETITION

Students Etudes were judged by: Vilmos Zsigmond - Jury President, Murray Close, Witold Giersz, Rüdiger Laske, Chris Niedenthal, Billy Williams and Zhanabek Zhetiruov

This year the Student Jury has shared in a visual feast of the art of cinematography, enjoying films shot in traditional style and also being surprised by others, which have fully embraced and exploited the newest technology. The Jury admired students' sense of adventure and the passion they have expressed on the screen.

Laszlo Kovacs Student Award - Golden Tadpole Plus Camerimage 2007 was granted to Tomasz Woźniczka, cinematographer of "Beyond the Horizon"

The Golden Tadpole was presented to a film of dramatic complexity. The director and cinematographer explore the instability of a society searching for their identity. They combine to create a new horizon, bravely exploring the new technology with visual flare and power.Tomasz Woźniczka is a student of the Department of Radio and Television of the University of Silesia.

Plus Camerimage 2007 Silver Tadpole was granted to Raphael Beinder, cinematographer of "My Father is Sleeping"

The Silver Tadpole was presented to a film of exquisite imagery. Rich and finely textured. The camera seamlessly, without dialogue, expressed the family drama with a poetic vision. Raphael Beinder is a student of the German School of Film and Television in Berlin.

Plus Camerimage 2007 Bronze Tadpole was granted to Michał Sobociński, cinematographer of "Father."

The Bronze Tadpole is presented to a film told with simplicity and sensitivity. It is a work of pure photography, a fluid composition of light and shade. Michał Sobociński is a student of Łódź Film School.

Additional Awards were presented in the Student Etudes Competition:

Association of Polish Filmmakers (Stowarzyszenie Filmowców Polskich) granded the Award of 2000 USD to Tomasz Woźniczka, the winner of Laszlo Kovacs Student Award - Golden Tadpole .

The Light for the Arts - OSRAM Company Award for a creative use of light in a film. The award of PLN 10,000 was granted to Weronika Bilska the cinematographer of Varsovienne

PANAVISION granted the Special Award for Best Picture Technique in Student Film Competition to Felix Novo de Oliveira, cinematographer of Milan

POLISH FILMS COMPETITION UNDER THE PATRONAGE OF PLUS NETWORK OPERATOR

The films presented within the competition were judged by: Jaromir Sofr - Jury President, Affonso Beato, Cesar Charlone, Roman Osin and Franz Rath

The Jury admitted that the level of quality, richness and diversity made it a challenge for them to reach the final decision.

The Award for the Best Film in the Polish Film Competition went to Adam Bajerski for "Tricks."

The winning film integrated cinematography and direction with technical accomplishment and a sensitivity to the subject matter of the story. It showed an ingenious creativity and courage in the use of color and light.

NOKIA MOBILE MOVIE COMPETITION

Films were judged by: Sławomir Idziak - Jury President, Phil Meheux and Louis-Philippe Capellle

The audience chose James Kambeitz’s Decision as the best film.

The Jury Award went to Angela Święc for "The City of Joy."

"The Jury unanimously felt that of this year’s entries this film really fulfilled the brief of “This happy day." It was both informative and entertaining, very well edited and enhanced with the director’s own, enchanting music score. The film also showed a particular artistry in the composition and choice of the atmospheric cutaways."

The 2007 International Film Festival of India Award WInners

Wed, 12 Dec 2007 01:08:00 PST

Best film award:

The Best film award is given to the director Mr. Lin Chih Ju for the Taiwanese film “THE WALL” with a Golden Peacock medal, a cash prize of Rs.10,000,00/- ( Rupees Ten Lakhs) and a certificate.

Citation:

A finely crafted film about dreams, hope, betrayal and love that depicts ordinary people coping in politically challenging times. The film is highly cinematic, affecting and makes the political personal. The filmmaker has created a complete world within the four walls of a simple house. We hope the world sees this beautiful film.

Most Promising Director award:

The Most Promising Director award is given to Ms. Pongpat Wachirabunjong for the Thai film "Khaw Hai Rak Johg Jaroen" (Me Myself) with a Silver Peacock medal, a cash prize of Rs.5,000,00/- ( Rupees Five Lakhs) and a certificate.

Citation:

A film about whether we have the freedom to choose our own life. It depicts a story of hope for a world without discrimination while recognizing the difficulties of coping with being different. Debut director Pongpat Wachirabunjong has made a deeply affecting film that expresses something of the essence of the human spirit. We look forward to seeing many more films from this talented new director.

The Special Jury award is shared by two film personalities

Special Jury Award is given for the Story of the Bangladeshi film - "Swopnodanay" (On the Wings of Dreams) written by Mr Golam Rabanny Biplab with a silver peacock medal, a cash prize of Rs. 2,50,000/- and a certificate.

Citation:

A simple realist story about a poor man who has the chance to dream of another life but discovers the things he already has are more important than the dream. This classic story has been told simply without western influence and resonates a truth about life for millions of people around the world.

Special Jury Award is given to the child artist (Miss) Julia Urbini for her Performance in the Mexican film – "Mas Que A Nada En El Mundo" (More than Anything in the World) with a silver peacock medal, a cash prize of Rs.2,50,000/- and a certificate.

In a film that tells the story of a child craving for her mother’s love, the performance of the child actor is central to the film’s success. Playing the child character, Julia Urbini gives an enchanting, nuanced performance that helps make this film special. Her remarkable performance allows us to engage with the child’s imagination, her anguish, her fears and ultimately her love for her mother.

Award Winners for the 2007 Torino FIlm Festival

Wed, 12 Dec 2007 12:46:00 PST

FEATURE FILMS COMPETITION

Best Film: "GARAGE"

Directed By: Lenny Abrahamson

(Ireland, 2007, 35mm, 85’)

Special Jury Prize to: "THE ELEPHANT AND THE SEA" Directed By: Woo Ming Jin

(Malaysia-Netherlands, 2007, HD, 95’)

Best Actress Award to: JOAN CHEN for the film "THE HOME SONG STORIES"

Directed By: Tony Ayres

(Australia, 2007, 35mm, 103’)

Best Actor Award to: KIM KANG-WOO for the film "GYEONGUI SEON" (THE RAILROAD)

Directed By: Park Heung-sik

(South Korea, 2006, 35mm, 107’)

ITALIANA.DOC

Best Italian Documentary, in collaboration with Persol to:

"LA NACION MA PUCE"

Directed By: Fausta Quattrini (Switzerland/Italy/Argentina, 2007, DVcam, 96’)

Special Jury Prize to: "L’ESAME DI XHODI"

Directed By: Gianluca and Massimiliano De Serio

(Italy, 2007, HD, 62’)

Special Mention to: "BIUTIFUL CAUNTRI"

Directed By: Esmeralda Calabria, Giuseppe Ruggiero and Andrea D’Ambrosio

(Italy, 2007, DVcam, 73’)

ITALIANA.CORTI

Best Italian Short-length Film, in collaboration with Lancia to: "GIGANTI"

Directed By: Fabio Mollo (Italy, 2007, Super16 mm, 24’)

Special Jury Prize –Kodak Award to: "PRIMOGENITO COMPLESSO"

Directed By: Lavinia Chianello and Tomas Creus (Italy-Brazil, 2007, anim., 11’)

Special Mention to: "IL RESTO DI UNA STORIA"

Directed By: Antonio Prata

(Italy-Switzerland, 2007, DVcam, 30’)

REGIONAL COMPETITION / SPAZIO TORINO

Best Short-length Film (euros 2.600 in laboratory services offered by Blue Gold, Milan; euros 5.000 in technical services offered by Unistudio, Torino) to: "IL LAVORO"

Directed By: Lorenzo De Nicola

(Italy, 2007, Digibeta, 16’)

CIPPUTI AWARD

Best Film About the Working World to: "IN FABBRICA"

Directed By: Francesca Comencini

(Italy, 2007, 35 mm, 73’)

FIPRESCI AWARD

Feature Films Competition: Best Film to: "GYEONGUI SEON" (THE RAILROAD)

Directed By: Park Heung-sik

(South Korea, 2007, 35mm, 107’)

Awards Announced for the 2007 Foyle Film Festival

Wed, 12 Dec 2007 12:37:00 PST

Stella Artois Best Animation: "Over The Hill"

Director: Peter Baynton (UK, 2007).

Highly Commended: "Blind Man's Eye"

Director: Matthew Talbot-Kelly (Ireland, 2007).

Highly Commended: "1977"

Director: Peque Varela (UK, 2007).

Stella Artois Best International Short: "Trienta Anos" (Thirty Years).

Director: Nicolas Lasnibat (Chile, 2006).

Highly Commended: "ELA"

Director: Silvana Aguirre (UK, 2007).

Stella Artois Best Irish Short: "New Boy"

Director: Steph Green (Ireland. 2007).

Highly Commended: "The Sound Of People"

Director: Simon Fitzmaurice (Ireland, 2007).

Stella Artois Best Documentary: "Soldiers Of Conscience"

Directed by Gary Weimberg & Catherine Ryan (USA, 2007).

Highly Commended: "The Silver Surfari"

Director: Angus Hubbard (Ireland, 2007).

Stella Artois Best Feature Film: "The Diving Bell And The Butterfly"

Directed by Julian Schnabel (France/USA, 2007).

Highly Commended: "Kings"

Director: Tom Collins (Ireland/UK, 2007).

GIJON INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL AWARD LIST FOR THE 45TH. EDITION

Wed, 12 Dec 2007 12:02:00 PST

The International Jury of the 45th. edition of Gijón International Film Festival, formed by: Verónica Sánchez, Roser Aguilar, Hal Hartley and Martin Rejtman, has awarded the following prizes to the films participating in the Official Section:

PRINCIPADO DE ASTURIAS AWARD FOR BEST FEATURE FILM: "Bang Bang Wo Ai Shen (Help me Eros)"

by Lee Kang-Sheng (Taiwan)

PRINCIPADO DE ASTURIAS AWARD FOR BEST SHORT FILM: "Liudi iz kamnya (Stone People)"

by Leonid Rybakov (Russia)

BEST DIRECTOR AWARD: Aleksey Balabanov for "Gruz 200" (Cargo 200) (Russia)

BEST ACTOR AWARD: Mathieu Amalric for "La question humaine" (France)

BEST ACTRESS AWARD: Marie-Christine Friedrich for "Tout est pardonné" (France)

BEST SCRIP AWARD: Ariel Rotter for "El Otro" (Argentina/France/Germany)

"GIL PARRONDO" AWARD FOR BEST ART DIRECTION: Antoine Platteau for "La question humaine" (France)

SPECIAL PRIZE OF THE JURY: "El Silencio antes de Bach" by Pere Portabella (Spain)

FIPRESCI AWARD

The Jury formed by Dennis West, Nil Baskard and Violeta Kovacsics has awarded the "FIPRESCI" prize to the film:

"Cochochi" de Laura Amelia Guzmán and Israel Cárdenas (México)

The Young Jury of the 45th. Edition of Gijón International Film Festival, formed by 50 young people, aged 17 to 25 years old, has awarded the following prizes:

CAJASTUR PRIZE AWARDED BY THE YOUNG JURY FOR THE BEST FEATURE FILM: "Juno"

by Jason Reitman (USA)

CAJASTUR PRIZE AWARDED BY THE YOUNG JURY FOR THE BEST SHORT FILM: "Le Mozart des pickpockets"

by Philippe Pollet-Villard (France)

The Young audience of the "Enfants Terribles" section has voted to award the following prizes:

ENFANTS TERRIBLES AWARD FOR THE BEST FILM IN THE 6-12 CATEGORY: "Förortsungar (Kidz in da Hood)" by Catti Edfeldt and Ylva Gustavson (Sweden)

ENFANTS TERRIBLES AWARD FOR BEST FILM IN THE 13 AND UP CATEGORY: "This is England"

by Shane Meadows (United Kingdom)

The Jury of the "Día D'Asturies" section, formed by Ruth Pombo, Víctor Guillot and José Ramón Pérez Ornia, has awarded the "DÍA D'ASTURIES" prize to the short film: "De Alpargates y Orbayando" by Iñaki Ibisate

The Jury formed by Miguel Angel Pérez, Angel Quintana and Michael Thornton, has awarded the "NON-FICTION / DOCUMENTARY" prize to the film: "A Very British Gangster" by Donald MacIntyre (United Kingdom)

The Jury of the Nuevos Realizadores del Principado de Asturias Prize, has awarded the two prizes to the following projects:

FIRST PRIZE: "La Presa"

by Jorge Rivero

SECOND PRIZE: "Casa"

by Diego Llorente

ENCOUNTERS SHORT FILM FESTIVAL 2007 WINNERS ARE......

Wed, 12 Dec 2007 11:52:00 PST

The Encounters Short Film Festival tonight announced the winners of its 13th annual international competition to find the best new animated and live action films of under 30 minutes length.

At a gala ceremony, held at Watershed, Bristol, UK, the festival’s 10 principal prizes went to the following entries:

ANIMATE ARTIST AWARD: "NIJUMAN NO BEREI" (200,000 PHANTOMS)

Directed by: Jean-Gabriel Periot, (France, 10 mins)

French video artist Jean-Gabriel Periot received the £2,000 Animate cash prize for the best single-screen, innovative work, experimenting with form, technique and

content, for "Nijuman No Borei" (200,000 Phantoms) which uses intricate montages and overlays of stills imagery to reveal the changes experienced by Hiroshima from 1914 to 2006.

BBC THREE NEW FILMMAKERS AWARD: "BIGBOY-74"

Directed by: Thomas Marshall (UK, 10 mins)

Thomas Marshall won £5,000 and a prime-time slot on BBC3 for his comedy short, BIGBOY-74 about a suicidal guy named Henry and his crash course in ‘dogging’.

Thomas’s film and the other nine finalists future also win a BBC Online showcase.

BEST OF BRITISH AWARD: "SOFT"

Directed by: Simon Ellis (UK, 14 mins)

Nottingham-based film-maker Simon Ellis added yet another award to his fast- growing collection by winning the festival’s £1,000 prize for the best UK entry with

‘SOFT’, his 16th short, in which a father re-discovers his fear of confrontation at the worst possible moment. Simon’s win at Encounters comes just as he is about to

start work on his first full-length feature: "DOGGING: A LOVE STORY."

CARTOON D’OR NOMINATION: "PUSHKIN"

Directed by: Trevor Hardy (UK, 5 mins)

Bristol-trained stop-frame animator Trevor Hardy, who now lives in West Sussex, earned the honour of representing Britain in the prestigious Cartoon d’Or

competition with PUSHKIN, about a missing cat and a worried owner.

COSGROVE HALL FILMS CHILDREN’S JURY AWARD: "A GENTLEMAN’S DUEL"

Directed by: Francisco Ruiz & Sean McNally (USA, 7 mins 45 secs)

Comic book artist Ruiz and his Blur Studios colleague, character animator McNally won over the Encounters festival’s specially convened jury of 12-18-years-old

cinephiles with their finely designed story about an elegant tea party being upturned when two aristocrats find they are rivals in love.

DEPICT! AWARD: "OPERATOR"

Directed by Matthew Walker (UK, 90 secs)

Bristol-based writer, director and animator Matthew Walker wins the £2,000 first prize in the latest Depict! challenge to find the best 90 seconds micro-film with his animation OPERATOR which begins with a man calling telephone enquiries to ask: “Do you have a number for God?”

INTERNATIONAL JURY AWARD: "LAMPA CU CACIULA" (THE TUBE WITH A HAT)

Directed by: Radu Jude (Romania, 23 mins)

Romania’s growing reputation as a centre of fresh film talent is confirmed with the jury’s decision to give 2007’s £3,000 ‘best in festival award to Radu Jude’s film about the seven-year-old boy who wakes up early in a remote village and decides it is time for he and his father to take their tv set to the city to be mended.

BEST INTERNATIONAL NEWCOMER IN ANIMATION AWARD: "THE ITCH"

Directed by Joel Green (UK, 1 min 42 seconds)

Young British animator, Joel Green, from the National Centre for Computer Animation, Bournemouth, wins £2,500 and the title of best animation newcomer

against opposition from Australasia, Asia, Europe, and North America with THE ITCH, about a man being trailed by an unwelcome companion he can’t shake off.

ITV WEST AWARD: "YOUNG OFFENDER"

Directed by: Isabel Anderton (UK, 11 mins)

Isabel Anderton, Bristol, becomes the only woman to win an Encounters 2007 prize with her short about a young white inmate who becomes increasingly disturbed as he serves out his time in a multi-racial institution for young offenders. She receives £1,000 as the maker of the best entry this year to be made in the South West.

NAHEMI / KODAK PRIZE FOR CREATIVE FILMMAKING

& KODAK / NAHEMI CINEMATOGRAPHY AWARD: "ISABELLA"

Directed by: Geoffrey Taylor (UK, 11mins 26 secs)

The same film wins both of this year's prizes from the National Association for Higher Education and the Moving Image (NAHEMI) for the best film by a student at a film school in the UK or Ireland: ISABELLA, by University of the West of England graduate (and regular Encounters volunteer), Geoffrey Taylor, on a budget of £900.

AUDIENCE AWARDS

The Encounters 2007 ceremony also included the presentation of three further awards – each chosen by festival and/or online audiences. Here, the winners were:

DepicT! Audience Award: "THE PICNIC,"

by Bristol-born, University of the West of England graduate David Gilbert. David Gilbert receives a bundle of benefits from Shooting People, the online news service and resource bank for film-makers.

South West Screen Audience Award: "A SHORT COLLECTION OF HILARY FLAMINGO’S DREAM VOCATIONS" by Harriet Fleuriot, a graduate from The Arts Institute, Bournemouth, now based in Bristol. She receives a cash prize of £1,000 from and mentoring by an industry professional.

UK Film Council Audience Award: "LES COUILLUS" (Home Team) by French film-maker Mirabelle Kirkland, who receives £500 after her entry, about a bunch of guys

attending a seminar on resolving domestic strife, was voted the favourite of festival delegates.

Award Winners for the 2007 Huelva Latin American Film Festival

Wed, 12 Dec 2007 10:58:00 PST

La cinta mexicana ‘Luz Silenciosa’, de Carlos Reygadas, se alza con el Colón de Oro en la 33 edición del Festival de Cine Iberoamericano

El jurado de la Sección Oficial de la 33 edición del Festival de Cine Iberoamericano de Huelva compuesto por Arturo Ripstein, Camilo Vives, Adriana Aizemberg, Tristan Bauer y Paz Sufrategui –en el apartado de largometrajes- ha decidido por unanimidad otorgar los siguientes premios:

Colón de Oro for Best Best Feature Film: ‘Luz silenciosa’

Directed By: Carlos Reygadas (Mexico/France/Holland)

Special Jury Prize: ‘El año que mis padres se fueron de vacaciones’ (O ano em que meus pais saíram de ferías)

Directed By: Cao Hamburger (Brazil)

Carabela de Plata: ‘Maldeamores’

Directed By: Carlos Ruiz y Mariem Pérez (Puerto Rico/UK).

Colón de Plata for Best Direction: Carlos Reygadas for ‘Luz silenciosa’ (Mexico/France/Holland)

Colón de Plata to the Best Actor: Leonardo Medeiros for ‘Nâo por acaso’ (Brazil)

Colón de Plata to the Best Actress: Sofía Gala for ‘El resultado del amor’

Directed By: Eliseo Subiela (Argentina)

Colón de Plata to Best Original Screenplay Original: Enrique Fernández and César Charlone for ‘El baño del Papa’ (Uruguay/Brazil/France).

Colón de Plata for Best Cinematography: Paula Grandío for ‘La León’

Directed By: Santiago Otheguy (Argentina).

Awards Announced for the 48TH THESSALONIKI INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

Wed, 12 Dec 2007 10:39:00 PST

Feature Films

First Prize for fiction film: EL GRECO

Direction: Iannis Smaragdis

Production: Eleni Smaragdi, Alexandros Film, Greek Film Center, Le Spot, Multichoice Hellas - Nova, Graal Digital, Max Productions, ERT SA Hellenic Broadcasting Corp., Raimon Masllorens, Denes Szekeres, La Productora SL, Tivoli Film Productions

Second Prize for fiction film: URANYA

Direction: Costas Kapakas

Production: Cinegram, ERT SA Hellenic Broadcasting Corp., Greek Film Center, Nova, Odeon, Kapa Films, Finos Films, CL Productions, Dionysis Samiotis

Third Prize for fiction film: DIORTHOSI (CORRECTION)

Direction and Production: Thanos Anastopoulos

First Prize for documentary or animated picture film:

Direction: Stavros Stagos

Production: MYSTIKA KAI PSEMATA (SECRETS AND LIES)

Second Prize for documentary or animated picture film:

Direction: Dimitris Kitsikoudis

Production: POLY MILAS…POLY KLES (THE MORE YOU SPEAK…THE MORE YOU CRY)

Short Films

First Prize for fiction, documentary or animated picture film: KALI CHRONIA, MAMA! (HAPPY NEW YEAR, MAMMA!)

Direction: Irina Boiko

Production: Greek Film Center, ERT SA, N-Orasis, Irina Boiko

Second Prize for fiction, documentary or animated picture film: TO PERASMA (THE PASSAGE)

Direction: Yannis Katsaboulas

Production: Vlassis Stathoulias, ERT SA

Third Prize for fiction, documentary or animated picture film: I EKTASI POU ANALOGI (DISCUSSING SPACE)

Direction: Panagiotis Christopoulos

Production: ERT SA, Blonde

10 (TEN) equal Special Prizes for fiction, documentary or animated picture film and 2.348 Euros are awarded to the films:

1. Gina Dostoyevsky, dir. V. Zouganeli

2. What is This?, dir. K. Pilaviou

3. Transit, dir. Y. Gaitanidis

4. Sunny Day, dir. A. Daoundaki

5. Can Anybody Hear Me?, dir. T. Gerakinis

6. Rose for A Day, dir. V. Kazis, E. Triantafyllidis

7. Shoulder for Hire, dir. D. Emmanouilidis

8. Invasion, dir. M. Vellou

9. Spinalonga, dir. C. Athoussakis

10. Interior, Night, dir. A. Kyriakidis

Other feature film awards

Best Director award and 29.350 Euros is awarded to IANNIS SMARAGDIS for the film EL GRECO.

Best Debut-Film Director award and 14.675 Euros is awarded to CONSTANTINA VOULGARI for the film VALSE SENTIMENTALE.

Best Screenplay award and 14.675 Euros is awarded ex aequo to THANOS ANASTOPOULOS and VASSILIS RAISSIS for the film DIORTHOSI (CORRECTION) and to COSTAS KAPAKAS for the film URANYA.

Best Leading Actor award and 11.740 Euros is awarded to YORGOS SYMEONIDIS for the film DIORTHOSI (CORRECTION).

Best Leading Actress award and 11.740 Euros is awarded to LOUKIA MICHALOPOULOU for the film VALSE SENTIMENTALE.

Best Supporting Actor award and 5.870 Euros is awarded to MANOLIS MAVROMATAKIS for the film URANYA.

Best Supporting Actress award and 5.870 Euros is awarded to MENI CONSTANDINIDOU for the film STRAIGHT STORY.

Best Cinematography award and 8.805 Euros is awarded to ARIS STAVROU and NIKOS SMARAGDIS for the film EL GRECO.

Best Set Design award and 5.870 Euros is awarded to DAMIANOS ZAFIRIS for the film EL GRECO.

Best Music award and 5.870 Euros is awarded ex aequo to PANAYOTIS KALATZOPOULOS for the film URANYA and to VANGELIS PAPATHANASSIOU for the film EL GRECO.

Best Sound award and 5.870 Euros is awarded to MARINOS ATHANASSOPOULOS for the film EL GRECO.

Best Editing award and 5.870 Euros is awarded to YANNIS TSITSOPOULOS for the film EL GRECO.

Best Costumes award and 5.870 Euros is awarded to EVA NATHENA for the film URANYA.

Best Makeup award and 2.935 Euros is awarded to ARGIRO KOUROUPOU for the film EL GRECO.

Award Winners Announced for the 2007 Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival

Tue, 11 Dec 2007 08:07:00 PST

FESTIVAL AWARDS

Official Competition EurAsia Jury Awards

GRAND PRIX FOR BEST EURASIAN FILM: "TAKVA – A MAN’S FEAR OF GOD" (TAKVA)

Director Özer Kiziltan, (Turkey / Germany)

JURY PRIZE FOR THE BEST DIRECTOR: ALEKSANDER SOKUROV (Russia) for "Alexandra" (Aleksandra)

JURY PRIZE FOR THE BEST ACTOR: ZDENĔK SVĔRÁK (Czech Republic / Great Britain) for "Empties" (Vratnè lahve)

JURY PRIZE FOR THE BEST ACTRESS: MAARJA JAKOBSON (Estonia) for "Autumn Ball" (Sügisball)

SPECIAL JURY PRIZE: "AUTUMN BALL" (SÜGISBALL)

Director Veiko Õunpuu, (Estonia)

SPECIAL MENTION: "CROSSING THE DUST" (PARINAWA LA GHOBAR)

Director: Shawkat Amin Korki, (Iraqi/Kurdistan)

SPECIAL MENTION: "FROZEN"

Director: Shivajee Chandrabhushan, (India)

Scottish Leader Estonian Feature Film Competition Jury Awards

BEST FILM: "AUTUMN BALL" (SÜGISBALL)

Director: Veiko Õunpuu, (Estonia)

SPECIAL MENTION: "THE CLASS" (KLASS)

Director Ilmar Raag, (Estonia)

FICC JURY AWARD – DON QUIJOTE AWARD: "AUTUMN BALL" (SÜGISBALL)

Director Veiko Õunpuu, (Estonia)

NETPAC JURY AWARD: "THE MOURNING FOREST" (MOGARI NO MORI)

Director Naomi Kawase, (Japan)

ESTONIAN FILM CRITICS’ AWARD: "AUTUMN BALL" (SÜGISBALL)

Director Veiko Õunpuu, (Estonia)

PRIZE OF THE POSTIMEES JURY: "AUTUMN BALL" (SÜGISBALL)

Director Veiko Õunpuu, (Estonia)

AUDIENCE AWARD: "2 DAYS IN PARIS"

Director: Julie Delpy, (France / Germany)

LIFE ACHIEVEMENT AWARD: HEINO PARS

Animation film director, (Estonia)

ESTONIAN SOCIETY OF CINEMATOGRAPHERS AWARD

for the Best Director of Photography of the International competition- Eurasia: CHANKIT CHAMNIVIKAIPONG

(Director of Photography - PLOY, Thailand)

ESTONIAN SOCIETY OF CINEMATOGRAPHERS AWARD

for the Best Director of Photography of the Scottish Leader Estonian- Feature Film Competition: SULEV KEEDUS

(Cinematographer - JONATHAN FROM AUSTRALIA, Estonia)

Award Winners of the 2007 Stockholm International Film Festival

Tue, 11 Dec 2007 07:52:00 PST

Stockholm Lifetime Achievement Award 2007: Paul Schrader

Paul Schrader possesses a unique voice, which gives life to sharp, relentless characters in a modern city. Schrader’s images of an urban jungle are drawn with intellectual clarity, and he never hesitates to push his characters to their limits. With the linguistic brilliance of a screenwriter and a director’s eye for visuals, Paul Schrader has helped advance the cinematic medium for over three decades.

Stockholm Visionary Award 2007: Wes Anderson

Wes Anderson receives the Stockholm Visionary Award for his humane and humoristic portraits of solitary human beings. In his films, he creates unique and stylized universes inhabited by characters searching for something to search for. Through his visionary filmmaking, Anderson has given a modern face to the classic ‘auteur’.

Best film: "4 months, 3 weeks and 2 dys"

Directed by: Cristian Mungiu

This brilliant film expresses the impact of societal repression on its characters with honesty and devastating humanity. Every aspect of the film – script, photography, performances and most importantly direction – uncovers profound truth in the smallest gestures. With its opinionated use of long takes and off-screen space, Cristian Mungiu understands the power of simplicity.

Best first feature: "The Zone"

Directed by: Rodrigo Pla

This film features an intelligent and original execution of an increasingly evident and alarming global problem. Through its microcosm and thriller-like suspense, The Zone keeps the audience alert to the good and bad and the fear we all carry within. The simplicity of the storytelling and the genuine characters, combined with an elegant and subtle musical score, result in a film that stays with you.

Honorable mention, best first feature: "Control"

Directed by: Anton Corbijn

Never resorting to clichés about the iconic Ian Curtis, Control creates a stark, fully realized world. Featuring powerful performances throughout, Anton Corbijn goes beyond the genre of the “rock film” into an evocative portrait of these characters lives. The spare simplicity of the camera and compelling use of music captures the emotional despair and alienation of Joy Division’s sound.

Best script: Carlos Reygadas for "Silent Light"

Carlos Reygadas’ screenplay in Silent Light captures the essence of life. With sparse, poetic and often painfully simplistic delivered dialogue (and through an almost documentary feeling), the film features genuine performances enhancing the cruelty of the silence. With an incredible backdrop of grand nature, Silent Light is a raw and truthful tale about human’s incapability for dealing with love, desire and responsibility.

Best actress: Anamaria Marinca for "4 months, 3 weeks, 2 days"

Never sentimental, always sharply specific, Anamaria Marinca brings empathy and complexity to her role. Throughout this film, she expresses the shifting internal tensions of her character, often with barely a word. We forget we are watching a “performance” and instead experience, moment by devastating moment, the brutal events of this day in the life of Otilia.

Best actor: Jason Patric for "Expired"

Daring to be unlikable, Jason Patric combines humor and rage with unexpected shifts of rhythm and tone in this electrifying performance. It is rare in film that a deeply flawed and potentially unsympathetic character can evoke such depth of emotion. Beneath his prickly exterior and commanding physicality, we experience a fully realized character, balanced between comedy and tragedy.

Best music award: Oliver Bernet for "Persepolis"

In this mesmerizing and original animated film, the music of Oliver Bernet enhances and contrasts the emotional experiences of the characters. His original score intertwines and explores different genres in a skillful and precise way.

Best cinematography: Janusz Kaminski for "The Diving Bell and The Butterfly" (Fjärilen i glaskupan)

Janusz Kaminski’s cinematography brings expressive subjectivity and an original, off-kilter point of view to this powerful story. His bold photographic choices succeed in grounding us in the unforgettable perspective of the film’s protagonist, Jean Do. Combining visual economy with poetic lyricism, the photography of The Diving Bell and The Butterfly looks at the world with a fresh eye.

Best short film: "Pathways"

Directed by: Hagar Ben-Hasher

In a strong and naked realistic approach, Hagar Ben-Asher explores the boundaries of how far a woman can go in her path to self- confirmation before she gets penalized for it. A reminder of how forbidden and threatening that female sexuality still is. In an impressive performance director/actor Hagar Ben-Asher captures this woman’s journey.

FIPRESCI-prize for best film in competition: "Caramel"

Directed by: Nadine Labaki

The FIPRESCI jury for 2007 include Stephen Locke (Germany), Gorazd Trusnovec (Slovenia) and Geir Kamsvåg (Norway).

The FIPRESCI Jury awards the International Critics Prize to a self-assured first feature that presents serious issues in an unpredictable and entertaining way. The director, who also plays one of the main roles, weaves together the destinies of six women of different ages, backgrounds and religions, demonstrating the possibility of the co-existence of different cultures in a non-violent context. The International Critics Prize goes to CARAMEL, directed by Nadine Labaki, a new voice in the film art of Lebanon.

Scholarship 1 km film:

Andreas Tibblin for "När Elvis kom på besök"

For an emotional intelligent and highly aesthetical and solid director. In only a few moments' intimacy and closeness are established, proving a talented eye for characters, content and visual presentation. The director has also presented the best future project.

Honorable mention 1 km film: Alexandra Dahlström for "Lacrimosa"

From a playful and highly tempered director delivering work straight from the heart, and with a passion for the art of narration. This director charms us with an uncompromising, young and promising voice

Star! Audience Award: "Juno"

Directed by: Jason Reitman

Stockholm International Film Festivals audience prize for 2007 goes to Juno by Jason Reitman. The audience has voted at the theatres and online.

ifestival - World Wide Web Award: Michalis Konstantatos for "Two Times Now"

For an emotional everyday horrorpiece, told through a cross cutting frenzy, the director poses questions on relations and where you draw the line between love and hate.

ifestival is presented in collaboration with HP.

Guldbubblan - Let's make a film: Niklas Fröberg

The audience of Let’s make a film has voted online. The award for Let’s make a film 2007 goes to Niklas Fröberg.

Awards Announced at the 2007 Reel Asian - Toronto Asian Film Festival

Tue, 11 Dec 2007 07:05:00 PST

NOW Audience Award: "GETTING HOME"

Directed By: Zhang Yang

$500 cash prize

NFB Best Documentary Award: "KORYO SARAM – THE UNRELIABLE PEOPLE"

Directed By: Y David Chung and Matt Dibble

“For introducing us to a moving, important and little known chapter of history, which brings up issues of culture, identity and home¬ – all things we can relate to as Canadians – the NFB Best Documentary Award goes to Y. David Chung and Matt Dibble for Koryo Saram – The Unreliable People.”

– Glenn Sumi

$1,000 cash prize towards the development of winner's next project.

The NFB will also be granted a first right of negotiation on production, co-production or distribution with regards to the winner's next project.

Centennial College @ Wallace Studios Most Innovative Film Production Award: "WANDA AND MILES"

Directed By: Lesley Loksi Chan

“For its conversion of family intimacies into fictions, for turning blood truths into candy coloured pop dreams we can all hum along to, for letting the youngest member of her family speak the oldest truths, the Centennial College @ Wallace Studios Most Innovative Film Production Award goes to Wanda and Miles by the fabulous Lesley Loksi Chan.”

– Mike Hoolboom

$2,000 in studio time

$300 cash prize towards completion of next work made at Centennial College @ Wallace Studios

TSV Visionary Video Award: "I NO I NO"

Directed By: Lesley Loksi Chan

“For its evocation of a past we can all look forward to,

For dishing the most harrowing of personal experiences,

And turning it slowly in her careful hands, Until the unthinkable and unwatchable can also be shared

For daring to speak her truth and making it witty and beautiful and tender

The TSV Visionary Video Award goes to "I no I no"

By this year's spotlight artist, Lesley Loksi Chan.”

– Mike Hoolboom

$650 in TSV membership dues and services

$100 cash prize upon completion of new work made at Trinity Square Video

Animasian Award: "YELLOW STICKY NOTES"

Directed By: Jeff Chiba Stearns

“To do: Award Jeff Chiba Sterns the Animasian Award for Yellow Sticky Notes, a funny, lively and insightful look at the life of a working artist and activist – all told through thousands of yellow sticky notes. An original idea, impeccably executed, and all those years and pieces of paper were well spent.”

– Glenn Sumi

Honourable Mention

“For filling every frame with a hip, handcrafted beauty, and granting us a vision of escape which is also a homecoming the honourable mention for the Animasian Award goes to "Flutter" by the handsome Howie Shia.”

– Mike Hoolboom

$500 cash prize

2007 Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival Jury: Mike Hoolboom, Hiroko Namba, Glenn Sumi

Charles Street Video and Reel Asian SEE ME! HEAR ME! PITCH ME! pitch winners

Professional Category: "CASTLE IN THE SKY," Dean Vargas and Lena Lee

Emerging Category: "WHAT YOU EAT," Jennifer Liao

Awards Announced at the 2007 Festival Internazionale del Cinema di Salerno- En Italiano

Tue, 11 Dec 2007 06:43:00 PST

GRAN TROFEO GOLFO DI SALERNO “IGNAZIO ROSSI” AL FILM THE SHADOW WITHIN

Miglior attore emergente Ludovico Fremont, miglior regista Davide Marengo, miglior attrice Ellen Page.

Le Giurie del 61° Festival Internazionale del Cinema di Salerno hanno assegnato come da tradizione premi e riconoscimenti a film, attori, produttori e registi.

Il primo premio della sessantunesima edizione è stato conferito come Gran Trofeo Golfo di Salerno “Ignazio Rossi” al film “The Shadow Within” di Silvana Zancolò con Laurence Belcher, Hayley Lwilliams, Beta Winslet.

Medaglia d’oro EPT Salerno come miglior attrice ad Ellen Page per il film “Juno” di Jason Reitman, distribuzione 20th Century Fox Italia e miglior attore emergente Ludovico Fremont per il film “Scrivilo sui muri” di Giancarlo Scarchilli, Eagle Pictures.

Medaglia d’Oro Prefetto di Salerno alla Trees Pictures per la produzione del film “Io, l’altro” di Mohsen Melliti, con Raoul Bova e Giovanni Martorana, per aver creduto in un progetto di grande valore culturale.

Vince come miglior regista rivelazione Davide Marengo per il film “Notturno Bus”, 01 Distribuzione.

I premi speciali del Festival Internazionale del Cinema di Salerno “Celluloide d’oro” sono stati assegnati a Giuseppe Tornatore e a Ferzan Ozpetek.

Menzione speciale a “Jani Gal” per il felice tentativo di realizzare un linguaggio di immagini diverso dalla tradizionale cinematografia occidentale.

Due premi speciali della direzione del festival a Veronica Pivetti e Paolo Conticini. Premiati anche Eva Henger per la caratteristica e personale interpretazione del film “Bastardi” e Claudia Koll e Antonella Ponziani per “Petali di Rosa”.

Per le Top Fiction sono stati premiati con l’Arechi d’oro: Patrizio Rispo ed Ilenia Lazzari per “Un posto al sole”, Alessandra Mastronardi e Matteo Branciamore per “I Cesaroni”, Igor Righetti, per Distretto di Polizia 7.

Per i film tv, invece, premi per Luca Barbareschi, Monica Scattini, Elena Barolo per “Sette vite”; Claudio Santamaria per “Rino Gaetano”; Mary Petruolo per “Chiara e Francesco”; Anna Kanakis ed Enzo De Caro per “La terza verità”; il regista Sergio Giussani, gli attori Giuseppe Zeno, Antonella Stefanucci e Paola Casella per “Giuseppe Moscati”, Federico Costantini, Giulia Steigerwalt, Claudio Benedetti e Giulietta Revel per “Noi due”.

Premio Cinefestival Salerno a Simone Chiari, autore dello Speciale “Meglio esser Chiari”, prodotto da SKY CINEMA, per lo stile col quale ha scelto di raccontare suo padre Walter Chiari

Tra i Premi Speciali segnaliamo il “Premio Beppe Costa” a Tommaso Agnese, regista del Film “Appena Giovani” con Alessandro Haber, Edy Angelillo, Walter Croce e Joele Dix, il premio speciale "Cinema&Sport" al film “L’ombra del pugile” di Emanuele Flangini, produzione Ars Millennia di Isabel Russinova e la menzione di merito al film “Il Rabdomante” di Fabrizio Cattani.

La serata di chiusura è stata presentata da Maria Monsè e Gaetano Stella, con la partecipazione di artisti di fama internazionale che hanno dato il loro prestigioso contributo allo spettacolo: il fantasista Luis, che vanta la partecipazione alla trasmissione Rai “ Tutti gli zero del mondo” con Renato Zero ed i Lyric Brothers, i due tenori del cast del Bagaglino.

Award WInners for the 2007 Taipei Golden Horse Film Festival

Tue, 11 Dec 2007 04:06:00 PST

Best Feature Film: "Lust, Caution"

Award to: Focus Features and River Road Entertainment, Haishang Films

Best Short Film: "Fly Out Blue"

Award to: Jack Shih

Best Documentary: "Hollywood Chinese"

Award to: DeepFocus Productions, Inc.

Best Director: Ang Lee for "Lust, Caution"

Best Leading Actor: Tony Leung Chiu Wei for "Lust, Caution"

Best Leading Actress: Joan Chen for "The Home Song Stories"

Best Supporting Actor: Tony Leung, Ka Fai for "The Drummer"

Best Supporting Actress: Fan Bing Bing for "The Matrimony"

Best New Performer: Tang Wei for "Lust, Caution"

Best Screenplay Adaption: Hui Ling Wang, James Schamus for "Lust, Caution"

Best Cinematography: Mark Ping Bin Lee for "The Matrimony"

Best Visual Effects: Wong Wang Tat, Wong Wang Hin, Cheung Yiu Ming, Donnie Lai for "Secret"

Best Art Direction: Anuson Pinyopotjanee for "The Detective"

Best Makeup & Costume Design: Pan Lai for "Lust, Caution"

Best Action Choreography: Donnie Yen for "Flash Point"

Best Original Film Score: Alexandre Desplat for "Lust, Caution"

Best Original Film Song: "Secret" (from "Secret" )

Lyric：Fang Wen Shan, Composer and Performer：Jay Chou

Best Film Editing: Zhang Yi Fan, Jiang Wen for "The Sun Also Rises"

Best Sound Effect: Tu Duu Chih, Kuo Li Chi, Tang Xiang Zhu for "The Most Distant Course"

The Outstanding Taiwanese Film of the Year: "Secret"

Awarded to: Zoom Hunt International Productions CO, Ltd , EDKO Films LTD

The Outstanding Taiwanese Filmmaker of the Year: Ang Lee

FIPRESCI Award: "What on earth have I done wrong?!"

Awarded to: Honto Production

Audience Choice Award: "Getting Home"

Awarded to: Filmko Entertainment Limited

Lifetime Achievement Award: Edward Yang

Award WInners Announced for the 2007 Festival de Cine de Alcala de Henares

Tue, 11 Dec 2007 02:33:00 PST

PRIMER PREMIO 'CIUDAD DE ALCALÁ'

"Traumalogía"

Directed By: Daniel Sánchez Arévalo

SEGUNDO PREMIO 'CIUDAD DE ALCALÁ'

'Diente por ojo'

Directed By: Eivind Holmboe

TERCER PREMIO 'CIUDAD DE ALCALÁ'

'Padam...'

Directed By: José Manuel Carrasco

MENCIÓN ESPECIAL DEL JURADO

'Hezulbeltzak, una fosa común'

Directed By: Izibene Oñederra

TROFEO 'CAJA DE MADRID'A LA MEJOR INTERPRETACIÓN FEMENINA

Ana Rayo, for 'Padam...'

TROFEO 'CAJA DE MADRID' A LA MEJOR INTERPRETACIÓN MASCULINA

Raúl Arévalo, for 'Traumalogía'

PREMIO 'CAJA DE MADRID' AL MEJOR GUIÓN: 'Bichos Raros'

Directed By: Alegría Collantes and Estíbaliz Burgaleta

PREMIO DEL PÚBLICO ‘CONCEJALÍA DE JUVENTUD’

'Traumalogía'

Directed By: Daniel Sánchez Arévalo

PRIMER PREMIO 'COMUNIDAD DE MADRID'

'Test'

Directed By: Marta Aledo and Natalia Mateo

PREMIO CANAL+: 'Paseo'

Directed By: Arturo Ruiz

TROFEO 'CAJA DE MADRID' AL MEJOR MONTAJE: David Valero, for 'Niños que nunca...'

TROFEO 'CAJA DE MADRID' A LA MEJOR DIRECCIÓN ARTÍSTICA" Montse Sanz and Vicent Díaz, for 'Traumalogía'

TROFEO 'CAJA DE MADRID' A LOS MEJORES EFECTOS ESPECIALES

David Valero, for 'Niños que nunca existieron'

TROFEO 'CAJA DE MADRID' A LA MEJOR MÚSICA ORIGINAL

Zacarías Martínez, for 'Tadeo Jones y el sótano maldito'

PREMIO ESCUELA SUPERIOR DE IMAGEN Y SONIDO CES AL MEJOR SONIDO: José Luis Rubio e Iñaki Olaziregui, for 'Columba Palumbus (Uso Basatia)'

PREMIO TECHNICOLOR A LA MEJOR FOTOGRAFÍA: Michal Popiel-Machnicki, for 'Pomiedzy’

PALMARÉS CERTAMEN INTERNACIONAL DE CORTOMETRAJES ALCINE 37

PRIMER PREMIO 'ALCINE': 'Lampa cu caciula'

Directed By: Radu Jude

SEGUNDO PREMIO 'ALCINE': 'Herfra til manen'

Directed By: Hatya Eyde Jacobsen

TERCER PREMIO 'ALCINE': 'Braedrabylta'

Directed By: Grimur Hakonarson

PREMIO DEL PÚBLICO: 'Tanghi Argentini'

Directed By: Guido Thys

PALMARÉS PANTALLA ABIERTA A NUEVOS REALIZADORES ALCINE 37

PREMIO DEL PÚBLICO: 'Amor en defensa propia'

Directed By: Rafa Russo

Award WInners Announced for the 2007 Amiens International Film Festival- en Francais

Tue, 11 Dec 2007 02:21:00 PST

Grand Prix du Long Métrage (Licorne d’Or): "EZRA"

Par: Newton I. Aduaka (France/Nigeria/Autriche, 110 min)

Prix doté d’une aide à la distribution (en France) de 7 500 €, d’une campagne promotionnelle d’une valeur de 25 000 € sur les chaînes CINÉCINÉMA et d’une aide au sous-titrage d’une valeur de 2 500 € offerte par Titra Films.

Prix spécial du jury pour le long métrage: "MENG NA LI SHA Li Ying"

(Chine/Japon, 2007, 110 min)

Prix d’Amiens métropole: "EL ASALTANTE"

Par: Pablo Fendrik (Argentine, 2007, 67 min)

Prix d’interprétation féminine: LUBNA AZABAL

pour le film "24 mesures"

Par: Jalil Lespert (France, 2007, 90 min)

Prix d’interprétation masculine: KADER BOUKHANEF & ABEL JAFRI

pour le film "l’Autre moitié"

Par: Rolando Colla (Suisse/Belgique, 2007)

Grand Prix du Court Métrage (Licorne d’Or): "LA DÉCHIRURE"

Par: Mikaël Buch (France, 2007)

Mention spéciale du jury pour le court métrage: "I WANT TO BE A PILOT"

Par: Diego Quemada-Diez (Espagne/Mexique/Kenya, 2006)

Prix du public long métrage: "EZRA"

Par: Newton I. Aduaka (France/Nigeria/Autriche, 2006)

Prix du public court métrage: "DERNIER VOYAGE"

Par: Pierre Duculot (Belgique, 2007)

Prix de la Maison d’arrêt d’Amiens Détenues femmes : "Il neige à Marrakech"

Par: Hicham Alhayat (Suisse, 2006)

Mention spéciall: "Dernier voyage"

Par: Pierre Duculot (Belgique, 2007)

Détenus hommes: "Sale boulot"

Par: Erwann Lameignère (France, 2006)

Prix du public : "Il neige à Marrakech"

Par: Hicham Alhayat (Suisse, 2006)

Prix Femis (décerné pas des élèves de La fémis): "Rachel" Par: Frédéric Mernoud (Suisse/France 2006)

Mention spéciale: "Songes d’une femme de ménage"

Par: Banu Akseki (Belgique 2007)

PRIX SIGNIS: "MUNYURANGABO"

Par: Isaac Chung (Rwanda/États-Unis, 2007)

Mentions à "ALGÉRIE, HISTOIRES À NE PAS DIRE"

Par: Jean-Pierre Lledo (Algeria/France, 2007)

"NÄR ELVIS KOM PÅ BESÖK"

Par: Andreas Tibblin (Suède, 2006)

Prix CINÉCOURTS Prix doté d’un achat du film pour diffusion sur les chaînes CINÉCINÉMA: "USUKU LWAM" Par: Bela Lukac (Afrique du Sud, 13’)

Prix des Enfants de la Licorne: "SPECTATEUR PERSONNEL"

Par: Emmanuel Jespers (Belgique, 2006, 14’30)

12e Fonds d’aide au développement du scénario

"SUR LA PLANCHE"

Par: Leila Kilani (Maroc)

"L’OEIL DU CYCLONE"

Par: Luis Marquès et Sékou Traoré (Burkina Faso)

"ET IL Y EUT UN MATIN"

Par: Tawfik Abu Wael (Palestine)

"DE L’HUILE D’OLIVE"

Par: Ammar Al Beik (Syrie)

"L’EXIL ET LE ROYAUME"

Par: Andreï Schtakleff et Jonathan Le Fourn (France)

Award Winners for the 2007 Chilean International Short Film Festival of Santiago

Tue, 11 Dec 2007 01:23:00 PST

Premio Nacional a la Mejor Dirección de Arte: "Querido Sol"

Directed by: Manuel del Valle

Premio Nacional a la Mejor Dirección de Fotografía: "Raíces Huecas"

Directed by: Diego Riquelme and Francisca Olaeta

Premio Nacional al Mejor Montaje: Camilo Marks

Miguel Cuevas Riquelme

Premio Nacional a la Mejor Banda Sonora: Mar Vacío

Esteban Larraín

Premio a la Mejor Actriz Nacional: Antonella Orsini in "La Mente"

Directed by: Pepe Maldonado.

Premio al Mejor Actor Nacional: Pedro Pavez in "Ninguna Parte"

Directed by: Pedro Pavez and Joel Cisterna

Segundo Premio Nacional ficción: "Debajo"

Directed by: Dominga Sotomayor

Segundo premio Nacional Animación: "El Almohadón de Plumas"

Directed by: Hugo Covarrubias

Segundo premio Nacional Documental: "La Sombra de D. Roberto"

Directed by: Juan Diego Spoerer and Hakan Engström

Segundo premio Nacional Experimental: "Del Transcurrir"

Directed by: Francisco Veloso Ferrari

Segundo Premio Internacional Ficción: "Saliva"

Directed by: Esmir Filho (Brazil)

Segundo Premio Internacional Animación: "Vendido

M j van der Linden"

Directed by: Reino de los Países Bajos

Segundo Premio Internacional Documental: "Jean Genet en Chicago"

Directed by: Frederic Moffet (USA/ Québec)

Segundo premio Internacional Experimental: "Fundirse"

Directed by: Antonin de Bemels (Belgium)

Premio a la Mejor animación Nacional: "Siaskel el Gigante"

Directed by: Edwin Gómez Viñales

Premio a la Mejor animación Internacional: "Vida Maria"

Directed by: Márcio Ramos

Brazil

Premio a la Mejor Ficción Nacional: "Raíces Huecas"

Directed by: Diego Riquelme and Francisca Olaeta.

Premio a la Mejor Ficción Internacional: "Stella"

Directed by: Anke Hentschel (Germany)

Premio al Mejor Documental Nacional: "La Otra Cara de la Moneda"

Directed by: Ángelo Antonucci

Premio al Mejor Documental Internacional: "En Construcción"

Directed by: Zhenchen Liu (France)

Premio al Mejor Experimental Nacional: "Transiciones"

Directed by: Eduardo Peralta de la Rosa

Premio al Mejor Experimental Internacional: "Fuga"

Directed by: Galina Myznikova and Sergey Provorov

Russia

Premio Especial del Reino de los Países Bajos Film Más Creativo: "Debajo"

Directed by: Dominga Sotomayor

Premio Especial TVN Mejor Guión: "Desvío"

Directed by: Nicolás Postiglione

Gran Premio Nacional del Jurado: "La otra cara de la moneda"

Directed by: Ángelo Antonucci

Gran premio internacional del jurado: "Stella"

Directed by: Anke Hentschel (Germany)

Award Winners for the 2007 St. Louis International Film Festival

Tue, 11 Dec 2007 12:34:00 PST

Audience Choice Awards

Best Feature: "Juno"

directed by: Jason Reitman

Best International Feature: "Children of Glory"

directed by: Krisztina Goda

Best Documentary: "A Walk to Beautiful"

directed by: Mary Olive Smith

Interfaith Awards

Best Documentary: "A Walk to Beautiful"

directed by Mary Olive Smith

Best Feature: "Getting Home"

directed by Yang Zhang

New Filmmakers Forum Award: "Lovely by Surprise" directed by: Kirt Gunn

Short Subjects

Best of Fest: "Rabbit"

directed my: Run Wrake, UK

Best Live Action: "The Saddest Boy in the World"

by Jamie Travis, Canada

Best Animated: "Yours Truly"

by Osbert Parker, UK

Best International: "Tanghi Argentini"

by Guido Thys, Belgium

Best Short Short: "The Job"

by Jonathan Browning, USA

Best Local: "Actors"

by Joe Leonard, USA

Gateway Film Critics Association Award

Best Feature: "Diving Bell and the Butterfly"

directed by Julian Schnabel

Vital Voice LGBT Award: "The Gymnast"

directed by Ned Farr

30th STARZ DENVER FILM FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES JURIED AWARDS WINNERS AND FINAL ATTENDANCE NUMBERS

Tue, 11 Dec 2007 12:25:00 PST

The Starz Denver Film Festival wrapped its 30th year of bringing international film and filmmakers to Denver. Organizers reported a 16 percent increase in attendance from the previous year with 45,136 people attending the films and events. There was a 25 percent increase in revenue from 2006 with 125 sold-out screenings over the course of the 11-day event.

On Closing Night, November 18 at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House, SDFF 30 continued its tradition of highlighting the highest level of cinematic achievement with three juried awards: The Emerging Filmmaker Award, The Maysles Brothers Award for Best Documentary, and The Krzysztof Kieslowski Award for Best Feature Film. The winners were chosen by a panel of jurors including critics, industry, and media professionals.

Emerging Filmmaker Award

Award WInners for the 2007 Leeds International Film Festival

Tue, 11 Dec 2007 11:44:00 PST

Golden Owl Award 2007: "Severed Ways: The Norse Discovery of America"

Directed by: Tony Stone

This extraordinary film goes all out with its regressive strategies, doing as much as possible to achieve as little as possible. Extending cinema's existing parameters, we

are challenged to question all assumptions we may bring to this film, including whether it is even a film at all. Whilst this seemingly simple maximalist spectacular remains bravely and resolutely indeterminable to the point of barely existing, it's heroic and whole-hearted engagement with failure may be one of the most interesting and successful terrorist interventions in cinema we have yet seen. Huge. And yet hardly there.

Special Mention: "Noise"

Directed by: Matthew Saville

A witty character observation that shines for its subtle human insight.

Special Mention: "The Man from the Embassy"

Directed by: Dito Tsintsadze

Catching us unawares, this gentle journey takes us with ease right into the dark heart of our globalized world, leaving us with the realization that social inequality allows no one to remain innocent.

Best Short Film: "Aie"

Directed by: Virginie Gourmel

A beautifully whimsical synthesis of bold choreography and technical inventiveness.

Special Mention: "Coco-Nuts"

Directed by: Charlotte Blom

"A joyous melding of cinematic modes. Bonkers."

Special Mention: "Dad"

Directed by: Daniel Mulloy

A brave and tender engagement with the politics of representation, open to a multiplicity of readings.

Best Animated Short Film: "Tyger"

Directed by: Guilherme Marcondes

A sinister and glorious evocation of unstoppable force.

The Golden Owl Jury comprises:

Laurin Federlein, Director. His first feature film, 'Build A Ship, Sail To Sadness' screened at the Festival.

Rocio Freire-Bernat, Distributor of world cinema in Britain. Her company, Axiom Films will be responsible for the BFI's upcoming Wim Wenders retrospective. Rocio did not vote for the Golden Owl winning film 'Severed Ways'.

Christopher Thomas, filmmaker and also Director of the Institute for New Cinema which is commissioning feature films by artists.

Melies d'Argent Award: (feature film)

The Orphanage (El Orfanato) - Dir. Juan Antonio Bayona - Mexico/Spain, 2007.

Special Jury Mention: "Hyena" (Hiena)

Directed by: Grzegorz Lewandowski, Poland, 2006.

Melies d'Or Nomination: (short film): "Machine" (Maquina)

Directed by: Gabe Ibanez - Spain, 2006.

Special Jury Mention: "Moment of Glory" (Moment de Gloire)

Directed by: Hendrik Moonen, Belgium, 2006.

Award WInners for the 2007 International Short Film Festival Winterthur

Tue, 11 Dec 2007 11:29:00 PST

Grand Prize of the International Competition: "René"

Directed by: Tobias Nölle (Switzerland 2007)

Prize: 12'000 Swiss Francs (€ 7'100) for the best film, provided by Kulturstiftung Winterthur

Jury Motivations:

The psychogram of an oddball on the fringes of society. The film invokes a dense atmosphere and creates its own universe, which doesn’t adhere to the norms of classical dramaturgy, and thus enables "René" to give us a naked and fresh look on the phenomenon of isolation in our society.

Promotional Award of the International Competition: "Hoy no estoy"

Directed by: Gustavo Taretto (Argentina 2007)

Prize: 10'000 Swiss Francs (€ 5'920) for an extraordinarily talented director, provided by the Swiss Television

Jury Motivations:

An urban fairytale about disappearing into the blind spots of modern architecture. With its sharp eye for urban landscapes, this meticulous and imaginative film calls to mind the modernist magic of Jacques Tati, but it keeps an originality of vision that challenges our perspectives of space.

Prize for the Best Swiss Entry of the National or International Competition: "Twist"

Directed by: Alexia Walther (Switzerland/France 2006

Prize: 8'000 Swiss Francs (€ 4'730) for the best Swiss production, provided by Suissimage, the Swiss Authors' Society SSA and the International Short Film Festival Winterthur.

Jury Motivations:

A film like a poem. Associative, lyrical, and dream-like, "Twist" is a liberating experience that blasts away the formal conventions of narrative.

Audience Prize: "Il neige à Marrakech"

Directed By: Hicham Alhayat (Switzerland 2006)

Prize: 8'000 Swiss Francs (€ 4'730) for the film getting the most votes from the audience, provided by Zürcher Kantonalbank.

Special Mention: "We will win"

Directed by: Mahmoud Hojeij (Lebanon 2006)

Jury Motivations:

This seemingly simple political allegory attacks the big issue of political conflict in the Middle East, but brings it to a human level and even dares to use humur.

Award Winners for the 2007 Columbus International Film and Video Festival (Chris Awards)

Mon, 10 Dec 2007 07:06:00 PST

THE SILVER CHRIS: "Streets of Encounter"

Eileen Thalenberg

Stormy Nights Productions, Inc.

THE CHRIS STATUETTE: "From The 50 Yard Line"

Doug Lantz

Blake House Media, Inc.

BRONZE PLAQUE: "Double Take Art Exhibition Introduction Film"

Barbara Groth

Big Buddha Baba Productions

and "Bella Figura- Do Singers Have To Be Fat?"

Marieke Schroeder

Pars Media FilmProduction

and "All The Time In The World "

Alister Sanderson

and "Realism: The Artistic Form of the Truth"

Leyla Salem

Films Media Group

CBC Artspots - Artist Profiles

Canadian Broadcasting Corporation

HONORABLE MENTION: "Greetings From Asbury Park"

Amber Edwards/ NJN

"Asian Youth Orchestra Hong Kong Concert 2006"

Cheung Wing Tim and Ching Pui Ki

Radio Television Hong Kong

"Gros Morne Time Lines"

Canadian Broadcasting Corporation

BUSINESS & INDUSTRY

THE SILVER CHRIS: "Direct Support: A Realistic Job Preview"

Jerry Smith

THE CHRIS STATUETTE- 2006 Community Partnership Award: "New Jersey SEEDS Scholars Program Mutual of America"

BRONZE PLAQUE: "The Ride To Conquer Cancer"

Telling Story, Inc.

and "Journey By Heart"

Michelle Paymar

Michelle Paymar Films

HONORABLE MENTION: "Above and Beyond"

American Signature Inc.

"Eddie Osterland - America’s 1st Master

Sommelier"

Magic Music Productions LLC

"Iceland, Naturally"

Salo Productions

"Humminbird Fish Finder"

Hawthorne Direct Inc.

"Den - Season 1"

Canadian Broadcasting Corporation

"Venture’s Dreamers + Schemers: All

About Undies"

Canadian Broadcasting Corporation

CHILDREN & YOUTH

THE SILVER CHRIS: "Anita’s Africa"

Coming Home Films, Inc.

THE CHRIS STATUETTE: "The Constitution Project: Key Constitutional Concepts"

Annenberg Foundation Trust at Sunnylands

Robe Imbriano

BRONZE PLAQUE: "This Is Daniel Cook; Nature, Science,

and the Environment"

J.J. Johnson

Bullfrog Films

"Face the Music: Copyright, Art, and the Digital Age"

Close Up Foundation

"Discovering the Performing Arts"

Lauren F. Cardillo

"The Sunday Man"

Danielle Shamash

HONORABLE MENTION: "That Incredible State"

Jan Nowina-Zarzycki

"Citizen Quest: A Stronger America"

Argentine Productions

"Cool Voting: It’s Your Vote"

Argentine Productions

2006 Community Partnership Award - New Jersey SEEDS Scholars Program Mutual of America: "Shooting For Change"

Lalita Krishna

Third Element Productions

"Dating Violence: Should We Expect Respect?

Aquarius Health Care Media

Stuart Muszynski

"Fitness Fanatic"

CET

"Ohio Rocks!"

CET

Kim Mlinek

"For Whom The Pit Calls"

Filippo Lubiato

Clip Club

"Yorktown"

Colonial Williamsburg Foundation

Lina Randulfe

"Kids’ CBC"

Canadian Broadcasting Corporation

"Canada’s Next Great Prime Minister"

Canadian Broadcasting Corporation

"From The Heart: The Freeman Legacy "

(22 mn elementary school release)

City of Burnaby

Robert Broad

EDUCATION & INFORMATION

THE SILVER CHRIS: "John James Audubon: Drawn From Nature"

American Masters

THE CHRIS STATUETTE: "Dragons’ Den - Where Are They Now?"

Canadian Broadcasting Corporation

BRONZE PLAQUE: "Teen Truth: An Inside Look at Bullying and School Violence"

Human Relations Media

"Celebrating Diversity: A Universal Message From The Real Rain Man"

National Professional Resources, Inc.

"The Approach In Action: A Training Video"

The People’s Picture Company Inc.

"The Lure of Money: Save It, Invest It, Protect It"

Nina Halper, AARP

"It’s Not Worth It! Maritime Pollution Offences"

Videotel Productions

Ron Tanner

"American Trustees"

Annette Strauss Institute for

Civic Participation

Nancy Schiesari

HONORABLE MENTION: "Librarians to the Rescue"

Dwight Bennett, Don Loftus

"Asleep At The Wheel: The Dangers of Drowsy Driving"

Human Relations Media

"The Wise Owl Bully Stopper Kit"

Human Relations Media

"The Power Trip: Bullying In School"

Human Relations Media

"Finding Our Voice "

Jerry Smith

"Wealth Masters - Shopping and Cooking With Deanna For Optimum Health"

Magic Music Productions LLC

"Monster In The Family"

John Kastner

"Strong Men of Nguiu"

Bearcage Productions

Chris Bamford

"Strings of Fear"

Rhonda A. Denny

"Struggle For Identity: Issues In Transracial Adoption & A Conversation Ten Years Later"

Photosynthesis Productions

"You Don’t Want To Live In My House"

Newist / Cesa 7

Dean Thomas

"From The Heart: The Freeman Legacy"

(28 mn secondary school educational release)

City of Burnaby

Robert Broad

"Dominoes"

Bullfrog Films

Daniel Schorr

San Diego Association of Realtors: “The Importance of Disclosures”

Magic Music Productions LLC

Louie Stevens

"Best Practices: Building Blocks for Enhancing School Environment"

Perimeter Productions

Caitlin Hammel

"ADLs for CNAs: Basic Training for Documenting the Activities of Daily Living"

HCPro, Inc.

"The Feral Boys of Glasgow - CBC News: Sunday Night"

Canadian Broadcasting Corporation

"Venture’s Dreamers + Schemers: Franchise Fortunes"

Canadian Broadcasting Corporation

"Confronting The Past"

Coleen Rajotte

ENTERTAINMENT

THE SILVER CHRIS: "Relative Obscurity"

John Swartz and Jeff Rosenberg

THE CHRIS STATUETTE: "Dragon Boys"

Canadian Broadcasting Corporation

Producer: Michael Checkik

BRONZE PLAQUE: "Little Mosque on the Prairie"

(Episodes 101 & 103)

Westwind Pictures Ltd

Michael Kennedy

"Metal Storm"

Echo Productions, LLC

"Greetings From The Shore"

Greg Chwerchak

"Love Aflame - The Interpretations"

Radio Television Hong Kong

HONORABLE MENTION: "The Endless Knot"

Michael Brown

"Divine Restoration - Series II"

Rui Feliz

VisionTV International

"Gotta Run!" (CBC News at Six)

Canadian Broadcasting Corporation

"Birthday Boy"

Violet M. Williams

THE HUMANITIES

BEST OF FESTIVAL: "Becoming A Woman in Zanskar"

ZED

THE CHRIS STATUETTE: "Come Walk in My Shoes"

Robin Smith - Video/Action Fund

"Marie Antionette"

David Grubin Productions

BRONZE PLAQUE: "Peyote to LSD: A Psychedelic Odyssey"

Gryphon Productions

Peter von Puttkamer

"Warrior By Birth"

Klaudiusz Jankowski

"Black Samurai"

ZED

"Little Brazil, Gort, Ireland"

RTE

"Writings On The Wall"

Time Of Day Productions

"Titanic’s Final Moments"

Rushmore DeNooyer

Kirk Wolfinger

"Mississippi Cold Case"

MSNBC

HONORABLE MENTION: "Sweetwater Rescue: The Willie and Martin Handcart Story"

Lee B. Groberg

"A Window Opens - Margaret & Sophie In Ethiopia"

90th Parallel Film & Television

Productions Ltd

"Frank Lloyd Wright’s Buffalo"

WNED-TV/PBS

"The Geometry Of Love"

VisionTV

Paul Carvalho

"From The Heart: The Freeman Legacy"

(47 mn general release)

City of Burnaby

Robert Broad

"A Taste of Shakespeare: Othello"

Bullfrog Films

Dug Rotstein

"A Night of Magic, The Lantern Festival in Taiwan"

The Press Division, Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Chicago

Yuan-tung Wang

"Mississippi Roads #2705"

Mississippi Public Broadcasting

"Kiviuq"

John Houston

drumsong communications inc.

"Bloodlines: Famous Last Words"

yap films / Pauline Duffy and Elliott Halpern

Herrie ten Cate

"The Mother Road"

Lauren F. Cardillo

"The Runner"

Canadian Broadcasting Corporation

CBC News: "The National - Return to Shanghai"

Canadian Broadcasting Corporation

"Why Do We Marry?"

Canadian Broadcasting Corporation

"Land and Sea: Fish Tales"

Canadian Broadcasting Corporation

"Back To The Lotus" (CBC News at Six - Saskatchewan)

Canadian Broadcasting Corporation

"Confronting The Past"

Coleen Rajotte

"Encounters With Moses"

90th Parallel Film & Television

Productions Ltd

MENTAL HEALTH

THE SILVER CHRIS: "Not Just A Bad Day: Living With

Bipolar Disorder"

Mars Entertainment

Gillian Hrankowski

BRONZE PLAQUE: "Crystal Fear, Crystal Clear"

Eva Wunderman

"Freefall"

Hand Hammered Films

Pawel Pawelczak

"Put Me Together Again"

yap films / Pauline Duffy and Elliott Halpern

Anna Hall

HONORABLE MENTION: "Where Does Marie Go?"

Societe Radio-Canada Saskatchewan

"Wearing Masks IV: The Spectrum of Intervention and The Challenge of Re-entry"

Rainbow Productions Inc

Dirk Wales

"Talk To Me: teens speak out about sexual violence"

Fanlight Productions

Saun Ellis

Dr. Sanjay Gupta: "Happiness"

CNN

Dr. Sanjay Gupta: "Genius"

CNN

"Born in the Wrong Body"

MSNBC

"Through True Eyes: The Process of Recovery from Eating Disorders"

Atlantic Mediaworks Ltd.

"Anti-drug Files – Rove"

Radio Television Hong Kong

Lai Man Yi

PHYSICAL HEALTH & MEDICINE

THE CHRIS STATUETTE: "Let Them Eat Cake"

Fanlight Productions

Lisa Kaselak

Paula Zahn Now - "Dana Reeve Hour"

CNN

BRONZE PLAQUE: "Rushing, Crashing, Dying: The Meth Epidemic"

Human Relations Media

Anderson Cooper 360: "Hiding in Plain Sight"

CNN

"Living Better with Chronic Pain"

Health Dialog

Tom Kidder

"Weight Loss Surgery: Is It Right for You?"

Health Dialog

Tom Kidder

HONORABLE MENTION: "Tobacco and Death: Perfect Together"

Human Relations Media

360 Vision - "Give Me Shelter"

VisionTV

American Morning - "Inside Autism Series"

CNN

"Making Connections"

Aquarius Health Care Media

Leslie Kussmann

"Remaking American Medicine - Health Care for the 21st Century"

Crosskeys Media

Frank Christopher, Matthew Eisen, Marc Shaffer

INTERACTIVE ONLINE

THE SILVER CHRIS: "From The Heart: The Freeman Legacy"

City of Burnaby

Ivana Filipovic

BRONZE PLAQUE: www.dc8.us

The Network DC

"Incident Investigation, Analysis and Reporting

Videotel Productions"

Pat Mitchell

HONORABLE MENTION: "Urban Ministries of Durham Resident"

Testimonial PSAs

MindWorks Multimedia

"Beyond the Solar System: Expanding the Universe in the Classroom"

Clive Grainger

Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics

"Kiviuq"

John Houston, drumsong

communications inc.

RELIGION

THE SILVER CHRIS: CNN Presents: "After Jesus: The First Christians"

CNN

THE CHRIS STATUETTE: "360 Vision - "A Call To Prayer"

VisionTV

Sadia Zaman

BRONZE PLAQUE: "Something About Mary Magdalene"

VisionTV International

Harvey Crossland

'Time for Teens #401: James Christensen “Art of Inspiration”'

BYU Broadcasting

HONORABLE MENTION: "5 Seekers"

VisionTV

Allan Novak

"The Lost Tomb Of Jesus"

Associated Producers Ltd.

Simcha Jacobovici

"Rediscovering Catholicism - Becoming the Best Version of Yourself"

National Cathloic Broadcasting Council

Wayne Moss

"Road to Zion"

BYU Broadcasting

#104: “A House Unto Thy Name”

BYU Broadcasting

"Village of Spirits: Lily Dale"

Cooper Rock Pictures Inc.

Jackie Dzuba

"Underground Reality Vietnam The Voice of the Martyrs"

Ramsey Tripp & Jayson Lobozzo

"Inside Opus Dei" - CBC News: Sunday Night

Canadian Broadcasting Corporation

"The Pratt Brothers: Builders of Zion"

Stuart Heimdal

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

THE SILVER CHRIS:"Black Diamonds: Mountaintop

Removal & The Fight For Coalfield Justice"

Bullfrog Films

Catherine Pancake

THE CHRIS STATUETTE: "Some New Tricks With DNA"

Jack Micay

"Tigers Attack"

yap films / Pauline Duffy and Elliott Halpern

Roger Finnigan

BRONZEPLAQUE: "The Leading Edge: Innovation in BC

Knowledge Network"

"Reading The Book Of Life"

Jack Micay

"Light At The Edge Of The World"

90th Parallel Film & Television

Productions Ltd

"Water, Water"

4 Square Productions

"Gabon: Eden On The Edge"

National Geographic Television & Film,

Natural History Unit

"Valley Of The Wolves"

National Geographic Television & Film,

Natural History Unit

"Visions of Taiwan’s Mountains"

The Press Division, Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Chicago

Chiao Ku

"HOT TYPE: The Heat Is On"

Canadian Broadcasting Corporation

CBC News: "The National - The Big Thirst"

Canadian Broadcasting Corporation

"The Nuclear Option" - CBC News: Sunday

Canadian Broadcasting Corporation

Heather Loughran and Carole MacNeil – coproducers

HONORABLE MENTION: "The Real Lost World"

Gryphon Productions LTD

"Clash Of The Caimans"

National Geographic Television & Film,

Natural History Unit

"Planet Carnivore: King Bear"

National Geographic Television & Film,

Natural History Unit

"Swim for the River"

Bullfrog Films

Tom Weidlinger

"Sap Sucking Hoppers" (The Secret World of Gardens, Episode 6)

Bullfrog Films

Susan Fleming

"Toxic Bust: Chemicals and Breast Cancer"

Bullfrog Films

Megan Siler

"Titanic’s Final Moments"

Rushmore DeNooyer

Kirk Wolfinger

"the fifth estate: The Denial Machine"

Canadian Broadcasting Corporation

"Land and Sea: Osprey"

Canadian Broadcasting Corporation

"A Winter Day - Lake Mattamuskeet"

The Mattamuskeet Foundation Inc.

Blake Scott

SOCIAL ISSUES

THE SILVER CHRIS: "China Blue"

Bullfrog Films

Micha X. Peled

THE CHRIS STATUETTE: "In Search of International Justice"

Bullfrog Films

Judy Jackson

"Rain in a Dry Land"

Bullfrog Films

Anne Makepeace

"SASA! A Film about Women, Violence, and HIV/AIDS"

Chanda Chevannes

BRONZE PLAQUE: "Orange Revolution"

Miriam Zimmerman and Steve York

"The Armenian Genocide"

Two Cats Production

Andrew Goldberg

"No Umbrella: Election Day in the City"

Bullfrog Films

Laura Paglin

"Granny D Goes to Washington"

Bullfrog Films

Alidra Solday

"Arid Lands"

Bullfrog Films

Josh Walleart

"We Feed the World"

Bullfrog Films

Erwin Wagenhofer

HONORABLE MENTION: "The Biologist, The Poet, &

The Funeral Director"

Harvey Edwards

"A Safer Sex Trade"

Cheap and Dirty Productions Inc.

"The Great Health Service Swindle"

(LIFE Series 5, Episode 5)

Bullfrog Films

Kim Hopkins

"Cash Flow Fever" (LIFE Series 5, Episode 10)

Bullfrog Films

James Heer

"Dreaming of Tibet"

Bullfrog Films

Will Parrinello

"Have I Got a Witness"

Benjamin Greene, Corwin Lamm, and Brooke Shuman

"Silences"

Octave Films

"Mississippi Cold Case"

Canadian Broadcasting Corporation

"9/11 Toxic Legacy"

Canadian Broadcasting Corporation

STUDENT COMPETITION

SILVER PLAQUE: "The Sunday Man"

Danielle Shamash

BRONZE PLAQUE: "One in 2000"

Ajae Clearway

"The Old Son"

Jong Hwang

"Love You Mum"

David Ockenden

"Cancer Treatment"

Brian Wiebe

"A Kid’s Journey of Grief"

Break-an-Egg Productions

Taylor Leach

HONORABLE MENTION: "Go Barefoot"

Matthew Meindle

"Camp Bean, All Things Woodsey"

Michelle Banta Tessier

"Dr. Docatto’s Reprise!!!"

Algorithm Animation Studios

Benjamin W. Neidenthal

"Coons! Night of the Bandits of the Night"

Overbite Pictures, LLC

Travis Irvine

"Truck Night at Yankee Lake"

John Jurko II

"This Is Bright"

Nicole Desender

"The Pratt Brothers: Builders of Zion"

Stuart Heimdal

WAR & PEACE

THE SILVER CHRIS: CNN Presents: "Combat Hospital"

CNN

THE CHRIS STATUETTE: "Homefront"

Ava Karvonen, Franco Dottor

Reel Girls Media

"War Zone Diary"

MSNBC

BRONZE PLAQUE: Anderson Cooper 360: "Dr. Sanjay

Gupta Reports from the Mideast"

CNN

CNN Presents: "In the Footsteps of Bin Laden"

CNN

"For God & Country: A Marine Sniper’s Story"

MSNBC

"The Secret History of 9/11"

Canadian Broadcasting Corporation

HONORABLE MENTION: "The Crazy Eights"

90th Parallel Film & Television

Productions Ltd

"Felons in the Military"

CNN

Anderson Cooper 360 – "PTSD"

CNN

Award Winners for the 2007 Ljubljana International Film Festival

Mon, 10 Dec 2007 04:59:00 PST

Kingfisher Award: Best film of the Perspectives Section: "Windows on Monday"

Directed by: Ulrich Köhler

Audience Award: Golden Reel: "Empties"

Directed by: Jan Svěrák

FIPRESCI Prize: "Just About Love?"

Directed by: Lola Doillon

Amnesty International Slovenia Award, best human rights film: "XXY"

Directed by: Lucía Puenzo

ITAK filmfest Award: "Postaja"

Authors: Matevž Jerman, Matej Bandelj, Matevž Rener, Gregor Vuga and Amir Ahmetovič from Koper

Award WInners for the 2007 Braunschweig International Film Festival

Mon, 10 Dec 2007 04:53:00 PST

The Europa: The European actors award, "The Europa", went to Hanna Schygulla for her outstanding performances and important contribution to European film culture.

The Heinrich: "Trust me"

Great Britain 2006, 96 min., 35mm

director & script: Andrew Kazamia

The Leo: "Dilshad and Tohti by a frozen lake"

Great Britain 2006, 4:47 Min.

director: Sam Huint

Kinema – The German-French Youth Award

French winner: "April in Love"

France 2005, 95 min., 35mm

director & script: Gérald Hustache-Mathieu

German winner: "Die Anruferin"

Germany 2007, 81 min.

director: Felix Randau

Awards for the 2007 International Short Film Festival of Berlin

Fri, 07 Dec 2007 04:04:00 PST

INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION:

Jury: Sergio Barrejon, Rolf Giesen, Fabrice Marquat, Tommaso Mottola and Roswitha

Schreiner

Berlin-Brandenburg Short Film Award - Best Short Film: "Soft"

Directed By: Simon Ellis

England, 2006, 14 min

Prize: 6.000 €

Best Animation: "Isabelle au bois dormant" (Sleeping Betty)

Directed by: Claude Cloutier

Canada, 2007, 9 min

Prize: Transferral of digital data to 35mm valued

at 4.000 € from TrickWILK

Best Short Fiction: "Tanghi Argentini"

Directed by: Guido Thys

Belgium, 2006, 13 min

Post production valued at 7.000 € from das werk Novalisstrasse

Special Mention: "Personal Spectator"

Directed by: Jespers Emmanuel

Belgium, 2006, 14 min

Special Mention: "Madame Tutli-Putli"

Directed by: Chris Lavis

Canada, 2007, 17

GERMAN COMPETITION

Jury: Florian Lukas, Veit Helmer, Janin Reinhardt and Thomas Wobke

Best German Film: "Bende Sira" (It's My Turn)

Directed by: Ismet Ergun

Germany / Turkey, 2007 10 min

Prize: Post production, valued at 13.000 € from

das werk Novalisstrasse

Skoda Short Film Prize: "Peters Prinzip"

Directed by: Jim Lacy

Germany, 2007 05 min

Prize: 2.000 € in cash von Skoda Auto

Audience Award: "Der Aufreißer"

Directed By: Steffen Weinert

Germany, 2006 13 min

Prize: Film material and developing valued at 2.500 € from Fuji Kine Film und Film+Videoprint

Special Mention: "Hit the Floor"

Directed By: Kays Khalil

Germany, 2006 11 min

Special Mention: "Bum Bum"

Directed By: Richard Kropf & Marcus Schuster

Germany, 2006 16 min

DOCUMENTARY COMPETITION

Jury: Uli Gaulke, Angelika Kruger-Leißner, Dr. Gabriele Weyand and Marcus Winterbauer

Best Documentary - ZDFdokukanal (Documentary Channel) P

go to:

Directed By: Jenifer Malmqvist

and the film "13 lat i 10 Miesiecy / 13 Years

and 10 Months

Poland, 2006 9 min

Prize: Buying and broadcasting a short documentary film, 15 Minutes max. up to 2000 € from ZDFdokukanal

interfilm Dokumentary film award: "The Wrong Trainers"

Directed By: Kez Margrie

England, 2006 15 min

Prize: 1000 EUR cash from Bewegliche Ziele e.V.

Special Mention: "Rasende Liebe"

Directed By: Beni Wulser, Carlo Coppola & Jonas Meier

Switzerland, 2006 15 min

Special Mention: ""Is so"

Directed by: Anna Deutsch

Germany, 2006 2 min

CONFRONTATIONS – FILMS AGAINST VIOLENCE AND INTOLERANCE

Jury: Barbara Kisseler, Bernd Scherer, Jordis Triebel and Dorothee Wenner

Best Film Against Violence and Intolerance:

go to: "Uova" (Scrambled)

Directed by: Alessamdro Celli

Italy, 2006 04 min

Prize: 2.000 € cash von der Bundeszentrale fur politische Bildung

Bester Film gegen Gewalt und Intoleranz: ""Hoy es un Dia Distinto" (Today is a Different Day)

Directed By: Pablo Gonzalez

Colombia, 2006 11 min

Prize: 2.000 € cash from Bundeszentrale fur politische Bildung

Audience Award: "Trotzdem Danke"

Directed by: Mischa Leinkauf & Matthias Wermke

Germany, 2006 06 min

Prize: 500 € cash from Bewegliche Ziele e.V..

Kuki – THE CHILDRENS’ SHORT FILM COMPETITION

Jury: Nina Grabowski, Maximilian Brandle, Sam Keogh und Sophie Ella Bocher

KuKi 1st. Place : "Pauls Opa"

Directed By: Ove Sander, Maren Erdmann

Germany, 2007 19 min

Prize: 1.000 € in cash from Zapf Umzuge

KuKi 2nd. Place: "Voor een paar knikkers meer"

(For a Few Marbles More)

Directed by: Jelmar Hufen

Netherlands, 2006 11 min

Prize: 500 € in cash from Branchenbar - Public Data

KuKi 2nd. Place – Audience Award: "Un bisou pour le monde" (A Kiss for the World)

Directed By: Cyril Paris

France, 2007 09 min

Prize: 500 € in cash from Branchenbar - Public Data

Special Mention: "Bende Sira" (It's My Turn)

Directed By: Ismet Ergun

Germany / Turkey, 2007 10 min

Award WInners for the 2007 Festival of European Films on Wheels

Fri, 07 Dec 2007 01:42:00 PST

‘The Trap’ by Srdan Golubovic won the Golden Goose Award at the 13th Festival on Wheels

The 2nd International Golden Goose Competition taking place within the body of the 13th Festival of European Films on Wheels, organized by the Ankara Cinema Association with the contribution of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the Municipality of Kars, Statoil and Akman Holding, has been concluded.

In the competition, realized during the Kars stop of the Festival with the contribution of the Municipality of Kars, the Golden Goose and its monetary price of 20 thousand Euros was awarded to the film “The Trap” directed by the Serbian director Srdan Golubovic. The film ‘The Class’ by the Estonian director Ilmar Raag, which was inspired by real events, gained second place, receiving the Silver Goose and 5 thousand Euros. The jury made up of Katinka Farago, Lissy Bellaiche, Nana Djordjadze, Edna Fainaru and Serra Yilmaz, also awarded the film “The Rest is Silence,” by Nae Caranfil, which told the story of a director trying to shot a film on the Independence struggle of Romania against Ottoman rule, with a special Mention. The Turkish Film Critics Association Jury, made up of Cem Altinsaray, Murat Emir Eren, Tul Akbal Sualp, Ayla Kanbur, Esin Kucuktepepinar, on the other hand, awarded the Bronze Goose to the film “Tricks” by the Polish director Andrzej Jakimowski.

The Short Film Audience Award was won by the film “Tripe and Onions” directed by the Hungarian director Marton Szirmai.

Award Winners of the 2007 AFI Fest presented by Audi

Fri, 07 Dec 2007 01:34:00 PST

JURY AWARDS

Grand Jury Prize Shorts: "SPIDER"

Directed by Nash Edgerton

Grand Jury Prize for Feature: "MUNYURANGABO" Directed by Lee Isaac Chung

Grand Jury Prize for Documentary: tie between "AFGHAN MUSCLES"

Directed by Andreas Mol Dalsgaard )

and "OPERATION FILMMAKER"

Directed by Nina Davenport

Best Animated short: "I MET THE WALRUS"

Directed by Josh Raskin

AUDIENCE AWARDS

Shorts: "KIDS + MONEY"

Directed by Lauren Greenfield

Documentary: "SPINE TINGLER! THE WILLIAM CASTLE STORY"

Directed by Jeffrey Schwarz

Feature: "THE DIVING BELL AND THE BUTTERFLY"

Directed by Julian Schnabel

AUDI "TRUTH IN ART" COMPETITION

Michael Addis, director of the documentary, "HECKLER"

The three Jury Award winners each receive a $5000 prize of Eastman Kodak Motion Picture Film stock & Entertainment Partners Budgeting and Scheduling software package.

The three Audience Award winners receive an AVID Technology Suite & Entertainment Partners Budgeting and Scheduling software package.

As the winner of the Audi "Truth in art" competition, Michael Addis, director of the documentary HECKLER, won a free lease of an Audi S5 automobile for one year. For the winning project, Addis created and shot a short film featuring a theme of family and security with the safety of driving an Audi.

2007 Audience Award Winners for the Boston Jewish Film Festival

Fri, 07 Dec 2007 01:10:00 PST

Best Feature: "Beaufort" (Bufor)

directed by Joseph Cedar

Best Documentary: "Praying with Lior"

directed by Ilana Trachtman

Both directors receive Avid Media Composer software, donated by Avid Technology, Inc. of Tewksbury, MA.

Award Winners Announced for the 2007 Évora International Short Film Festival

Tue, 27 Nov 2007 12:46:00 PST

Best Film: "It Wasn’t God’s Will" (Deus Não Quis)

Directed By: António Ferreira (2007 - Portugal)

Best Documentary: "The Pilgrims of Pomegranate Valley" (Rebwarani Doli Hanar)

Directed By: Ashkan Ahmadi (2006 - Iran)

Special Mention: "Even if She Had Been a Criminal..." (Eût-Elle été Criminelle...)

Directed By: Périot Jean-Gabriel (2006 - France)

Best Animation: " Tragic History With Happy Ending" (Historia Tragica com Final Feliz)

Directed By: Regina Pessoa - Animação (2005 - Portugal)

Best Short Film (Under 5 minutes): "Thirst" (Durst)

Directed By: Martin Repka (2006 - Eslováquia)

Best European Short Film: "Eva Reste au Placard Les Nuits De Pleine Lune"

Directed By: Alex Stockman (2006 - Belgium)

Best Portuguese Short Film: "It Wasn’t God’s Will" (Deus Não Quis)

Directed By: António Ferreira (2007 - Portugal)

Award of the City of Evora for Best Film: "Electrodoméstica"

Directed By: Kleber Mendonça Filho (2005 - Brasil)

Special Competition FIKE / IVM: "Nothing to Lose" (Nada Que Perder)

Directed By: Rafa Russo (2002 - Spain)

Dom Quixote Award (International Federation of CineClubs): "Indians"

Directed By: Sam Hearn and Richard Penfold (2005 - UK/ North Ireland)

Special Mention: "A Little Tiger" (En Liten Tiger)

Directed By: AnnaCarin Andersson (2006 - Sweden)

Award of the Orgainzation: "Muddy Mae’s Shoes" (Los Zapatos de Muddy Mae)

Directed By: Miguel Campana (2005 - Spain)

Audience Choice Award: "Maestro"

Directed By: Geza M. Toth (2005 - Hungry)

The 2007 Kodak VISION Award

Tue, 27 Nov 2007 11:35:00 PST

Each year the Fukuoka International Film Festival honors a film with the Kodak VISION Award which is an award voted by the audience.

This year the Vietnamese film titled "The White Silk

Dress," directed by Luu Huynh Luu was chosen to recieve the honor.

Award Winners Announced for the 2007 American Black Film Festival

Tue, 13 Nov 2007 01:07:00 PST

On October 28, 2007 Film Life’s 11th annual American Black Film Festival (ABFF) announced the winners of their independent film awards today to a standing room only crowd in the Beverly Ballroom of the Sofitel Hotel. The ABFF is the premier international marketplace for films that showcase the best new work by and about people of African descent. HBO® is the festival’s founding and title sponsor.

ABFF’s competitions reward excellence in independent Black cinema. With the support of major U.S. corporations, the festival awards cash and other prizes valued in the six figures. The award winners are as follows:

HBO Short Film Award, Presented by HBO: "The Second Coming"

Directed by Ya’ke

Audience Award for Best U.S. Feature presented by Blockbuster: "I’m through with White Girls"

Directed by Jennifer Sharp

Heineken Red Star Award for Creativity: "South of Pico"

Directed by Ernst Gossner

Allstate Beyond February “Be Reel Contest Winner" Presented by Allstate: "Give Along the Way"

Written and Directed by Alrick Brown

Best Documentary (tie):

"Black to our Roots"

Directed by Tre “Subira” Whitlow

"Prince Among Slaves"

Directed by Andrea Kalin & Bill Duke Director of Re-Creations

Grand Jury Prize for Best Screenplay presented by Allstate:

"Mansfield 12"

Written by Alton Glass

Grand Jury Prize for Best Actor: Henry Simmons

Grand Jury Prize for Best Director: Craig Ross, Jr.

Grand Jury Prize for Best Picture, Presented by Kodak: "South of Pico"

Directed by Ernst Gossner

“The independent films we screen each year at the festival are our anchor. We are so pleased to have had such a great line up and a good cross section of stories and themes,” said Jeff Friday, founder/CEO of Film Life, Inc.

The 2007 Madelyn"s Choice Award Announced at the Rocky Mountain Women's Film Festival

Thu, 08 Nov 2007 02:03:00 PST

Madelyn's Choice Award: Cats of Mirikitani

Directed By: Linda Hattendorf

About the Madelyn Choice Award:

On February 15, 2005 Madelyn Osur lost her battle with breast cancer. Madelyn had been an active member of the Rocky Mountain Women's Film Festival's Operations Committee for the past ten years, served on the Board for seven years and for the past five years served as Chair of the Film Selection Committee. In her memory, the Festival has decided to select one film every year from the Festival line up that we feel best exemplifies Madelyn's spirit - her zest for life, her caring and generous nature, and her ever-optimistic attitude.

"Madelyn loved films that were a poignant but never sloppy examination of the human condition--from a woman's perspective. Films that explored relationships--especially between women, most especially between mothers and daughters--were high on her list, as were films on subjects of personal interest--dance, animals (especially cats) and anything Jewish. If it was a little quirky or unusual, that was good, too--she gravitated toward the new take on everyday life realities and honest treatment of universal truths. No matter the subject, however, Madelyn never compromised her commitment to excellence in filmmaking and film quality in choosing festival films." Jody Alyn, Board Member.

Award Winners for the 2007 Morelia International Film Festival

Thu, 08 Nov 2007 11:39:00 PST

The FICM Congratulates The Winners Of Its 5th Edition

Best Mexican Short Films:

“La Caja De Yamasaki”

Directed By: José Manuel Cravioto

“Fénix”

Directed By: Fernanda Romandía

“Peces Plátano”

Directed By: Natalia Beristain Egurrola

TITRA Subtitles Award: “Bajo El Tacaná”

Directed By: Isabel Vericat

GARCÍA BROSS Award: “Primera Comunión”

Directed By: Daniel Eduvijes Carrera

Jury: Jonathan Romney, Film Critic, And Writer For Sight & Sound; Lizzie Francke, Renown Producer And Fernanda Solórzano, Film Critic.

Best Michoacan Short Film: “Axuni Atari”

Directed By: Raúl Máximo

Honorable Mention: “Los Días Sin Joyce”

Directed By: Agustín Oso Tapia And Anna Soler

Jury: Armando Casas, Filmmaker And Director Of Centro Universitario De Estudios Cinematográficos; Ángeles Castro, Director Of The Centro De Capacitación Cinematográfica, Jorge Sánchez, Producer And General Director Of Festival De Cine De Guadalajara; And Carlos R. Diazmuñoz From Sociedad Mexicana De Autores De Fotografía Cinematográfica.

Mexican Documentary

Best Mexican Documentary: Mi Vida Dentro

Directed By: Lucía Gaja

Best Documentary By A Woman: “Mi Vida Dentro”

Directed By: Lucía Gajá

(Awarded By Asociación De Mujeres En El Cine Y La Televisión De México).

Honorable Mention: “La Frontera Infinita”

Directed By: Juan Manuel Sepúlveda Martínez

Jury: Heidi Ewing, Filmmaker And Oscar Nominee For Her Documentary Called Jesús Camp; Sean Farnel, Programmer For Festival De Documentales Hot Docs; Leena Pasanen, Director Of European Documentary Network.

Mexican Long Feature Films

Best Mexican Long Feature Film: “¿Dónde Están Sus Historias?”

Directed By: Nicolás Pereda

AMC Award To Best Photography Direction: Érica Licea for “Quemar Las Naves”

Directed By: Francisco Franco

Jury: Trevor Groth, Programmer Of Festival De Cine De Sundance; Cecilia Suárez, Renown Mexican Actress; Peter Scarlet, Director Of Festival De Cine De Tribeca;

Public Award

SMS Movistar Best Documentary To Paul Grivas And Eugene Zapata For Anaghuan

Best Long Feature Film: To For “Quemar Las Naves”

Directed By: Francisco Franco

Michoacan Script Contest: “Santo Satán” Written By David Sánchez Zacarías.

Jury: Armando Casas, Filmmaker And Director Of Centro Universitario De Estudios Cinematográficos; Ángeles Castro, Director Of The Centro De Capacitación Cinematográfica Jorge Sánchez, Producer And General Director Of Festival De Cine De Guadalajara; And Carlos R. Diazmuñoz From Sociedad Mexicana De Autores De Fotografía Cinematográfica.

Morelia Lab

Jury: Cristina Prado, Richard Ham And Pablo Baksht, Decided To Give The IMCINE Morelia Lab-Joven Productor Mexicano Award To: Jessica Villegas, for “Venenum,” Awarded $30,000 Pesos.

Georgina Calvillo, for “Amor A Muerte,” Awarded $10,000 Pesos.

Blanca Álvarez, for “Se Busca Donador,” Awarded $10,000 Pesos.

CINÉPOLIS “Morelia Lab-Joven Productor Latinoamericano” Award

Virginia Giacosa, From Argentina, Awarded $20,000 Pesos, For “David Y El Gran Río.”

Suzana Markus, From Brazil, Awarded $15,000 Pesos For “El Hombre De La Cabeza De Cartón.”

Roddy Pérez, From Dominican Republic, Awarded $15,000 Pesos For “Pití.”

Award Winners for the 2007 Rio De Janeiro International Short Film Festival

Wed, 07 Nov 2007 11:10:00 PST

National Competiton

Grand Prix: “Saliva”

Directed By: Esmir Filho

Best Fiction Film: “Pugile”

Directed By: Danilo Solferini

Best Animation Film; “Moradores Do 304”

Directed By: Leonardo Cata Preta

Best Documentary Film: “Sentinela”

Directed By: Afonso Nunes

Best Experimental Film: “Convite Para Jantar Com O Camarada Stalin”

Directed By: Ricardo Alves Júnior

Audience Award: “O Jumento Santo E A Cidade Que Se Acabou Antes De Começar”

Directed By: Leo D. and William Paiva

Special Jury Award: “Solitário Anônimo”

Directed By: Débora Diniz

Special Mention of the Jury: “Satori Uso”

Directed By: Rodrigo Grota

Best Film Of The Young Jury: “Verão”

Directed By: Luiz Gustavo Cruz

Porta-Curtas Prize:

1st Place: “Um Pra Um”

Directed By: Erico Rassi

2nd Place: “Hotel Do Coração Partido”

Directed By: Raoni Assis

3rd Place: “A Peste De Janice”

Directed By: Rafael Figueiredo

Abdec Prize: “O Homem Da Árvore”

Directed By: Paula Mercedes

Special Mention: “Aranhas Tropicais”

Directed By: André Francioli

“A Peste De Janice”

Directed By: Rafael Figueiredo

Ascine-Rj Prize

Special Mention: “Ismar”

Directed By: Gustavo Beck

Prêmio Melhor Curta: “Cascadura”

Directed By: Felipe Cataldo E Godot Quincas

International Competition

Grand Prix: “Twist”

Directed By: Alexia Walther, Fra-Swi

Best Fiction Film: “La Leçon De Guitare”

Directed By: Martin Rit, (France)

Best Animation Film: “Everything Will Be Ok”

Directed By: Don Hertzfeldt, (USA)

Best Documentary Film: “Na Dzialce”

Directed By: Thierry Paladino, (Poland)

Best Experimental Film: “Capitalism:Slavery”

Directed By: Ken Jacobs, (USA)

Audience Award: “3 Novembre 1957”

Directed By: Valérie Zaccomer, Eric Chantelauze, Laure Saupique, (France)

Special Jury Award: “John And Karen”

Directed By: Matthew Walker, (England)

And “Le Loup Blanc”

Directed By: Pierre-Luc Granjon, (France)

Best Film Of The Young Jury: “Souiu Megane”

Directed By: Atsushi Wada, (Japan)

International Cachaça Prize:

Best Portugues Film: “China, China”

Directed By: João Pedro Rodrigues, João Rui Da Mata, (Portugal)

Best Music: “La Leçon De Guitare”,

Directed By: Martin Rit, (France)

Best Existentialist Film: “The Occupant”

Directed By: Elise Simard, (Canada)

Special Mention: “Amin”

Directed By: David Dusa, (Canada)

Le Loup Blanc/ O Lobo Branco,

Directed By: Pierre-Luc Granjon, (France)

Best Script Prize: “O Presidente Dos Estados Unidos”

By: Luiza Favale

Special Mention: “Rosa E Benjamin”

By: Ilana Feldman E Cléber Eduard

Award Winners for the 2007 Planet in Focus Toronto Environmental Film and Video Festival

Wed, 07 Nov 2007 09:32:00 PST

Best Canadian Short: "-40 Degrees Celsius"

Directed By: Paul Davis

Best International Short: "Make a Wish"

Directed By: Cherien Dabis

Best Canadian Feature: "Dead in the Water"

Directed By: Neil Docherty

Best International Feature: "Sounds of Sand"

Directed By: Marion Hänsel

Canadian Eco Hero Award: Sheila Watt-Cloutier

International Eco Hero Award: Robert Redford

Film Industry Eco Hero Award: Caroline Underwood

Awards for the 2007 Aarhus Film Festival

Wed, 07 Nov 2007 03:17:00 PST

INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION

BEST SHORT FICTION FILM: "TO THE MOON"

Directed By: Katja Eyde Jacobsen (Norway 2006)

Prize: 1000 Euros

Motivation: “Strong acting performances and well chosen locations are two important factors in making this film excellent and our chosen winner. The strong bonds between the brothers in their mercyless fight for survival are skilfully shown in various scenes and wakes compassion and empathy in the audience. The film both wakes laughter and tears and one is left with clear imprints from several scenes afterwards and a deep insight into the existence of the brothers and the problems of their social inheritage.”

BEST DOCUMENTARY FILM: "MONASTERY"

Directed By: Pernille Rose Grønkjær, (Denmark 2006)

Prize: 1000 Euros

Motivation: “The documentary is a masterpjece. No more, no less. Great emotions, universal questions and ethical values are pivitol points in the film. Mr. Vig and Sister Amvrosija encounter several disagreements in the attempt of fulfilling Mr. Vig's ambition and dream to make a monastery for the Russian Orthodox church in the old castle, Hesbjerg, on Fyen. Finally they end up with and understanding and acceptance of one an other. The funny situations during the film bring out smiles and laughter. The story about Mr.Vig and Sister Amvrosja and the creation of the monastery is embeded in the

sunlit dust of Hesbjerg and makes it almost magic.”

The awards in the internal competition were presented by an audience jury.

REGIONAL COMPETITION, GO WÆST!

BEST FILM FROM WESTERN DENMARK: "DOWN THE ROAD"

Directed By: Rune Christensen and Anders Berthelsen

Prize: A Kodak digital camera

Motivation: “The award for the best West Danish film this year goes to an extraordinary classy and refined film. The plot is clearly the motor which at times compromises the characters. But there are next to no flaws in this story so well told, and crafted, that the different film referenced melts together in the most stylish film noir.

On a desolate country road our main character meets his nemesis but as once before he just might escape destiny again.”

THE TALENT PRICE 2007: "DHARMA DREAM EATER"

Directed By: Rasmus Møller og Edda Kristindottir

Motivation: “The talent price this year goes to a film that in a very delicious, professional and absolutly convincing way, shows us what film is all about: It's magic. The film presents 5 wonderful minutes of magic as we know it from childhood fantasies and as we, as grown-ups, wishes to preserve - to be taken away from reality to dreamland where daily nightmares turns into tasty cakes: This film IS a tasty cake..."

THE JURY'S SPECIAL MENTION 2007: "NOGET I LUFTEN"

Directed By: Morten Lundgaard

Prize: 16mm film stock and/or lab expences covered for a total sum of 12.000 DKK:

Motivation: “This is a film that in a brilliant and funny way renews Waiting For Godot into a modern time. A film that consequently grabs the essence of Jutlandic humour in a charactaristic reclining way that enriches its audience with a wonderful sparkling feeling inside. The opening picture is outstanding. The camera pans viewing a beautiful forest, when suddenly something appears to fall down in the periphery of the picture. Camera doesn't pay very much attention. Black humor in it's essence that strikes an outstanding and compelling tone of voice in

this little genius film.”

The awards in the regional competition were presented by a jury consisting of: Birgit Pedersen, Stefan Frost and Thomas Trier.