42 films from 25 Asia Pacific countries and areas will be honoured across 13 exciting award categories from Best Performance by an Actress to Best Feature Film.

Hosted by acclaimed Australian actor David Wenham and pop-culture-icon and journalist Lee Lin Chin, the awards are attended by the region's leading names and will celebrate this year's best in cinema.

BEST FEATURE FILM
Sweet Country
Australia
Produced by Greer SIMPKIN, David JOWSEY
Co-Produced by David TRANTER
Directed by Warwick THORNTON

BEST YOUTH FEATURE FILM
The Seen and Unseen (Sekala Niskala)
Indonesia, Netherlands, Australia, Qatar
Produced by Gita FARA, Kamila ANDINI, Ifa ISFANSYAH
Directed by Kamila ANDINI

BEST ANIMATED FEATURE FILM
Window Horses: The Poetic Persian Epiphany of Rosie Ming
Canada
Directed and Produced by Ann Marie FLEMING
Co-Produced by Shirley VERCRUYSSE, Michael FUKUSHIMA

BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE FILM
Last Men in Aleppo
Syrian Arab Republic, Denmark, Germany
Produced by Søren Steen JESPERSEN, Kareem ABEED, Stefan KLOOS
Directed by Feras FAYYAD

Special Mention
Kim Dotcom: Caught in the Web
New Zealand
Produced by Alexander BEHSE
Directed and Co-Produced by Annie GOLDSON

ACHIEVEMENT IN DIRECTING
Andrey ZVYAGINTSEV for Loveless (Nelyubov)
Russian Federation, Belgium, France, Germany

BEST SCREENPLAY
Mayank TEWARI, Amit V MASURKAR for Newton
India

ACHIEVEMENT IN CINEMATOGRAPHY
Pyotr DUKHOVSKOY, Timofey LOBOV for The Bottomless Bag (Meshok Bez Dna)
Russian Federation

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS
Nata MURVANIDZE for Scary Mother (Sashishi Deda)
Georgia, Estonia

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR
Rajkummar RAO for Newton
India

Special Mention
Navid MOHAMMADZADEH for No Date, No Signature (Bedoune Tarikh, Bedoune Emza)
Islamic Republic of Iran

CULTURAL DIVERSITY AWARD UNDER THE PATRONAGE OF UNESCO
Dede
Georgia, Croatia, Netherlands, Qatar, United Kingdom
Directed by Mariam KHATCHVANI
Produced by Vladimer KATCHARAVA, Samantha TAYLOR, Mike DOWNEY, Igor A. NOLA
Co-Produced by Conrad ALLEBLAS, Jamillah VAN DER HULST

Special Mention
Lady of the Lake (Loktak Lairembee)
India
Directed by Haobam Paban KUMAR
Produced by Haobam Paban KUMAR
Co-Produced by Thiyam ROMOLA DEVI, Haobam IBETOMBI, Warepam JHANSIRANI

FIAPF AWARD
Bianca BALBUENA
Philippines

YOUNG CINEMA AWARD
Ilgar NAJAF for Pomegranate Orchard (Nar Baği)
Azerbaijan

ARTISTIC ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Abbas KIAROSTAMI for 24 Frames
Islamic Republic of Iran, France

Films from Russian Federation and Georgia have won three APSAs each at the Asia Pacific Screen Awards ceremony tonight, leading the winner tally at the prestigious event.

The Achievement in Directing APSA has been won by Russia’s Andrey Zvyagintsev for Loveless (Nelyubov; Russian Federation, Belgium, France, Germany). Zvyagintsev’s previous film, Leviafan (2014) won the APSA for Best Feature Film, while Zvyagintsev was previously awarded a High Commendation for his direction of Elena (2011).

The winners of the APSA for Achievement in Cinematography are Pyotr Duhovskoy and Timofey Lobov for Meshok Bez Dna. Timofey Lobov attended the ceremony and accepted the award on the night.

One of two Jury Grand Prizes was awarded to Russian actor Aleksandr Yatsenko for his performance in Aritmiya (Russian Federation, Finland, Germany).

The Asia Pacific Screen Awards, the regions highest accolade in film, honouring cinematic excellence and the cultural diversity of the world’s fastest growing film region: comprising 70 countries and areas, 4.5 billion people, and is responsible for half of the world’s film output.  42 films from 25 countries and areas of the Asia Pacific region received APSA nominations in 2017, including the first nomination for a film from Bhutan.

Best Feature Film was awarded to Warwick Thornton’s Sweet Country (Australia), produced by Greer Simpkin and David Jowsey.

President of the APSA International Jury, Oscar® and BAFTA® nominated film editor Jill Bilcock ACE ASE said ’Our jury from five countries have been transported by cinema into diverse communities and privileged to share in their personal stories, history and traditions. I was particularly impressed by the rise of stories featuring strong women characters and also the emergence of some truly talented female directors. Overall the Asia Pacific region continues to bring us extraordinary stories and talent with a highly original slant.’

Brisbane Lord Mayor Graham Quirk said ’Winning an Asia Pacific Screen Award is a huge achievement and, on behalf of the City of Brisbane, I’d like to congratulate the winners and thank them for sharing their extraordinary stories. Brisbane is honoured to be part of this journey and delighted to further strengthen ties with our neighbours in the culturally rich region of the Asia Pacific.’

Winners were determined by the APSA International Jury, headed by acclaimed Australian film editor Jill Bilcock, joined by Filipino writer/director Adolfo Alix Jr, Chinese actress He Saifei, Tokyo Film Festival Programmer Yoshi Yatabe and Kazakh writer, director and cinematographer Adilkhan Yerzhanov.

Chairman of the Asia Pacific Screen Awards and its Academy Michael Hawkins said “I congratulate the winners in the 11^thAPSAs and the two International Juries for their remarkable work in determining this year’s winners. I make particular mention of the more than a dozen returning APSA Academy members amongst the nominees and winners.”

 The 2017 recipients of the MPA APSA Academy Film Fund are:

• Rajit Kapur (India) for Paradise in Flames
• Robert Connolly (Australia) for Magic Beach
• Guy Davidi (Israel) for Senseless
• Vladimer Katcharava (Georgia) for Nene

In 2017, a total of 105 projects were submitted by 83 different APSA Academy members from 34 countries and areas across Asia Pacific and beyond, representing the truly global reach of APSA Academy members.

The success stories of projects funded by the MPA APSA Academy Film Fund are many and varied:

• The first completed film, from the inaugural round of the Fund in 2010 was Asghar Farhadi’s A Separation which went on to win almost 50 awards internationally including an Oscar®, Golden Globe®, Golden Bear and APSA for Best Film.
• 2011 MPA APSA Academy Film Fund recipient Maryam Ebrahimi’s No Burqas Behind Bars was recognised worldwide, winning awards at the major festivals around the globe, including the biggest TV award in Europe – the Prix Europa Award for the Best TV Documentary and an International Emmy Award.
• Shawkat Amin Korki’s Memories on Stone began its development as a 2011 Fund recipient and since completion, has garnered more than a dozen international awards including the 2014 APSA UNESCO Award. The film had an official screening at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, at the MPAA headquarters in Washington and is Iraq’s official submission for the 88th Academy Awards® for the Best Foreign-Language Film.

Currently in pre-production are MPA-funded feature films from Bangladesh, India, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Marshall Islands, South Korea and Turkey, while eight other projects are still in development, and production is underway on a project from Russia. The MPA has supported the work of APSA Academy members including Asghar Farhadi, Rolf de Heer, Lee Chang-dong, Zeynep Özbatur Atakan, Mohammad Rasoulof, Cliff Curtis, and the first female director from Saudi Arabia Haifaa Al Mansour

Alexandra Sun, Tannishtha Chatterjee, Andrew Pike OAM

The IndieFEST is proud to announce the latest winners. Congratulations to all the filmmakers who participated in the current season!The awards go to those filmmakers who produce fresh, standout entertainment and compelling documentaries. The IndieFEST is a top-tier international awards competition. It honors professionals, established and emerging, who demonstrate exceptional achievement in craft and creativity. The goal of The IndieFEST is to help the winners of this coveted award achieve the recognition they deserve. Additionally, each year IndieFEST also bestows a special award to productions that make significant contributions to social change or a humanitarian effort. Please visit www.TheIndieFEST.com to learn more about the IndieFEST Humanitarian Award.

Best of Show

Far From the Tree – Dave Thomas, WOW FILMS  

Dave Thomas, WOW FILMS (USA), Far From the Tree, Film Short – Single mom Abbie is strong and a survivor…but she struggles in her daily routine and in her relationship with her teenage son Evan. The effect of a sexual assault years earlier weighs heavy on her. As these deep embedded feelings work their way out like a splinter, Abbie and her son reach a pivotal moment in both of their lives. Deftly directed by industry veteran Emmy-winner Dave Thomas – he draws the audience into moments of anguish, directing a deeply emotional storyline with authentic characters. Exceptional performance by the utterly talented Cheryl Allison (No Letting Go, Illness), an achingly authentic portrayal of teenage angst by Gabriel Rush (Moonrise Kingdom, The Grand Budapest Hotel) supported by the convincing Angie Bolling (RoboCop). With thoughtful cinematography, exceptional sound design and an emotionally moving soundtrack by Grammy-nominated artist Moby.

Piscina (Pool) – Leandro Goddinho 

Leandro Goddinho, Cinema Transgenero (Germany), Piscina (Pool), Film Short – On a quest to understand her grandmother’s past, Claudia meets Marlene, an old woman who’s created an homage to her memories inside an empty pool. During the visit, the old lady reveals details of her life that intersect with Claudia’s grandmother’s past, a German fugitive of the 2nd World War. Pool is about gay persecution during the Nazi period and the achievement of LGBT civil rights in contemporary History. A unique portrayal of love and life directed by talented newcomer Leandro Goddinho and supported by an outstanding cast of women who elevate the story with soul-stirring moments and crushing reality and a talented crew featuring alluring cinematography and excellent sound design. Stars Luciana Paes(Necropolis Symphony, Don’t Call Me Son), Sandra Dani, Marcela Fetter, Carolina Bianchi and Ester Laccava.

Award of Excellence Special Mention

Rui Cui, University of Southern California (USA), To Pimp a Butterfly, Asian – A Chinese American teen in L.A. discovers his mother helping the family by selling her body and tries to save her. Lush cinematography, lighting and an emotional performance by Bai Ling (Lost, Star Wars: Episode III). George Liu (Bad Internet) and Eric Harrison (Limbo).

Jonathan and Rebecca Martin (USA / UK), Creatures of Whitechapel, Film Short – A creative Gothic love story of creation and madness, Frankenstein and Jack the Ripper. Beautiful lighting, cinematography and sound. Eceptional performances by Carlee Baker (Robot Chicken), Barrett Ogden(Gruntslingers), Rick Macy (Waffle Street) and Jillian Joy (Proper Manors).

David Fritzson (USA), Wireless, Film Short – An aging baby-boomer arrives at a cell phone store after hours seeking help with a smartphone. An empathetic employee creates a connection across generations helping him to say goodbye. An emotionally touching piece with achingly authentic performances. Elliott Bales (Legends and Lies) and Tim Torre (Daily Bread).

Aadiiv Kreation PVT LTD (India), Aami Joy Chatterjee (I am Joy Chatterjee), Film Feature –  A ruthless businessman, a kind doctor, a compassionate mom, spirited orphans and a Buddhist monk converge in a mystical tale of lost identity and found heart. Engaging and thought provoking.  Stars Abir Chatterjee (Byomkesh Bakshi), Joya Ahsan(Guerrilla).  Shivanggi Choudharry producer.

PCI Media Impact, UNICEF and KBS, 27 Empty School Buses, Contemporary Issues – Unforgettable visual action in the heart of New York sees empty school buses with different slogans highlighting the UN report that 27 million children worldwide are denied education due to war. Compelling visuals and impactful sound design drive this poignant piece.

Rich Robinson (USA), prophet, African-American – Lyricist Levi Fryer’swords engaging the audience to come along on a journey that uses poetry to challenge the Ego and put social issues into a perspective that is neither demoralizing or glorifying but focuses on BEING and the PRESENT. Moving and meaningful in its simplicity and profound message.

Tim Bonython (Australia), The Big Wave Project, Doc Feature – A raw journey into one of the world’s most exciting challenges – riding the world’s BIGGEST waves. Follows the sport’s legends around the world to record the biggest and most death-defying waves – it thrills with impressive cinematography and heart pounding action.

Award of Excellence

Alan King (Australia), A Way Back, Actor: Leading (Alan King as Leo Amsel)

Alejandro Molina Romo (Mexico), The Present Ones, Latin / Hispanic

Antony Beilinsohn (USA), Free Advice with Adam Chernick, Webisode

April Rouveyrol (USA), Shy, Film Short

Brian Herzlinger (USA), Smothered by Mothers, Actor: Leading (Shannon Brown as Bobby Davis), Actor: Supporting (Chuck Ardezzone as Charlie Brasi), Actress: Leading (Juliette Bennett as Cassandra Carter), Actress: Supporting (Heather Matarazzo as Annie Davis), Script / Writer, Casting, Sound Editing / Sound Mixing, Film Feature, Direction, Editing

Crystal Lowe, Whitehall Entertainment Incorporated (Canada), The Curtain, Film Short

Dan Dixon (United Kingdom), Clanker Man, Film Short

Danny Phillips (New Zealand), Presentiment, Film Short, Pilot Program / Series, Post-Production Overall, Special Effects: Non-Animation

Dave Thomas, WOW FILMS (USA), Far From The Tree, Women Filmmakers, Dramatic Impact, Script / Writer, Cinematography, Direction, Actress: Leading (Cheryl Allison as Abbie), Actor: Leading (Gabriel Rush as Evan)

Ernest Abdyjaparov (Kyrgyzstan), Sayakbay – Homer of 20th century, Film Feature

Fr3deR1cK (USA), Counter Histories: Rock Hill, African American

Ivo Marloh (United Kingdom), All The Wild Horses, Documentary Feature

Jane Hammond (Australia), A Crude Injustice, Documentary Short

Joel Fioroni (Switzerland), The King of the Market, Disability Issues

Jonathan Martin and Rebecca Martin (United Kingdom/USA), Creatures of Whitechapel, Actor: Leading (Barrett Ogden as Dr. Frankenstein), Actor: Supporting (Rick Macy as Dr. Pretorius), Actress: Leading (Carlee Baker as Igor/Jack the Ripper), Actress: Supporting (Jillian Joy as Mary Kelly)

Jude S. Walko, Blue Falcon Productions LLC (USA), The Incantation, Actor: Supporting (Dean Cain as Abel Baddon), Direction, Film Feature, Script / Writer, Cinematography

Lakshmi Devy, Unnikrishnan Parameswaran and Vishal Mundra (USA), Don’t Be Afraid (Daro Mat), Film Short

Marissa Lessman (USA), Phil., LGBT

Mark Knight, Window Channel Network (USA), WATER, Documentary Short

Matthew McKee (USA), BaseBallet, Documentary Short

Michael Proudfoot, Proudfoot Ltd (United Kingdom), Which Way Up, Documentary Feature

Michael Simsek (USA), Bless Her Heart, Actress: Leading (Karsyn Jarrett as Bonnie Belle Buchanan)

Mike Hill (Australia), Hippocratic, Documentary Feature

Nila Madhab Panda (India), Dark Wind, Nature / Environment / Wildlife

PCI Media Impact, UNICEF and Narbu Chee (USA), One World Many Children. Immunization for All, Animation, Use of Film / Video for Social Change

Pushkar Manohar (India), KANIKA, Film Feature

Robin Greenberg (New Zealand), TEAM TIBET – Home away from Home, Documentary Feature

Sofia Anastasiou (Cyprus), THE WAY THINGS GO, Women Filmmakers

Sonia Suvagau (Canada), Inward Edward, Actor: Leading (Andrew MacDonald-Smith as Edward)

Wesley Taylor and Alex Wyse (USA), Indoor Boys, LGBT, Web Series

Award of Merit Special Mention

Abie Axen (USA), Man With Beard, Film Short

Alexander Craven (USA), Ansel’s Elgar by Lynn Harrell, Music Video

Clayton Vila (USA), of_Angels, Film Short

Ellie Harvie (Canada), Scattered, Actress: Leading (Debra Sears as Cynthia), Actress: Leading (Kalyn Miles as Amy), Women Filmmakers

Gianluca Minucci (USA), Funeral Pyre, Music Video

Hannah Barbakoff (USA), Look On The Bright Side, Film Short

Madhura Berman (USA), The Wait, Film Short

Mandella  Saaid (Australia), Benny, Film Short

Michael Simsek (USA), Bless Her Heart, Film Short

Nils  Taylor (USA), Quarries, Film Feature

Sonia  Suvagau (Canada), Inward Edward, Film Short, Original Score (Inward Edward composed by Sebastian Hugeneck)

Yiyi Ma (China), Beyond Fields of Paper, Asian, Women Filmmakers

Yuri Alves (USA), GRIND, Documentary Short and On The Cusp, Documentary Short

Zayn Alexander (USA), ABROAD, Actor: Leading (Zayn Alexander as Jad)

Award of Merit

Aaron Kunkel (USA), The Moment, Film Short

Alexandra D. Levinsohn and D. Clifford Hart (USA), Alternate Side, Web Series

Ally Downs (USA), The Caregiver, Film Short, Women Filmmakers, Actress: Leading (Ally Downs as Angela), Actress: Supporting (Jazmyn Simon as Lisa), Actor: Leading (Dan Sutter as Ed), Script / Writer (Ally Downs)

Ally McKenzie (United Kingdom), Here We Are, Documentary Feature

Amber Agha (United Kingdom), Playground – A short Poetic Film, Experimental

Ana Parra Bernal (USA), Unbreakable Ties, Actress: Leading (Diana Perez Riveros as Diana)

Andres Ramirez (Canada), Frame, Actor: Leading (Marcelo Gonzalez as Alex), Actress: Leading (Bailey Olson as Sophia), Film Short, Art Direction (Erin Danes), Cinematography (Ali Zain Salim Mevawala), Direction (Andres Ramirez), Script / Writer (Andres Ramirez) (Student)

Astrid Hofstaetter-Fuerpass  (Austria), Summer, Film Short

Austin Harmon (USA), The Dead King, Film Feature

Badr Farha (United Kingdom), Margaret, LGBT (Student)

Benjamin Strack (USA), Outburst, Disability Issues (Student)

Cai Hall (USA), The Fourth Day, Women Filmmakers

Camara Rauen (USA), Going Mental, Disability Issues (Student)

Caspar Brun (USA), Fish, Film Short

Charles Mandracchia and Lynn Hunter (USA), We Are Friends, Animation, Children / Family Programming

Dean Donofrio (USA), Survive This, Film Short

Diana Nicolae (USA), One Mother’s Fire: The Gail Minger Story, Documentary Short

Ellie Gravitte (USA), Her Being Home, LGBT (Student)

Ellie Harvie (Canada), Scattered, Original Song (Scattered composed by Chloë Dolores)

ErinRose Widner and Vivian Kerr (USA), Alex & Amy, Women Filmmakers

Florencia Calcagno (Argentina), Margarita, Film Feature

Gail Osherenko and Margarita Del Valle (USA), BROKE: The Santa Barbara Oil Pipeline Spill of 2015, Documentary Feature, Nature / Environment / Wildlife

Gianlorenzo Albertini (USA), The Ribbon on the Kite, Film Short

Greg Bushell (USA), A Part, Film Short (Student)

Harrison Kross (USA), Miami Drive, Actor: Leading (Harrison Kross as Zak Speed)

Heather Hillstrom (USA), The King in the Ring, Women Filmmakers

Isabelle Sophie Arouë (France), Paulette in Paris, Film Short (Student)

Jack Hubbell (USA), Glacier “Crown of the Continent”, Documentary /  Series, History / Biographical / Travel, Script / Writer, Videography

Jackie Torrens (Canada), Small Town Show Biz: Two Dreams from a Harbour Town, Documentary Short

Jacob Wise (USA), Underground – Adalia Tara, Music Video

Jing Ma (USA), Cure, Film Short (Student)

Joseph Brandon (USA), The Train Trip, Film Short (Student)

Joseph Covas (USA), The Struggle is Real, Webisode

Jude S. Walko, Blue Falcon Productions LLC (USA), The Incantation, Creativity / Originality

Kate McCaslin and Eve Doherty (USA), I Am Rebecca, Documentary Short

Kaye Tuckerman (USA), Nil by Mouth, Women Filmmakers

Ken Lewis (USA), The Final Interrogation, Film Short

Krishna Ribeiro (USA), Brian For Hire, Web Series

Kristian Mercado (USA), Craig Finn – God In Chicago, Music Video

Marco Laguna (Belgium), Doubleplusungood, Film Feature

Marcus Mandal (Denmark), Digital Living, Disability Issues

Mark Stolzenberg (USA), Talk to Me, Actress: Leading (Judy Copeland as Dr. Jocelyn Fieldstone), Film Short

Martin Taidy (Indonesia), Fugitive, Film Short

Michael Yates (USA), The Ape Regards His Tail, Experimental

Miguel Almagro (Singapore), Sisters Islands, Film Short

Morgan/Sam Way/Doyon (Australia), La Poupee, Film Short

Nathanael Dunn (USA), Until Death Do Us Part, Film Short (Student)

Rachel Kleinman (USA), Guin, Film Short

Roger Chiang (USA), Travails To Truth, Documentary Feature

Salomé Da Souza (France), GENERATION Y  X SLUTS, Women Filmmakers

Shea Allen Borengasser (USA), The Only Thing Certain, Women Filmmakers

Shilpa Mankikar, Truth Force (USA), Diwal’oween, Web / Internet Programming

Sierra Glasscock, Kate Krassowski, Lindsey Schuberth, and Christina Cigal (USA), Dream Job, Web / Internet Programming

Simon Leslie (New Zealand), Art From the Hands of Ngai Tahu (Nga Ringa Toi o Tahu), Web Series

Steven J R Lawson (United Kingdom), MAN-AT-ARMS, Animation

Talya Klein, Aaron Ballard and Dano Madden (USA), Brokers 6 Episode Screener, Web Series

Tina Krüger (Mozambique), Living Art, Documentary Short

TJ Costronovo (USA), Lookin’ Up, Film Feature

Traycee King and Nick Krassowski (USA), Insane Jane, Webisode

Ze-Yu Chen (Taiwan), Return, Film Short (Student)

Award of Recognition

Adelina Suvagau, Imagine Freedom Films Inc. (Canada), That’s One Small Step, Women Filmmakers, Direction, Script / Writer (Sonia Suvagau)

Aditya Om (United Arab Emirates), The Dead End, Actress: Leading (Saidah Jules as Maya)

Adrian Pacini (USA), Beyond, Young Filmmaker – 17 and younger

Alejandra Alarcón (Mexico), To the Sun, Music Video

Andrew Truong (USA), First Generation, Asian

Angelena Bonet (Australia), Angelena: Change The World, Liberation / Social Justice / Protest, Original Song (Tragic Fairytale composed by Angelena Bonet and Erick Deeby)

Anne Gyrithe Bonne, Bonne Filmproductions (Denmark), Shadows – When the Past Rules the Present, Documentary Short

Aran Morris (USA), Be Mime, Film Short, Women Filmmakers (Student)

Ben Darkwa (United Kingdom), Pauline’s Diary, Liberation / Social Justice / Protest

Carolyn Bridget Kennedy, Richard McRae (Demure Duchess Pictures) and Neil Schell (Canada), Danger Pay, Actress: Leading (Carolyn Bridget Kennedy as Michelle)

Charles Childers (USA), Mustang Pride, Film Short

D.J. Rivera (USA), Torrent, Film Feature, Direction, Script / Writer, Art Direction

Daryl Denner (USA), Can She Stay, Music Video

Derek Spady (USA), Clay’s Tavern – Pilot, Television – Pilot Program

Dionne van den Berg and Vasco van den Berg, Framemotions (USA), Leaving, Women Filmmakers

Dr. Vertna Bradley and Onyx Keesha (USA), Shower, Experimental

Dylan Gill (USA), Exit., Film Short

Eddie Leavy and Jordan Van Clief (USA), #ToothFairies: Staying Relevant, Web / Internet Programming

Edward Levinson (Japan), Manhattan Mashup, Experimental

Elaine Wong (USA), Three Chen Sisters – Pilot, Webisode

Elvis Lu (Taiwan), The Shepherds, Documentary Feature

Enzo Hui (Hong Kong), Innocence, Asian (Student), Film Short (Student)

Felipe Kowalczuk (Brazil), Channel Diaries, Disability Issues

Fevered Sleep (United Kingdom), It’s the Skin You’re Living In, Nature / Environment / Wildlife

Fog Forest (China), The End of Wind, Film Feature

J.J. Tagle and Parisa Sungsunanun (Thailand), KHON KAEN APP, Asian

James Diep (USA), It was just a second, Young Filmmaker – 17 and younger

James Michael Marshall (USA), San Wont ‘Without Shame’, Film Short

Jarrod Anderson (USA), Changing Jane, Christian (Student)

Jay Do (Vietnam), Anthem to The Rain, Film Short (Student)

Jeanette Russ (Mexico), 1985, Documentary Short

Jeffrey Morin (USA), The Misplacement, Documentary Short

Jenn Page (USA), Cazadora, Actress: Leading (Amber Romero as Cazadora)

Joe McReynolds (USA), Six Pack Sam, Film Feature

Joseph Villapaz (USA), Tragic Consequence, Film Short

Kevin Iso and Dan Perlman (USA), Flatbush Misdemeanors, Webisode, Web Series

Kimberley Rai (South Africa), Don’t Hide the Madness, Documentary Short

Lio Mehiel and Alex Heller (USA), Bayberry, LGBT

Luca Leoni, CISA – Conservatorio Internazionale di Scienze Audiovisive – Lugano (Switzerland), OUTSIDE, Documentary Short

Manoj Verma (India), BHULAN THE MAZE, Film Feature

Marc Allen (USA), Speed Kills, Christian (Student)

Marilyn O’Connor (Ireland), Did you hear me crying?, Liberation / Social Justice / Protest

Matt  Hickinbottom (United Kingdom), 24/SEVEN – A Street Opera, Film Feature

Matthew Berg (USA), Aqua Rasa, Young Filmmaker – 17 and younger

Matthew J. Evans (USA), Song of the Earth, Experimental

Maxi Witrak (USA), BED, Women Filmmakers

Memekiyaye Deneke (USA), Mission, Liberation / Social Justice / Protest, Contemporary Issues / Awareness Raising, Use of Film / Video for Social Change, Viewer Impact: Content / Message Delivery, Dramatic Impact, Actor: Leading (John Archer Lundgren as James)

Michael Bojtos (USA), Dickinson Avenue: The [mostly] True Story of The Paddock Club, Documentary Feature

Michele Lyman (USA), Getting Over, Film Short

Monde Gumede (USA), Limbo, Film Short

Nancy Lunsford (USA), Mama Frances, the Family Pope, Women Filmmakers

Niki Byrne (USA), Solo, Film Short
 

Reza Shokrani (USA), Zaman, Young Filmmaker – 17 and younger

Sam Wickey (USA), The Earth Is Flat, Disability Issues

Stanlee Ohikhuare (Nigeria), Idahosa Trails, Christian, Actor: Leading (David Schifter as Thomas Book Jr.)

Tamara Bunker (USA), Sheep, Goats & Cows, Women Filmmaker

Tatyana Rodina (USA), 20 Grand, Film Short

Vanesa Prieto (USA), Like Me, Actress: Leading (Brooklyn Robinson as Lucy)

Vasco Diogo (Portugal), may I ? remix#, Experimental

Xander Turian (Sweden), Rotten love, Actor: Leading (Xander Turian as Leo), Film Short

Xiaohan Chen, New York University (USA), Against The Dying Of The Light, Experimental (Student)

On Wednesday November 22 in the Stadsschouwburg of Amsterdam the winners of the different competition programs were announced.

Click through to read the jury reports

IDFA Award for Best Feature-Length Documentary                                  

Mila Turajlic won the IDFA Award for Best Feature-Length Documentary (€ 15,000) for The Other Side of Everything (Serbia, France, Qatar). The film takes place within the walls of a sub-divided apartment in Belgrade. A family portrait that symbolises the political unrest in the country. 

In addition, the jury presented the IDFA Special Jury Award for Feature-Length Documentary (€ 2,500) to The Deminer (Sweden) by Hogir Hirori and Shinwar Kamal. The documentary is a nerve-racking portrait of a Kurdish colonel, who disarmed thousands of roadside bombs and mines armed only with his courage and a pair of wire-cutters.

The jury of the IDFA Competition for Feature-Length Documentary was made up of Zaradasht Ahmed (Norway), Galia Bador (Israel), Ernesto Pardo (Uruguay), Diana Sanchez (Canada) and Frank Scheffer (the Netherlands). 

IDFA Award for Best First Appearance                                                   

Simon Lereng Wilmont won the IDFA Award for Best First Appearance (€ 10,000) for The Distant Barking of Dogs (Denmark, Sweden, Finland).  Ieva Ozolina won the IDFA Special Jury Award for First Appearance in memory of Peter Wintonick (€ 2,500) for Solving my Mother (Latvia). 

The jury of the IDFA Competition for First Appearance was made up of Sigrid Dyekjær (Denmark), Ilona Hongisto (Australia), Niels Van Koevorden (the Netherland), Jose Rodriguez (US) and Severine Roinssard (France).

The IDFA Competition for First Appearance was made possible by the Friends of IDFA.

IDFA Award for Best Mid-Length Documentary                                       

IDFA Award for Best Mid-Length Documentary (€ 10,000) was awarded to Martin Benchimol and Pablo Aparo for The Dread (Argentina). 
The IDFA Special Jury Award for Mid-Length Documentary (€ 2,500) went to Last Days in Shibati (France) by Hendrick Dusollier. 

The jury of the IDFA Competition for Mid-Length Documentary was made up of Yael Bitton (Switzerland), Reber Dosky (the Netherlands) and Lars Skree (Denmark).

IDFA DocLab Award for Digital Storytelling                                              

Trine Laier won the IDFA DocLab Award for Digital Storytelling (€ 5,000) for Cosmic Top Secret (Denmark).

The jury of the IDFA DocLab Competition for Digital Storytelling was made up of Hugues Sweeney (Canada), Annelies Termeer (the Netherlands) and Dan Tucker (United Kingdom). 

IDFA DocLab Immersive Non-Fiction Award                                            

The IDFA DocLab Award for Immersive Non-Fiction (€ 5,000) went to Lauren (United States) by Lauren McCarthy.

The jury of the IDFA DocLab Competition for Immersive Non-Fiction was made up of Toby Coffey (United Kingdom), Shirin Anlen (Israel) and Klasien van de Zandschulp (the Netherlands).

IDFA Award for Best Short Documentary                                                

Zhalanash – Empty Shore (Poland) by Marcin Sauter won the IDFA Award for Best Short Documentary (€ 5,000).
The IDFA Special Jury Award for Short Documentary (€ 2,500) went to As We’re Told(Sweden) by Erik Holmström and Fredrik Wenzel.

The jury of the IDFA Competition for Short Documentary was made up of Tamás Almási (Hungary), Gema Juarez (Argentina) and Dana Lixenberg (the Netherlands). 

Beeld en Geluid IDFA Award for Dutch Documentary                               

The Beeld en Geluid IDFA Award for Dutch Documentary (€ 7,500) went to The Long Seasonby Leonard Retel Helmrich. 
Maasja Ooms received the IDFA Special Jury Award for Dutch Documentary (€ 2,500) for Alicia. 

The jury of the IDFA Competition for Dutch Documentary was made up of Khalil Benkirane (Qatar), Nicoline van Harskamp (the Netherlands) and Young-woo Kim (South Korea).

ARRI IDFA Award for Best Student Documentary                                   

Klaudiusz Chrostowski won the ARRI IDFA Award for Best Student Documentary for Call Me Tony (Poland). He wins € 5,000 and an Amira camera which ARRI will give on loan for the winner’s next production.
The IDFA Special Jury Award for Student Documentary was presented to Denise Kelm Soares for I Am (Cuba, Brazil). The award consists of € 2,500 and an Amira camera which ARRI will give on loan for the winner’s next production.

The jury of the IDFA Competition for Student Documentary was made up of Rémi Bonhomme (France/Lebanon), Sophie Dros (the Netherlands) and Vincent Moloi (South Africa).

IDFA Award for Best Children’s Documentary                                          

The IDFA Award for Best Children’s Documentary (€ 5,000) went to Lenno & the Angelfish(the Netherlands) by Shamira Raphaëla. 
Astrid Bussink received the IDFA Special Jury Award for Children’s Documentary (€ 2,500) for L I S T E N (the Netherlands).

The jury of the IDFA Competition for Kids & Docs was made up of Daan Bol (the Netherlands), Rokhsareh Ghaem Maghami (Iran) and Christian Popp (France). 

The competition program 2017 was made possible by Ammodo.

VPRO IDFA Audience Award

On the evening of Friday, 24 November, the winner of the VPRO IDFA Audience Award (€ 5,000) was announced during the broadcast of the Best of IDFA: Audience Award 2017. This years winner is Deaf Child (The Netherlands) by Alex de Ronde. 

Look at the runner ups.

Other Awards during IDFA

At the beginning of the ceremony, Ester Gould presented the Prins Bernhard Cultuurfonds Stipend (€ 50,000) to filmmaker Reber Dosky (The Sniper of Kobani, Radio Kobanî and Meryem). This 50,000-Euro stipend towards the making of a new documentary was donated by an anonymous donor, who has made the stipend possible through the Cultuurfonds.

The first Amsterdam Human Rights Award (€ 25,000) was presented on Monday evening to Piripkura (Brazil) by Renata Terra, Bruno Jorge and Mariana Oliva. The award was made possible by the City of Amsterdam.

On Thursday, 16 November, the Karen de Bok Talent Prize was presented to Marina Meijer for her film plan C’est les autres.

The Zoom Festival, International Festival of Televised Fiction and Formats, celebrated its 15th edition this year, in Igualada and Barcelona. This year’s awards list has been for:

Best Film Award from the official jury
Charité (República Txeca, 2016) by Sönke Wortmann is a period miniseries set in 1888 that tells stories of patients and workers of the Berlin Charité. This medical center hosts, among others, Ida Lenze, a young mainadera with acute appendicitis, who undergoes a dangerous and nine operation and Prince Friedrich, who has to deal with possible cancer of the larynx.

Best Direction of the official jury
Silvia Munt for Vida Privada (Spain, 2017). Miniseries – adaptation of the sordid and relentless novel by Josep Maria de Sagarra.

Best Script of the official jury
Luca Manfredi, Elio Germano and Dido Castelli for In arte Nino (Italy, 2016). The film describes the hardest and most significant period of actor Nino Manfredi (father of Luca Manfredi).

Best Interpretation Award of the official jurat
Pablo Derqui for Vida Privada (Spain, 2017).

Servisimó Award for the Best Spanish Serie
Nit i Dia of the creators Jordi Galceran and Lluís Arcarazo, directed by Manuel Huerga.

Honor Award
Àngel Casas is one of the most well-known faces of the small screen in Catalonia, protagonist of programs such as Àngel Casas Show, Un dia és un dia, Tal Cual, Temps era Temps or Senyores i Senyors, and has 2 Wave Awards, 3 TP and an Antenna of Gold.

Tu ets la Tele Award
The television program Saber y ganar, presented by Jordi Hurtado for 20 years, is broadcast daily and already has more than 5,000 episodes.

Auguri Sita Murt Award
Bruna Cusí, recently co-star of the award-winning film by Carla Simón ‘Estiu 1993’. Cusí has ​​also worked in the film Agustí Villaronga ‘Incerta Glòria’ or in the series ‘Polseres Vermelles’, ‘Cites’, ‘El cor de la ciutat’, among others.

Award of D.O Catalunya for the Best Catalan Production
The Llum d’Elna of Sílvia Quer.

Prize of the Jury of the IV Showcase of Fiction Pilots, sponsored by Utramagic Ballons
Berlineses of Pedro Deltell, Paula Galimberti and Gonzalo Piñán.

Audience Prize of the IV Showcase of Fiction Pilots, sponsored by Filmin
Clito de Pol López.

Young Jury Prize for Best Film of the Official Selection
Charité by Sönke Wortmann.

Young Zoom Section Award
Les nenes bones by Clara Roquet.

The 2nd International Film Festival & Awards • Macao (IFFAM) today announced that Udo Kier will be the recipient of this year’s Career Achievement Award.  

Kier will be in Macao to receive the award and will also attend a Flying Daggers presentation of Brawl in Cell Block 99. The German born actor’s career has spanned over 50 years and more than 300 films. He has worked with some of the most acclaimed and controversial directors of the last five decades, including Rainer Werner Fassbinder, Gus Van Sant, Lars Von Trier, Werner Herzog, Alexander Payne and Dario Argento. Alongside roles in many US independent and world cinema classics, he has appeared in Hollywood blockbusters including Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, Blade and Armageddon. He is also an icon of the horror world, having played Dracula, Frankenstein and Dr Jekyll amongst many other genre roles. He continues to work with directors around the world and since filming Brawl in Cell Block 99 he has shot 11 films including the third in the Iron Sky series in China.  

Mike Goodridge, Artistic Director of the IFFAM, comments “With his high profile roles in Brawl In Cell Block 99 and Downsizing, we are reminded once again how unique and brilliant Udo Kier is, so there is no better time than to acknowledge that here in Macao with our career achievement award. He has many more films to make, so we are over the moon that he is visiting us for a few days to celebrate with us.”

The IFFAM today also announced more filmmakers and stars attending this year’s Festival, bringing talent from East and West together in a celebration of world cinema.   

The updated and confirmed line-up includes:

Competition:

Wrath of Silence: Director Xin Yukun, producer Gao Yitian and actor Song Yang; The Hungry: Director Bornila Chatterjee and producer Kurban Kassam;Hunting Season: Director Natalia Garagolia, producers Benjamin Domenech, Matías Roveda, editor Gonzalo Tobal and actor Lautaro Bettoni; Three Peaks: producer Philipp Moravetz; The Cakemaker: Director Ofir Raul Graizer and cast members Roy Miller and Sarah Adler– Adler will also present Foxtrot with director Samuel Maoz and producer Cedomir Kolar; Beast: Director Michael Pearce; Borg McEnroe: Producer Fredrick Wikström Nicastro; My Pure Land: Director Sarmad Masud, production designer Caroline Bailey and actress Suhaee Abro; Custody: Director Xavier Legrand, producer Alexandre Gavras and actor Denis Ménochet.

Galas:

Journey’s End: Actor Asa Butterfield, producer Guy de Beaujeu and producer and screenwriter Simon Reade; Okja: Producer Choi Dooho and cast members An Seo Hyun; Samui Song: Director Pen-ek Ratanaruang (who also curates in the Crossfire strand), producer Raymond Phathanavirangoon and cast members Vithaya Pansringram and Chermarn “Ploy” Boonsyasak.

Best of Fest:
Angels Wear White: Director Vivian Qu and producer Sean Chen; Sweet Country: Producers David Jowsey and Greer Simpkin; Goodbye Grandpa!: Director Yukihiro Morigaki and actress Yukino Kishii; Zama: Producers Benjamin Domenech and Santiago Gallelli and actress Lola Dueñas; Shuttle Life: Director Tan Seng Kiat, producer Ong Lay Jin  and actor Jack Tan; Oh Lucy!: actress Shioli Kutsuna and producer, Yukie Kito.

Special Presentations:

My Generation: Director David Batty; The Last Emperor: Actresses Joan Chen (also a Jury member); Stained: Director Patrick Kong and cast members Kara Wai, Tse Kwan Ho, Jumbo Tsang and Hedwig Tam, Passing Rain: Director Chan Ka Keong (Lorence Chan), Co-production Wang Hongwei, cast members Doug Chan, Dicky Tsang, Wang Ping and Kayden Lei. As previously announced, Jury president Laurent Cantet will present L’Atelier.

Flying Daggers:

A Day; Director Cho Sun-ho and actor Byeon Yo-Han; A Prayer Before Dawn: Director Jean-Stéphane Sauvaire and actor Joe Cole; Good Manners: Director Juliana Rojas.

NETPAC (Network for the Promotion of Asia Pacific Cinema) Jury:

BFI London Film Festival Director Clare Stewart (Jury President),director Johnny Ma (Old Stone) and director and film critic Hassan Muthalib.

The above join previously announced guests including: Michelle Yeoh, Pang Ho Cheung, Im Sang Soo, Martin Koolhoven, Ivan Sen, Shekhar Kapur, Jessica Hausner, Lawrence Osborne, Royston Chan, Donnie Yen, Jeremy Renner, Miriam Yeung and Doh Kyung-soo (aka D.O.)

For more information, please visit the official website: http://www.iffamacao.com

Press contacts:

International press: PREMIER

+44 20 7292 8330 MacaoForeignPress@premiercomms.com

Notes to editors:

ORGANISING COMMITTEE

The 2nd IFFAM Organizing Committee comprises governmental representatives and film professionals. MGTO Director Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes takes up the role of President, while President of Cultural Affairs Bureau Leung Hio Ming, President of Management Committee of Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau José Tavares and President of Macau Films & Television Productions and Culture Association Alvin Chau are the Executive Vice Presidents of the IFFAM Organizing Committee.  

INTERNATIONAL PROFESSIONAL TEAM 

The International Professional Team for IFFAM includes Festival Director, Head of Festival Management, Ambassadors, an International Advisory Board as well as International Consultants. Mike Goodridge and Lorna Tee are Artistic Director and Head of Festival Management respectively.

The International Advisory Board consists of five film experts from the East and the West, including Chinese film director and producer Huang Jianxin, veteran Asia-Pacific based producer Michael J. Werner; Korean producer Oh Jungwan; Hong Kong producer and distribution expert Nansun Shi, French producer Philippe Carcossone, Chinese producer and film critic San Mu and renowned producer Luís Urbano from Portugal.

Ambassadors for the 2nd IFFAM include renowned Hong Kong director John Woo, last year’s jury president Shekhar Kapur, Hong Kong writer/director Pang Ho-cheung, Italian producer Gianni Nunnari, and South Korean director Choi Dong-hoon.  Talent Ambassadors are Asian actress and singer Miriam Yeung, Hollywood star Jeremy Renner, action movie star Donnie Yen and Korean actor and singer Doh Kyung-Soo (aka D.O.).

The team of International Consultants in charge of film selection includes Giovanna Fulvi for China, Hong Kong and Taiwan; Aseem Chhabra for India; Violeta Bava for Latin America; Fionnuala Halligan for the United Kingdom and Europe; and Hiromi Aihara for Japan. June Wu will also be returning as the Head of Industry for the 2nd IFFAM.

The Team of Honorary Advisors includes Maggie Ma, Chief Officer, Corporate Communications and Corporate Affairs, Melco Resorts & Entertainment; Jorge Neto Valente, Group Advisor, Galaxy Entertainment Group; Linda Chen, President and Executive Director, Wynn Resorts (Macau) S.A

UDO KIER BIOGRAPHY

Udo Kier was born October 14, 1944 in Cologne, Germany, during World War II. His entrance was just as dramatic as some of his roles. On the evening of his birth Udo's mother requested extra time with her new baby. The nurses had gathered all of the other babies and returned them to the nursery when the hospital was bombed. He and his mother were rescued from underneath the rubble. Udo didn't know much about his father. When Udo was 18 he moved to Britain in order to learn the English language. While there he took a few acting courses. He was eventually offered a role by director Michael Sarne as a gigolo in the film Road to Saint Tropez. While the role was small, it was the beginning of his career in films. His first "hit" film was Mark of the Devil. The film was rated "V" for violence and ticket buyers were offered vomit bags before the film started. It was banned in 31 countries but spawned two sequels (both without Kier). The film is notorious for its exploitation of sex and violence (the uncut version was remastered and re-released on video in 1997).

Kier met director Paul Morrissey on an airplane trip. Morrissey offered him the lead role in the 3-D Flesh for Frankenstein. It was this film, along with its sister film Blood for Dracula, that made Udo a cult figure. Both Morrissey films are also known as Andy Warhol's Frankenstein and Dracula; however, Andy Warhol was not involved in the production or creation of the films. Both were rated X when released. One of Kier's most vivid memories from Flesh for Frankenstein was the infamous "internal organ" scene. Real animal organs were used that were left unrefrigerated on the set for several hours. Udo had to pull the organs out of a prop dummy with his bare hands and hold them up to his face. He has said he will never forget that smell. When this film was finished the cast and crew began immediately filming Blood for Dracula. Udo remembers both of these films fondly and regards "Dracula" over "Frankenstein" as his favourite of the two (in 1996 both films were released by Criterion on DVD totally uncut). 

In the 1970s some of Kier's work included The Salzburg Connection, The Story of O, Spermula and Trauma (House on Straw Hill). Much of his work has been dubbed with someone else's voice. In Suspiria there were some technical difficulties with the sound while his scene was shot. In the 1980s some of his work included Lulu, The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Miss Osbourne (The Blood of Dr Jekyll), The Island of the Bloody Plantation (Escape from Blood Plantation) and Seduction: The Cruel Woman. In the 1980s Kier did very little work outside of Europe. In the 1990s he had a lot more visibility in America and his breakthrough role was as Hans in My Own Private Idaho (the soundtrack includes the song that Udo performs in the film). Even Cowgirls Get the Blues reunited Kier with his friend Keanu Reeves yet again. Udo was cast as Pamela Anderson's sidekick in Barb Wire and played Ron Camp in Ace Ventura: Pet Detective opposite Jim Carrey. In the 1990s some of the films he was in included The Kingdom, For Love or Money, Breaking the Waves, The Adventures of Pinocchio, Blade and Armageddon.

Over his 5O-year career Udo has worked with several brilliant directors: Paul Morrissey, Charles Matton, Dario Argento, Gus Van Sant and Walerian Borowczyk. He continues to work often with Lars von Trier and is the godfather of Van Trier's child as well as a good friend. Von Trier is currently working on a film entitled Dimension which is a project that spans 30 years. Every year the cast and crew (including Udo) meet to shoot footage. The film will show the actors age 30 years without make-up or special effects. Approximately seven years of footage has already been shot. The premiere will take place in 2024! Kier's acting career ranges from art house films (Europa) to gore fests (Blackest Heart (German Chainsaw Massacre) to television commercials. He says he loves horror films and wants to do more of them. He enjoys playing villains, as he feels it is more interesting because evil has no limits. Currently Udo lives in California and spends much of his time working in Europe, where he receives larger roles and more recognition.

Udo’s current films soon to be released are: Downsizing directed by Alexander Payne, Don’t Worry he Won’t Get Far on Foot by Gus van Sant, Iron Sky 2 directed by Timo Vuorensola, Brawl in Cell Block 99 directed by S. Craig Zahler, Puppet Master –The Littlest Reich directed by Sonny Laguna and Tommy Wiklund, The Painted Bird directed by Vaclav Marhoul and American Animals directed by Bart Layton, among others.

And the winner at San Sebastián Horror and Fantasy Film Festival is ...

The winner of the Silver Méliès at San Sebastian Horror and Fantasy Film Festival has been:

Clanker Man (Ben Steiner) UK 11'

33rd International Short Film Festival Berlin 2017 took place 20 - 26 November 2017

With an overall audience of 21,000 the interfilm – 33rd International Short Film Festival Berlin came to a successful close on Sunday 26 November. 500 films from 80 countries were shown in seven festival days. Prizes totalling € 32,000 were conferred in six competitions.

The festival team celebrated the eclectic world of short film in four Berlin districts with 700 accredited guests, 300 of whom were international. Full-scale revelry was also practised: At the Mozilla Bar @ Roter Salon alone, 100 cases of beer were happily consumed.

For events such as the wild eject night, or the live soundtracks at “Sound & Vision” and the 360 degree surround-cinema "Virtual Reality meets Full Dome” experience, audiences practically broke down the doors trying to get in! Alongside the six competitions, audience favourites included the master classes at interforum and the foreign focus programs dedicated to former Yugoslavia and the USA as well as “Metropolis:Tel Aviv”, “Arab Shorts”, “Queer Fever”, “Music Videos”, “SciFi Shorts” and the “European Film Award” and much, much more. Click here for the Festival Overview

Find festival impressions here

For its 10th anniversary edition, KUKI The International Short Film Festival for Children and Youth Berlin hit a new record with a total audience of over 7200. Young juries conferred €6500 in six competitions.
 

Award winners in the International, German, Confrontations and Green Film competitions

The € 6000 cash prize from Medienboard Berlin-Brandenburg for the Best Film in the International Competition (IC) was awarded to the Norwegian production “The Absence of Eddy Table” (view film still) by Rune Spaans. - The Jury explained their decision with this statement: “A visual explosion, an insane world built with imagination and an eye for detail, rich cinematography that is simultaneously sharp and crisp, and foremost characters that are, in a bizarre way, more human than ever. Not only perfectly written and directed, this delightful piece of art also uses narrative design to convey many more layers to the story than its original premise and takes us out of so-called reality, setting us free from all conventions. Owing to its bold choices and by pointing out the most universal story of all times about how far we are prepared to go if our heart is struck by someone … or something. The jury’s attention was captivated by the most horribly beautiful short of the year. A film that can only be overlooked by those who fear the unknown.”

The IC Jury conferred the Best Live-Action award (€ 2000 from SAE Institute Berlin) to Belgian director Peter Ghesquiere for his film “Downside Up”, a comedy about trisomy 21: When Eric is born, it rapidly becomes clear that he is different from the others: He’s missing a certain vital chromosome.

The award for Best Animation (€ 1000 from Spindler & Klatt) went to “A Love Story” by Anushka Naanayakkara from England. The Best Cinematography award (€ 5000 post production from ARRI) was conferred to Anita Kwiatkowska-Naqvi for the Polish Film “Locus”.

In the German Competition the jury gave the 1st prize to “Sog” by Jonatan Schwenk: “First prize goes to a film taking a multi-level approach to the topic of how we interact with our surroundings. How do we respond to the unaccustomed, the unfamiliar? With interest or even empathy? Or do we reject the unknown as our enemy? Artfully minimal and animated with great sensitivity for fine nuances, this film shows us the consequences in a manner open to a variety of interpretations.”

The award for Best Film in the Confrontations Competition (€ 2000 from The Federal Agency for Civic Education) was given to the Dutch film “Gamechanger” by Christian van Duuren. The Jury statement reasons: “For having expressed a powerful social and human alarm by showing with disturbing and effective naturalness, the traumatized interiority of an adult who irrupts into the innocence of a childlike universe.”
 

Audience awards in the Documentary, Confrontations, Green Film and eject competitions

In the Documentary Competition the audience chose to give the Best Film award (€ 1000 from Mozilla) to “Volt Egyszer Két Balerina (Once Upon A Time There Were Two Ballerinas)” by Linda Dombrovszky (Hungary, 2016). Further audience awards were conferred in the Confrontations Online Award (€ 1000 from Heinrich Böll Stiftung) to the Lebanese film “Obedience” by Farah Shaer and in the Green Film Online Award (€ 1000 from fritz kola) to the German entry, “Berta” by Julius Dommer. Naturally the audience once again selected “The weirdest and most wonderful short film” at eject_XX (€ 1000 from Ampelmann): “Museumswärter” by Alexander Gratzer (Austria, 2016).
 

interforum - Script Pitch winners

Within the framework of the interforum section, the screenplay competition Script Pitch took place for the fifth consecutive year. Winner of the Best Pitch is Elisabeth Chatelain from the USA for her project “Paper Geese”. The ESP JURY AWARD went to Léa Triboulet from France for “MAÏSSA”. The dazoo Award (Individual guidance fort he implementation of a personal festival strategy from daazo) went to “6pm Traffic” by Raluca David from Romania.

Click here for a complete list of this year’s interfilm competition winners

Click here for a complete list of this year’s KUKI competition winners

 

Thanks for the films!

We are sincerely grateful for all the filmmakers who sent us a multitude of entries from all over the world. Of the 6000 films from 120 countries we selected 500 festival films.

Cheers and festival dates in 2018

During the festival our guests commuted to eight locations in four central districts. interfilm thanks our official partner Audi City Berlin for the safe and swift rides. And many thanks to all further partners and sponsors

The interfilm team is already looking forward to the next edition:
interfilm -  34th International Short Film Festival Berlin from 19 – 25 November, 2018 - submit films from February 1st.

- 

WINNERS OF INAUGURAL ATF ANIMATION PITCH AND SECOND ATF FORMATS PITCH UNVEILED

Inaugural ATF Animation Pitch prizes goes to Taiwanese producer,
while Indonesian entry tops ATF Formats Pitch

Singapore, 30 November 2017– After an exciting round of on-stage pitches where producers from all over Asia presented their ideas, winners of the inaugural Asia TV Forum & Market (ATF) Animation Pitch and second ATF Formats Pitch were unveiled today.

studio2 Animation Lab from Taiwan wins the inaugural ATF Animation Pitch

Reed Exhibitions and global partner Green Gold Animation Pvt. Ltd. announced studio2 Animation Lab as the winner of the first-ever ATF Animation Pitch. The animation concept, titled “The Western Journey of Pigsy”, wowed the on-stage jury for its creativity and strong appeal to children. The line-up of judges, which comprises some of the biggest names in kids’ animation and entertainment, also saw strong potential for the concept to be exported and extended to a series.

Targeted at creators and producers of innovative concepts for new and original kids’ animation, ATF Animation Pitch is aimed at facilitating the exchange of ideas and talent between leading international television, distribution and Asian-based producers. In total, 61 entries were received from all over Asia.

“I am thrilled and excited to be named the winner of the inaugural ATF Animation Pitch.  We had a unique concept and we felt that it allows viewers to experience the Journey in the West story in a contemporary way. Moving forward, we will work towards developing the script for the concept,” said Chiu Li Wei, Director, studio2 Animation Lab.

Chiu Li Wei and Grace Chuang from studio2 Animation Lab received a US$19,000 prize from Green Gold Animation Pvt Ltd. This includes a US$2,500 cash award, and a consultancy package worth US$16,500 that is tailor-made for them to further develop the winning animation, making it ready to pitch to broadcasters.

ATF Formats Pitch revealed its second winner – Gamaliel Paulus (Gammy) from Indonesia

After a closely contested fight between five finalists, leading independent distributor all3media International and ATF announced that Gamaliel Paulus (Gammy) from Indonesia, came out on top, winning S$3,500 in cash and a S$16,500 consultancy package tailor-made to develop the format, making it pitch-ready for broadcasters.

ATF Formats Pitch is the premier Asian pitching competition designed to discover innovative concepts for new and original non-scripted entertainment formats from the pan-Asian region. This platform showcases the best of Asia, and exposes ideas for export and development within and even outside of the region.

In its second year, the competition received more than 50 entries from 13 countries and only five finalists were selected to pitch their concept during the live on-stage judging session which concluded earlier today. Formats were evaluated based on creativity, originality and capacity to return for multiple series. The winning concept must also have the capability to resonate with audiences globally.

Portraying all these qualities was the winning format, Ranking. It is a game show where participants have to guess the correct order of a ranking in return for prizes. Besides the excitement value that comes with game shows, it also serves to dish fun facts and information to viewers. The judges loved the simplicity of the idea and felt that it had great potential for further development.

“As many people are familiar with rankings, I believe my format will appeal to any country. Also, I have not seen it in the form of a game show concept. As a producer myself, I understood that for a format to do well, it has to be simple. I am very thankful for the win, I didn't expect it at all,” said Gamaliel Paulus (Gammy).

To further develop the format and make it ready for pitching to broadcasters, Gamaliel Paulus (Gammy) will work closely with all3media International. This follows the success of “Hit It” from XTREME Media, which won at the inaugural ATF Formats Pitch last year, and has received its first local commission for a debut in February 2018.

Aside from the ATF Animation Pitch and ATF Formats Pitch, ATF and ScreenSingapore is also home to another pitching competition, the Southeast Asian Film Financing (SAFF) Project Market.

ATF and ScreenSingapore is part of the Singapore Media Festival (SMF).

This past Monday evening we announced the winners of the 27th Annual IFP Gotham Awards at our awards ceremony hosted by John Cameron Mitchell and held at Cipriani Wall Street in New York City.

Luca Guadagnino's Call Me By Your Name won the Best Feature and Breakthrough Actor (Timothée Chalamet) awards, while Jordan Peele's Get Out took home Breakthrough Director, Best Screenplay, and the Audience Award.

New CharityBuzz item up on the IFP page: The original Call Me By Your Name novel signed by director Luca Guadagnino, Breakthrough Actor winner Timothée Chalamet, and Armie Hammer. Bid quickly! 

The award for Best Documentary went to Strong Island, director Yance Ford's examination of family trauma and years of unanswered questions wrought by the loss and unprosecuted murder of his brother by a white man in 1992.

Winning the award for Best Actor was James Franco for his impeccable comedic and passionate incarnation of Tommy Wiseau, director of the notorious The Room (the "Citizen Kane of bad movies") in The Disaster Artist, which Franco also directed. 

Saoirse Ronan was voted Best Actress for Lady Bird, in which, as the self-named titular character, she rages against everything that reminds her she is trapped in Sacramento, awaiting flight from her senior year in Catholic school to a far, far better place...hopefully New York.

Career Tributes were also given during the ceremony to actors Nicole Kidman (presented by Reese Witherspoon) and Dustin Hoffman (presented by Elizabeth Marvel), director Sofia Coppola (presented by Tamara Jenkins), producer Jason Blum (presented by Ethan Hawke), cinematographer Ed Lachman (presented by David Byrne), and a Humanitarian Tribute to Al Gore (presented by Dan Rather).

For the full list of this year's award winners, please click here.

To watch the ceremony on Youtube, please click here.

The Premier Sponsor of the IFP Gotham Awards

Our Platinum Sponsors

Our Official Water Sponsor

For more information on this year's ceremony, please click here.

 ScreenSingapore, together with Southeast Asian Audio-Visual Association (SAAVA) and Ties That Bind: Asia/Europe Producers Workshop (TTB), today announced two projects from Indonesia and The Philippines as winners of the third Southeast Asian Film Financing (SAFF) Project Market. “The Hunted” took home the Aurora Producing Award, RED Digital Camera Award as well as The Yellow Box Soundscape Award, while “Mina-Anud” won the Basecamp Colour Prize.

With three successful runs under its belt, the SAFF Project Market aims to match promising feature-length projects with Southeast Asian elements, with a global network of media financiers, distributors and collaborators, who can catapult these projects to fruition. By facilitating interaction between producers and key players in the film industry, the initiative strives to grow the standards of filmmaking in the region.

This year, the SAFF Project Market 2017 received submissions from 16 countries, with the 15 finalists representing Indonesia, India, Malaysia, Mauritius, Myanmar, Singapore, The Philippines as well as Thailand. These covered a myriad of genres such as animation, drama, fantasy, thriller and dark comedy.

Amongst the shortlist, five projects – of which one won – hailed from Indonesia, which is the Singapore Media Festival’s Country of Focus.

“The Hunted” centres on four girls pitting their wits to survive after waking up from a rave party in Bali, when they find themselves stranded on an island, and pursued by two hunters who have paid big money for the “ultimate hunting trophy” – human beings.

“The Hunted” stood out from its competitors due to its potential to be commercialised and co-produced across Southeast Asia and beyond, and also for its technical excellence. For this project, producers Allen Jordan and Delon Tio will receive a S$20,000 co-production investment from Aurora Media Holdings; a loan of a RED SCARLET-W camera kit worth US$25,000 from RED Digital Cinema; as well as a S$20,000 post-production prize from one of Southeast Asia’s top music and audio houses, Yellow Box Studios.

Co-producer and director Delon Tio shared, “We feel flattered to win three awards and believe they will help greatly in elevating “The Hunted” to the next level in various ways. Through our participation in the SAFF Project Market, we were able to gain greater exposure for our film and raise more funds. Additionally, the SAFF Project Market is a great platform for us to connect and meet potential investors and partners outside of Indonesia, and there are plans for us to return next year with new ideas.”

Separately, “Mina-Anud” won the Basecamp Colour Prize from Basecamp Films. The US$10,000 award is for feature film colour grading, to ready a film for screening for festivals or at the cinema. “Mina-Anud” tells the story of two local surfers who must decide if the lure of a richer tomorrow is worth risking family and freedom when three tonnes of cocaine gets washed up on the shores of a peaceful seaside community in Eastern Samar, Philippines.

Sharing his aspirations for this film, director Kerwin Go said, “This film hopes to remind audiences that true wealth is the freedom to live life on our own terms. It’s about experiences and our relationships, rather than monetary and material wealth.”

Working with him on this films as producers will be Bianca Balbuena and Bradley Liew. Of the win, Liew said, “This is the first feature film project of a director who spent 8 years in the industry, dreaming to one day make a film. And this win is a great encouragement for dreamers and artists to go on and face the big players armed with only their stories and passion.”

SAFF Project Market is a partnership between ScreenSingapore, SAAVA and TTB, and is supported by the Asia-Europe Foundation. For more information, please visit http://www.screensingapore.com.sg/film-financing-forum/.

ScreenSingapore is co-located with the Asia TV Forum & Market, and is part of the Singapore Media Festival. 

IFFI Goa 2017, XII: Winners’ List, and a few regrets

It was an evening of regret. At the closing ceremony of the 48th International Film Festival of India (IFFI), which concluded in Panaji, Goa on November 28, six films/directors made it to the top, of which I had seen only 30% of one, the only one to win two prizes. Why I did not see the others, and why only 30% of a particular one will be explained below. But first, the LIST.

Films

 (In absentia)

1. Morocco-born French Director Robin Campillo’s drama film 120 BPM won the coveted Golden Peacock Award for the Best Film. The film, set in France in the 1990s, deals with homosexuality, and the AIDS epidemic.

BPM (120 Battements par Minute/Beats per Minute)

(France / 2017 / 144 min)

Festival Participation and awards: Cannes film Festival, Won the Grand Prix at Cannes, Nominated for Palme d'Or at Cannes, Country submission for the Best Foreign language film for the Oscars.

The Golden Peacock Award carries a cash prize of Rs 4 million (Rs 40 lakh), to be shared equally between the Producer and the Director, plus a Trophy and a citation.

 (In absentia)

2. Chinese director Vivian Qu won the Best Director Award for her 2017 film Angels Wear White. The film is about the travails of two teenage girls who are assaulted by a middle aged man in a seaside town in China. Vivian’s hard hitting social drama provides a social context for highlighting violence against women.

(China / 2017 / 107 min)

Festival Participation and awards: Official Competition in Venice Film Festival and BFI London Film Festival

As Best Director, Qu gets the Silver Peacock Award and a cash prize of Rs 1.5 million (Rs 15 lakh)

 (In absentia)

3. The Best Actor (Male) Award goes to  Nahuel Perez Biscaryat for his portrayal of AIDS activist Sean Dalmazo, an effective member of ACT UP, for underling  all the horror of the epidemic, in the French film 120 BPM. A caring lover and firm in his beliefs, Sean isn’t simply an ideologue, but someone who binds his activism to the strongest will to live.

 Parvathy on the right

4. The Best Actor (Female) goes to Parvathy T. K., for her portrayal of a nurse who wages a battle for the release of her husband, held hostage by the rebel army in the war-torn Iraq, in Mahesh Narayanan’s Malayalam film Take Off. Parvathy, who hails from Kozhikode, Kerala mostly stars in South Indian films. She has won many awards and accolades, including the Kerala State Film Award and Filmfare award.

(India-Malayalam / 2017 / 139 min)

Both Best Actor Male and Female are honoured with the Silver Peacock Trophy and a cash prize of Rs 1 million (Rs 10 lakhs each)

 Narayan on the right

5. Mahesh Narayan also walked away with the Special Jury Award for his directorial debut Take Off, which focusses on the dramatic rescue of Indians trapped in Tikrit.

Special Jury Award carries a cash prize of Rs 1.5 million (Rs 15 lakh), a Silver Peacock Award and the citation.

 In absentia

6. Bolivian director Kiro Russo won the Silver Peacock for the Best First Feature Film of a Director. Russo’s debut film Dark Skull offers a darkly beautiful subterranean study in atmosphere and mourning.

(Bolivia-Qatar / 2017 / 80 min)

Festival Participation and awards: Buenos Aires International Festival of Independent Cinema (International Competition),Cartagena Film Festival (Best Film - Mejor Película), Indie Lisboa International Independent Film Festival(International Competition), Locarno International Film Festival (Special Mention - Filmmakers of the Present), Rio de Janeiro International Film Festival (Best Latin American Film), RiverRun International Film Festival (Best Cinematography)

 Manouj Kadaamh on the right

7. Manouj Kadaamh’s Marathi language film Kshitij, produced by an NRI who now lives in the USA, has won the ICFT-UNESCO Gandhi Medal. The criteria for the Gandhi Medal reflect UNESCO’s fundamental mandate of building peace in the mind of men and women, particularly human rights, inter-cultural dialogue, promotion and safeguard of diversity of cultural expressions.

Personalities

1. One of Canada’s most celebrated art house directors, producers and writers, 57 year-old Atom Egoyan, was honoured with the IFFI 2017 Lifetime Achievement Award. The prestigious award, consisting of a cash prize of Rs 1 million (Rs 10 lakh), certificate, shawl and a scroll, was conferred upon a master film maker for his/her outstanding contribution to cinema.

Egypt-born Armenian, and now a naturalised Canadian, film-maker Egoyan’s work often explores themes of alienation and isolation, featuring characters whose interactions are mediated through technology, bureaucracy or other power structures. Egoyan's films often follow non-linear plot structures, in which events are placed out of sequence, in order to elicit specific emotional reactions from the audience by withholding key information. His films have been presented in several retrospectives across the globe. Exotica (1994), The Sweet Hereafter (1997/Cannes Critics' Prize) and Remember (2015) were screened at IFFI 2017. Earlier films include Next of Kin (1984), Family Viewing (1987) and Speaking Parts (1989). Egoyan lives in Toronto and is fond of playing the clascial guitar.

2. The Indian Film Personality of the Year Award was presented to the Hindi film industry’s legendary actor Amitabh Bachchan, whose first film, Saat Hindustani, was shot in Goa just about 50 years ago

Regrets

1. Beats per Minute is an assault on your senses, loud, sledge-hammer like. There is no denying that AIDS was a major social concern in the France of the 1990s, and remains a major health and sociological concern in 2017. With a hundred odd activists shouting, throwing things, breaking into a pharma company’s office, spilling hundreds of litres of blood, the film became intolerable, and I just had to walk out after about a third or running time (a hefty144 minutes, no less). And then it bags two major prizes! Did the film metamorphose into a classic as soon as I left the INOX auditorium? I regret I do not know, but I bow my head to the Jury. Democracy is alive, and clocks 120 beats per minute.

2. Most competition film screenings were held at an auditorium called Kala Academy. Firstly, the auditorium is not meant for film shows by any parameters. Secondly, the air-conditioning was maintaining the temperature around 29-30 degrees, which is what it was outside, making you sweat it out. (Incidentally, I am unable to bear extreme cold, and carry a cap and a muffler, lest the mercury dip below 24). Lastly, the seats have a cushioning and an angle that slides you down time and again, and after the umpteenth attempt to push myself  back to full-height, I preferred to avoid the theatre totally. The organisers were not going to either acknowledge or rectify the problems for one person, so it was more practical that the one person keeps away. That is why I could not see most of the competition films, a fact that I have to regret.

3. There is little doubt that Atom Egoyan (picture at the top) is one of the finest directors we have, and though his films show little trace of it, he has been immensely inspired by our own Satyajit Ray. But when you honour him with a Lifetime Achievement Award at an IFFI where the partner country is Canada, you do no service to the concepts of credibility and transparency. A day before the event, the Canadian delegation hosted a reception, where Egoyan was on stage, and the compère declared that he (Egoyan) will be getting the honour at an event where Amitabh Bachchan will also be honoured, and that “it does not get any bigger than this.” Subtlety, anyone? The way this award was handled was surely regrettable.

4. Unlike Atom Egoyan, Amitabh Bachchan was not getting a Lifetime Achievement Award. He was presented something called the Indian Film Personality of the Year Award. Really? What has he done this year that he has not done earlier? In fact, by Bachchan’s standards, this was a lean year. You just had to give Bachchan an award, and you had to call it something. Maybe Bachchan should have declined the offer as soon as it was made. Maybe a more convincing peg needed to be found to do justice to the superstar. But the way it was designed was regrettable.

By Liza Foreman

Co-Director Hugh Welchman clutching one of two awards taken home tonight at the Ajyal Film Festival in Doha for Loving Vincent, the first fully-painted feature film. Think 65,000 oil paintings photographed into a film. Loving Vincent was co-financed by the Doha Film Institute 

DOHA, QATAR - The fifth edition of the Doha Film Institute's Ajyal Youth Film Festival (November 29 - December 4, 2017) wrapped on Monday.

Taking place at the Arabian-styled Katara Cultural Village, 550 children from 45 countries served as jurors at this year's event, as well as a panel of regional industry professionals that presented awards for the Made in Qatar section.

This year's program included 20 features and 83 shorts, 55 were from the Arab world and 52 by female filmmakers.

This year’s Ajyal winners, voted by Ajyal Jurors in three categories were:

The quality and diversity of the films screened was amazing. As one attendee remarked of the weekend, "So many films, so little time!"

ENTERTAIN * INSPIRE * ENLIGHTEN
www.fhff.org

Photo Daniel Hinz 

The more than 3,000 members of the European Film Academy – filmmakers from across Europe – have voted for this year’s European Film Awards. At the awards ceremony in Berlin the following awards were presented:

EUROPEAN FILM 2017
THE SQUARE
WRITTEN & DIRECTED BY Ruben Östlund
PRODUCED BY Erik Hemmendorff & Philippe Bober

EUROPEAN COMEDY 2017
THE SQUARE
WRITTEN & DIRECTED BY Ruben Östlund
PRODUCED BY Erik Hemmendorff & Philippe Bober

EUROPEAN DISCOVERY 2017 – Prix FIPRESCI
LADY MACBETH
DIRECTED BY William Oldroyd
WRITTEN BY Alice Birch
PRODUCED BY Fodhla Cronin O'Reilly

EUROPEAN DOCUMENTARY 2017
COMMUNION
WRITTEN & DIRECTED BY Anna Zamecka
PRODUCED BY Anna Wydra, Anna Zamecka, Zuzanna Krol, Izabela Lopuch & Hanka Kastelicová

EUROPEAN ANIMATED FEATURE FILM 2017
LOVING VINCENT
DIRECTED BY Dorota Kobiela & Hugh Welchman
WRITTEN BY Dorota Kobiela, Hugh Welchman & Jacek Dehnel
PRODUCED BY Hugh Welchman, Ivan Mactaggart & Sean Bobbitt
ANIMATION: Dorota Kobiela & Łukasz Mackiewicz

EUROPEAN SHORT FILM 2017
TIMECODE
by Juanjo Giménez

EUROPEAN DIRECTOR 2017
Ruben Östlund for THE SQUARE

EUROPEAN ACTRESS 2017
Alexandra Borbély in ON BODY AND SOUL

EUROPEAN ACTOR 2017
Claes Bang in THE SQUARE 

EUROPEAN SCREENWRITER 2017
Ruben Östlund for THE SQUARE 

EUROPEAN CINEMATOGRAPHER 2017 – Prix CARLO DI PALMA
Michail Krichman 
for LOVELESS

EUROPEAN EDITOR 2017
Robin Campillo 
for BPM (BEATS PER MINUTE)

EUROPEAN PRODUCTION DESIGNER 2017
Josefin Åsberg 
for THE SQUARE

EUROPEAN COSTUME DESIGNER 2017
Katarzyna Lewińska 
for SPOOR

EUROPEAN HAIR & MAKE-UP ARTIST 2017
Leendert van Nimwegen 
for BRIMSTONE

EUROPEAN COMPOSER 2017
Evgueni & Sacha Galperine 
for LOVELESS

EUROPEAN SOUND DESIGNER 2017
Oriol Tarragó 
for A MONSTER CALLS 

EUROPEAN FILM ACADEMY LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Aleksandr Sokurov

EUROPEAN ACHIEVEMENT IN WORLD CINEMA
Julie Delpy 

EUROPEAN CO-PRODUCTION AWARD 2017 – Prix EURIMAGES
Cedomir Kolar

PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD 2017 for Best European Film
STEFAN ZWEIG - FAREWELL TO EUROPE (VOR DER MORGENRÖTE)
DIRECTED BY Maria Schrader
WRITTEN BY Maria Schrader & Jan Schomburg
PRODUCED BY Stefan Arndt, Uwe Schott, Pierre-Olivier Bardet, Denis Poncet, Danny Krausz & Kurt Stocker 

Congratulations for their win to

Interlude - New Vision Award

INTERLUDE (PARENTHESE)  France / 2016 / 94 mins

Raphaël is 50-something and in a rut. Without telling his wife, he buys a sailboat and convinces his childhood friend Patrick, an eternal teenager, and Alain, a hypochondriac, to go on a tour of the Mediterranean Sea with him. Holidays just like in the old days! The three friends however soon notice that they are not as fit as they used to be and don't really share the same interests anymore. All that changes when they take two much younger women on board who join them on their tour...

My Enemy My Brother - Spirit Of Freedom Documentary

MY ENEMY, MY BROTHER is the real life story about two former enemies who become blood brothers for life: Zahed Haftlang was an Iranian boy who ran away from home to join the army. Najah Aboud was a 19-year old Iraqi who had been conscripted to fight in the war, leaving behind his wife and son. Both men fought in the Iran-Iraq war where Zahed found Najah critically injured in a bunker and decided to risk his own life to save him. Because of Zahed, Najah’s life was spared. Their lives diverged and they didn't see nor hear of one another for 20 years, until one fateful day.

Liyana - Spirit Of Freedom Narrative

A Swazi girl embarks on a dangerous quest to rescue her young twin brothers. This animated African tale is born in the imaginations of five orphaned children in Swaziland who collaborate to tell a story of perseverance drawn from their darkest memories and brightest dreams. Their fictional character's journey is interwoven with poetic and observational documentary scenes to create a genre-defying celebration of collective storytelling.

Owen - Short Film

WINNERS OF INAUGURAL ATF ANIMATION PITCH AND SECOND ATF FORMATS PITCH UNVEILED

Inaugural ATF Animation Pitch prizes goes to Taiwanese producer,
while Indonesian entry tops ATF Formats Pitch

Singapore, 30 November 2017– After an exciting round of on-stage pitches where producers from all over Asia presented their ideas, winners of the inaugural Asia TV Forum & Market (ATF) Animation Pitch and second ATF Formats Pitch were unveiled today.

studio2 Animation Lab from Taiwan wins the inaugural ATF Animation Pitch

Reed Exhibitions and global partner Green Gold Animation Pvt. Ltd. announced studio2 Animation Lab as the winner of the first-ever ATF Animation Pitch. The animation concept, titled “The Western Journey of Pigsy”, wowed the on-stage jury for its creativity and strong appeal to children. The line-up of judges, which comprises some of the biggest names in kids’ animation and entertainment, also saw strong potential for the concept to be exported and extended to a series.

Targeted at creators and producers of innovative concepts for new and original kids’ animation, ATF Animation Pitch is aimed at facilitating the exchange of ideas and talent between leading international television, distribution and Asian-based producers. In total, 61 entries were received from all over Asia.

“I am thrilled and excited to be named the winner of the inaugural ATF Animation Pitch.  We had a unique concept and we felt that it allows viewers to experience the Journey in the West story in a contemporary way. Moving forward, we will work towards developing the script for the concept,” said Chiu Li Wei, Director, studio2 Animation Lab.

Chiu Li Wei and Grace Chuang from studio2 Animation Lab received a US$19,000 prize from Green Gold Animation Pvt Ltd. This includes a US$2,500 cash award, and a consultancy package worth US$16,500 that is tailor-made for them to further develop the winning animation, making it ready to pitch to broadcasters.

ATF Formats Pitch revealed its second winner – Gamaliel Paulus (Gammy) from Indonesia

After a closely contested fight between five finalists, leading independent distributor all3media International and ATF announced that Gamaliel Paulus (Gammy) from Indonesia, came out on top, winning S$3,500 in cash and a S$16,500 consultancy package tailor-made to develop the format, making it pitch-ready for broadcasters.

ATF Formats Pitch is the premier Asian pitching competition designed to discover innovative concepts for new and original non-scripted entertainment formats from the pan-Asian region. This platform showcases the best of Asia, and exposes ideas for export and development within and even outside of the region.

In its second year, the competition received more than 50 entries from 13 countries and only five finalists were selected to pitch their concept during the live on-stage judging session which concluded earlier today. Formats were evaluated based on creativity, originality and capacity to return for multiple series. The winning concept must also have the capability to resonate with audiences globally.

Portraying all these qualities was the winning format, Ranking. It is a game show where participants have to guess the correct order of a ranking in return for prizes. Besides the excitement value that comes with game shows, it also serves to dish fun facts and information to viewers. The judges loved the simplicity of the idea and felt that it had great potential for further development.

“As many people are familiar with rankings, I believe my format will appeal to any country. Also, I have not seen it in the form of a game show concept. As a producer myself, I understood that for a format to do well, it has to be simple. I am very thankful for the win, I didn't expect it at all,” said Gamaliel Paulus (Gammy).

To further develop the format and make it ready for pitching to broadcasters, Gamaliel Paulus (Gammy) will work closely with all3media International. This follows the success of “Hit It” from XTREME Media, which won at the inaugural ATF Formats Pitch last year, and has received its first local commission for a debut in February 2018.

Aside from the ATF Animation Pitch and ATF Formats Pitch, ATF and ScreenSingapore is also home to another pitching competition, the Southeast Asian Film Financing (SAFF) Project Market.

ATF and ScreenSingapore is part of the Singapore Media Festival (SMF).