Thoughts, news and links about the business and craft of movie screenplays and screenwriting from a European perspective. Stay tuned. If you have any further info about the writers or films, please feel free to throw in your 5c. using the "comments" button.
Monday, December 08, 2008
Gomorra sweeps European Film Awards
In a not totally unexpected move, the Italian Mafia drama "Gomorra" has won numerous prizes at the 21st European Film Awards. As this was very much a collaborative piece with intertwining tales, no less than six writers picked up the Best Screenwriter award for it, Maurizio Braucci, Ugo Chiti, Gianni di Gregorio, Matteo Garrone, Massimo Gaudioso and Roberto Savian."Gomorra" also picked up Best Film, Best Director, Best Actor and Best Cinematography.
Other notable wins include "Hunger" (European Discovery) and "La graine et le mulet" (European Film Academy Critics Award). For the full list of winners, visit the European Film Academy.
Monday, December 01, 2008
British Independent Film Award winners
The much anticipated 11th BIFA awards ceremony took place on Sunday 30 November in London, hosted by James Nesbitt. The tone was upbeat, which is hardly suprising as it has been great year for British film. Elliot Grove, founder of Raindance and the BIFA's says "The nominated films and film-makers and winners prove that filmmaking is alive and well in the U.K." Johanna von Fischer and Tessa Collinson, BIFA co-directors said: “It’s been another stellar year for independent film in Britain. The diverse range of films nominated showcases an astounding lineup of talent both new and established that demands to be celebrated.”
John Woodward, Chief Executive Officer of the UK Film Council, the major funding partner of the BIFAs says: "This year's BIFA nominations and award winners really highlight the range of talent working in the UK with powerful, ground-breaking and imaginative films coming from filmmakers with diverse voices."
All this would be irritating if there weren't some truth to it. The range and quality of the films is impressive this year. Here are the 2008 winners.
Slumdog Millionaire
BEST DIRECTOR
Danny Boyle – Slumdog Millionaire
BEST SCREENPLAY
Martin McDonagh – In Bruges (personal favourite!)
THE DOUGLAS HICKOX AWARD [BEST DEBUT DIRECTOR]
Steve McQueen – Hunger
BEST ACTRESS
Vera Farmiga – The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas
BEST ACTOR
++Michael Fassbender – Hunger
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS
Alexis Zegerman – Happy-Go-Lucky
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR
Eddie Marsan – Happy-Go-Lucky
MOST PROMISING NEWCOMER
Dev Patel – Slumdog Millionaire
BEST ACHIEVEMENT IN PRODUCTION
The Escapist
RAINDANCE AWARD
Zebra Crossings
BEST TECHNICAL ACHIEVEMENT
Cinematography – Sean Bobbitt – Hunger
BEST DOCUMENTARY
Man on Wire
BEST BRITISH SHORT
Soft
BEST FOREIGN FILM
Waltz with Bashir
David Thewlis
THE VARIETY AWARD
Michael Sheen
THE SPECIAL JURY PRIZE
Joe Dunton
For further details, visit Raindance.