05/11/2007

In spite of a strong American challenge European cinema made a clean sweep of the awards at the Times BFI London Film Festival. Marjane Satrapi and Vincent Paronnaud’s critical darling Persepolis [+see also:
film review
trailer
interview: Marc-Antoine Robert
interview: Marjane Satrapi, Vincent Pa…
film profile] won the prestigious Sutherland Trophy, awarded to the most original and imaginative first feature screened at the festival.

In awarding the trophy, the jury said: “An astonishing and courageous film which captures a universal story with real style. Irreverent, fresh, witty and also heartbreaking, Persepolis is certainly a deserving winner of this year’s award.”

British director Joanna Hogg won the FIPRESCI International Critics award for her debut feature Unrelated [+see also:
trailer
film profile].

The Alfred Dunhill UK Film Talent Award, which was created to celebrate and support new and emerging UK film talent, went to director Sarah Gavron for Brick Lane [+see also:
trailer
film profile]. This award is endowed with £15,000.

The Times BFI London Film Festival Grierson Award, which is given to the director of the best feature-length documentary shown at the festival, was won by Bulgarian film The Mosquito Problem and Other Stories, directed by Andrey Paounov.

Romania came to the party with Cristian Nemescu’s California Dreamin’ (Endless) [+see also:
trailer
film profile]. The film won the annual Satyajit Ray award, which is given to a first feature, premiered at the festival, which reflects the artistry, compassion and humanity of Ray's own work.

A Bout De Truffe, directed by Tom Tagholm, took home the short film award.

Overall, the 51st edition of the festival (October 17-November 1) was a resounding success, with 515 international filmmakers attending, over 1000 industry professionals (including a record 191 buyers and sellers participating) and the highest ever audience attendance.

Festival Artistic Director Sandra Hebron said: “It has been extremely heartening to see such an enthusiastic response to the festival from the public, the media and the industry at large.”