'Broken Wings' nabs Tokyo award
Nakae's 'Hotel Hibiscus' wins Special Jury Prize
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The jury, lead by French producer-director Luc Besson, awarded the ten million yen ($81,000) Tokyo Grand Prix to Israeli entry "Broken Wings", a finely drawn portrait of a family overcoming the death of the father, helmed by Nir Bergman.
Japanese helmer Yuji Nakae's "Hotel Hibiscus" won the Special Jury Prize of two million yen ($16,200).
Director nod went to Carlo Rola from Germany for "Sass" about the Sass brothers, two famous Robin Hoods in prewar Berlin.
Jason Xenopoulos from South Africa took screenplay honor for his film "Promised Land" set in South Africa which he also directed.
Donatella Finochiaro nabbed actress award for "Angela" (Italy) and Graham Greene took actor kudo for "Skins" (U.S.).
If "Broken Wings" was one of the favorites among the generally unassuming main competition entries, the winner of the Asian Film Award in the Winds Of Asia section was a surprise of sorts.
The one million yen ($8,100) trophy went to Sri Lankan helmer Asoka Handagama for his "Flying With One Wing," about a woman living as a man whose sexual identity is revealed through the consequences of an accident.
With three of the 15 competish entries barred at the last moment because of previous festival screenings and a lackluster reception among local audiences and international film professionals alike, the TIFF will have to try harder if it wants to regain relevance in the crowded festival circuit.
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For most industry pros, Thessaloniki represents a deep breath at the end of the festival year.
Now in its 19th year, the Stockholm Fest (Nov. 20-30) remains true to its roots of discovering new, exciting talent.
Driven by cheap costs, stunning terrain and highly skilled crews, Morocco long has been a preferred location for big-budget drama.
As with other recent Icelandic films (such as Baltasar Kormakur's "White Night Wedding"), whimsy overwhelms good comedic sense in rising helmer Olaf de Fleur's second feature, "The Higher Force."
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