Sundance, NHK select 12 finalists
One winner from each of four global regions chosen
Annual kudos for emerging helmers was established in 1996 to support new voices in international cinema. One winner from each of four global regions is selected by members of an international jury and announced at the 2003 Sundance fest kudos. Winners receive a cash prize of $10,000 and a guarantee from NHK to purchase Japanese TV broadcast rights upon project's completion.
The contenders
European finalists are Sara Gavron, "The Anarchists," U.K.; Yesim Ustaoglu, "Waiting for the Clouds," Turkey; and Ragnar Bragason, "The Whisperer," Iceland. Latin American competitors are Jorge Gaggero, "Cama Adentro," Argentina; Carlos Cortez, "Quero," Brazil; and Juan Pablo Rebella and Pablo Stoll, "Whisky," Uruguay.
Contenders from the U.S. are Michael Kang, "The Motel"; Christa Collins, "P.O.V."; and Doug Sadler, "Swimmers." Japan is represented by Asako Hyuga, "Seesaw"; Makoto Tanaka, "All About Hiroshi Tanaka"; and Mai Tominaga, "100% Pure Wool."
Past recipients include Walter Salles for "Central Station," Chris Eyre for "Smoke Signals" and Rodrigo Garcia for "Things You Can Tell Just by Looking at Her."
