TVE lanches Another Look award

Prize for femme-focused film at San Sebastian

By JOHN HOPEWELL

MADRID -- Spanish pubcaster TVE has created the Another Look award, to be presented at the San Sebastian Film Festival to a femme-focused film. Winning pic “focusing on issues central to a woman’s world; directed, acted or written by women” can screen in any section at San Sebastian and may be directed by a man.

The Another Look prize will consist of TVE’s acquisition of broadcast rights for Spain. No indication has been given of the value of the pickup.

TVE’s film acquisition prizes traditionally vary widely. Depending on a film’s budget, nationality, director, box office and prizes, TVE can pay between $80,000 and $1.3 million for Spanish films and even more in exceptional circumstances.

New nod reflects a more thoroughgoing implementation of public service practices at TVE under a socialist -- and feminist -- government, which introduced gender equality legislation in March.

The pubcaster will continue to finance a San Sebastian Films in Progress TVE award. Net will acquire Spanish TV rights to the winning film or films in the unfinished Latin American film showcase.