An eyeopening, unusual story combined with an original artistic vision of presenting this documentary with creative direction, made The Makavejev Case one of the favorites for all of the judges. The film took creative liberties in both the production and cinematography that resulted in a visual and entertaining experience. Coupled with great directing and editing, Makevejev checked off all of the judges boxes for the top award.
Director Sabrina Varani takes us on a journey of writer Francesca Melandri to her father's dark past, and to a dark period in Italy's past. With great sensitivity, Varani gives the viewers a glimpse into the writer's notebook, which unfolds a horrible reality on screen. An excellent usage of archival materials combined with contemporary filming, paints an amazing picture of denial of the past in the face of a sad reality. This, along with the spectacular and unique cinematography, led the Judges to a unanimous decision to award the prize to the film.
The brave and fresh approach of Enkel (Grandson) presented a very rarely seen perspective on the long running aftermath and multigenerational affects resulting from WW2. From inside and outside Auschwitz the film presents a very unlikely relationship twist with a great theme of healing and discovery. Production, editing and direction was very solid and ironically gave the film unexpected warmth.
Siniša Dragin does an amazing job directing such a complex and detailed piece of history while bringing the film full circle to show how distant events of the past, can have very serious and deadly future repracussions. The Forest could have won an award for research as well but it is clear to see the film's vision by Dragin's directing on this eye-opening, era spanning work.
The cinematographer, with his great talent, transforms the words in the author's notebook to an amazing visual reality and a unique cinematic experience. This kind of cinematography, of extraordinary care for the smallest details, led to a unanimous decision by the judges to award the prize to this talented cinematographer.
The complexity of the research of The Forrest and the ability to tell the story in a clear and understandable manner is like putting a puzzle together. Combined with events that transpire over the course of many decades is even more difficult especially when tying up the films end to show a direct result from earlier historical actions. This screenplay is a great example of taking an extremely complex subject and making it understandable
Paris 1900 was a visual treat and combined with it's original music, became a stunning piece that jumps out of the screen. Masterfully edited, it effortlessly was able to show you what many facets of Paris life were like in the 1900's while entertaining at the same time.
for film "Tamas Barta: Hurry, Mom's Waiting at Home"
The film Thomas Barta did an exceptional job with combining the music of Barta and his life's story. The music mixed very good timing of the edits, as it helped tell the story with emotion. The music in many ways also was the foundation of depicting specific life of that time and era of history that in many ways in unimaginable today while still giving an emotional tie to the viewer.
for film "The Makavejev Case or Trial in a Movie Theater"
The concept of The Makavejev Case, taking the secret audio recording and creating a film, is a feat in itself. To be quite outstanding all the elements of production with fresh artistic creativity is even more amazing. Makavejev brings all those elements together resulting in a polished and entertaining historical film, excellently executed.
ARGENTINA: THE 500 STOLEN BABIES OF THE DICTATORSHIP
directed by Alexandre Valenti
The 500 Stolen babies was a shocking story well crafted by cinematography, writing and research and very well edited. The judges felt the need to give this film a special mention to highlight its qualities
OUR HOME
directed by Sam Soleymani
The Judges agreed that Our Home was an incredible story of the desperation of the human condition. The film was haunting with great cinematography, editing and sound
THE CASE OF JOHANNA LANGEFELD
directed by Władysława Jurkówa and Gerburg Rohde-Dahla