This summer, French short films won kudos in the four corners of the world: a roundup of awards won by top French shorts at international film festivals.
First up in Italy, it was at the Trevignano (La Cittadella del Corto) International Short Film Festival, held from July 8 through 13, 2004, that “La Collection de Judicaël” by Corinne Garfin picked up the Cittadella Prize in the International Competition.
Also in Italy, the Montecatini International Short Film Festival (July 5 through 10, 2004) honored “Indécence” (“Indecent”) by Christian Sonderegger with the Best Actress award for Chloé Rezon, as well as the Best Film award in the Eros Section. Another French short, “Le Souffle,” walked off with the award for Best Fiction Film and Samir Guesmi was voted Best Actor.
Next on our list is Brazil, with the Belo Horizonte International Short Film Festival, held from July 22 to 31 this year, which singled out three French films:
“L’Aîné de mes soucis” by Carine Tardieu rose to Olympic heights, winning two awards, for Best International Film and the Audience Prize. Another success story, L’Homme sans tête by Juan Solanas, once again won the hearts of jury members, this time with the entire cast winning awards. “Petite lumière” by Alain Gomis also received the Best Actress award for Assy Fall.
Europe was by no means outdone, with Switzerland’s Locarno International Film Festival (August 4-14) offering its Pardino d’Oro to “Dans l’ombre” by Olivier Masset-Depasse.
In Denmark, the Odense International Film Festival (August 9-14) also honored L’Homme sans tête with a Special Mention.
In Ukraine, the Krok International Animated Film Festival (August 18-28) awarded prizes to five French films!
Four films won prizes for Best School Program, in partnership with the ENSAD: “1916,” “Ascio,” “Nanos” and “Badra et le vent.” “Nanos,” by Matthieu Croset also picked up the prize for Best Student Film and “Le Régulateur” by Philippe Grammaticopouloss won the award for Best First Film.
In Bosnia, the Sarajevo Film Festival, held from August 20 through 28, voted “Electronic Performers Air” by Laurent Bourdoiseau, Jerome Blanquet and Arnaud Ganzerlil Best Short Film for the Protection of the Environment.
In Austria, the Nenzing – Alpinale Festival (August 10-15) joined in international celebrations of “L’Homme sans tête,” honoring it with a Golden Unicorn.
And finally in Japan, the Hiroshima International Animated Film Festival, held from August 19 through 23, gave its Special Award to “Le Picore.”
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