The Awarded films of the 2010 edition of the Reykjavik International Film Festival:
THE GOLDEN PUFFIN
Discovery Award
Italian director Michelangelo Frammartino´s film THE FOUR TIMES (Le Quattro Volte) which tells the story of an old shepherd living his last days in a quiet medieval village perched in the hills of Calabria.
Jury Statement
“An ambitious and meditative second feature, Michelangelo Frammartino's Four Times explores Pythagoras' views on transmigration through four tales of rural life involving an old shepherd, a goat, a tree and charcoal, all connected by the soul that travels through them. Beautifully conceived and shot, the film provokes thought without a single line of dialogue, and with unexpected humor.”
First and second films are eligible.
The jury was led by Cameron Bailey, Co-Director of Toronto International Film Festival, and included noted Icelandic Director/ Editor Valdís Óskarsdóttir and Film Comment's Managing Editor, Laura Kern.
FIPRESCI AWARD
Awarded by International Federation of Film Critics
Italian director Michelangelo Frammartino´s THE FOUR TIMES (Le Quattro Volte)
Jury Statement
"For a brave and fresh approach to the film medium which conveys both spiritually and poetically the inexorable forces of nature. Furthermore, it underlines that narrative cinema does not need to rely on dialogue to fully involve the audience in its means of expression"
Films from the New Visions program are eligible.
The jury members are Polish film journalist/critic Mariola Wiktor, Danish film journalist/critic Louise Kidde Sauntved and British film journalist, Steven Yates.
THE CHURCH OF ICELAND AWARD
Romanian director Marian Crisan´s TOMORROW which tells the story of Nelu, a Romanian security guard who promises to help a Turkish illegal immigrant cross the border over to Hungary.
The Church of Iceland film award is presented for the fifth time this year.
Jury Statement
“Tomorrow is a low-key film with a powerful undercurrent. It recounts the friendship of two men, who don’t even share a language, but nevertheless understand each other. The film deals with demanding questions regarding the borders between nations and people, the status of immigrants and refugees and respect for those who are alien to us. This film also takes a clear stand against laws who serve themselves and not the human being. Thus, Tomorrow gives a clear and positive answer to the eternal question: “Am I my brother’s keeper?”
Special Mention :
THE CHRISTENING (Chrzest) / Skírnin (Marcin Wrona: 2010) (POLAND)
Jury Statement
An splendidly made film which tells a haunting story of sacrifice and confrontation, despair and hope. The Christening paints a believable picture of the senselessness of violence. It reflects the guilt of grown-ups in the innocense of the child.
First and second films are eligible.
Leading the jury is Father Arni Svanur Danielsson and members are Deacon Armann H. Gunnarsson and Theologist Johanna Magnusdottir.
RIFF AUDIENCE AWARD
Most Popular Film Award
Sponsored by mbl.is
American director Mike Ott´s feature film LITTLEROCK, the tale of two Japanese students stranded in a small town in California, discovering an America different than their fantasies.
Presented by Soffia Haraldsdottir, Manager of mbl.is.
RIFF audience choose their favourite film on the Festival‘s website, www.riff.iswww.riff.is and on mbl.is.
RIFF ENVIRONMENTAL AWARD
Canadian director Sylvie Von Brabant´s EARTH KEEPERS documentary which tells the true story of Mikael Rioux, an environmental activist of Trois-Pistoles, Québec.
Jury Statement
“An empowering film, designed to foster the hope we so desperately need.
Earth Keepers tells the story of an eco-activist learning from an older activist about other fighters, all over the world. The message is: Local action makes global change possible. Global cooperation between eco-actors and various environmental projects is a vital step to save us from ourselves, if not for us, then for our kids!”
Films from the World Changes program are eligible.
Gudrun Tryggvadottir (CEO Nature.is), Larus Vilhjalmsson (CEO Icelandic Environment Assoc.) and Irma Erlingsdottir (Director of Centre for Women & Gender Studies, University of Iceland).
RIFF GOLDEN EGG AWARD
To Encourage Young Talent
Faroe Islands director, Sakaris Fridi Stora's THE PASSENGER.
The jury consisted of director Borkur Gunnarsson, actress Nanna Kristin Magnusdottir and director Isold Uggadottir.