LIST YOUR EVENT FOR FREE

Award Winners at Landmark 70th Edition of The Edinburgh International Film Festival

Edinburgh International Film Festival today announced the Award Winners for this year’s 70th edition.

Article Source: DDA
Last Updated: 24 June 2016 13:33

BEFORE LOVE, SHADOW WORLD, SUNTAN, PIKADERO AND CATRIN STEWART RECEIVE TOP AWARDS

BEST OF THE FEST FILMS ANNOUNCED

Edinburgh, June 2016 – Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF) today announced the Award Winners for this year’s 70th edition as well as confirming the Best of the Fest films. Over 160 features and 130 shorts from 55 countries screened at this year’s Festival, with the jurors viewing an extensive and varied selection of shorts, documentaries and features since the start of the Festival.

AWARDS WINNERS
Commenting on the incredibly high standard of entries at this year’s Festival and the quality of the submissions they were judging, the juries stressed that they had some tough decisions to make in choosing one winner in each category, and gave special mentions to several films.

THE MICHAEL POWELL AWARD FOR BEST BRITISH FEATURE FILM

The winner of the prestigious Michael Powell Award for Best British Feature Film went to Scottish filmmaker Ben Sharrock’s directorial debut, PIKADERO, which received its UK Premiere at the Festival. The Michael Powell Award honours imagination and creativity in British filmmaking. Last year’s winner was Andrew Haigh’s 45 YEARS.

The jurors also gave a special mention to BRAKES, directed by Mercedes Grower, which received its World Premiere at the Festival.

The winner was chosen by the Michael Powell Jury comprised of acclaimed actress Kim Cattrall, Edinburgh-based Spanish filmmaker and actress Icíar Bollaín and the iconic actor Clancy Brown.

The Michael Powell Jury said:
“We wanted to recognise the very personal and individual voice of director Ben Sharrock for his film PIKADERO. In a year when the jury viewed a selection of very distinctive and different films his film really stood out.”

Ben Sharrock said:
“I am absolutely thrilled and honoured to receive the Michael Powell Award. It is an incredible feeling. It is so valuable to have this kind of recognition for PIKADERO in the UK. It is awards and recognition like this that help us get the film out to as wide an audience as possible. We have been lucky enough to screen PIKADERO in different countries around the world but it has been a very special experience having the UK Premiere here at EIFF and showing it to audiences in my home city. I am extremely grateful and I would like to thank the jury, the Festival team and Mark Adams. Finally, I want to thank everyone who was involved in this film for all their talent and hard work. What a journey!”

THE AWARD FOR BEST PERFORMANCE IN A BRITISH FEATURE FILM

This award went to actress Catrin Stewart for her role in THE LIBRARY SUICIDES and was also selected by the Michael Powell jurors.

The Michael Powell Jury said:
“We wanted to recognise the striking performance by Catrin Stewart in THE LIBRARY SUICIDES (Y LLYFGELL). The complexities and subtleties of playing twin characters is challenging and she managed to achieve the rare feat of making each of the two roles she played truly distinctive.”

Catrin Stewart said:
“Thank you EIFF! I feel hugely honoured to be given this award. It was my first feature film role and a fantastic challenge to play two characters side by side. I loved working with the wonderful Euros Lyn and Fflur Dafydd's exciting script. It was also very special for me to make a film in Welsh, and I'm very proud of what we have achieved. Diolch yn fawr!”

The jury also gave a special mention to David Sillars for his role in SEAT IN SHADOW.

THE AWARD FOR BEST INTERNATIONAL FEATURE FILM

The award for Best International Feature Film went to Argyris Papadimitropoulos’ SUNTAN, which received its UK Premiere at this year’s Festival. The winner was chosen by the International Jury comprised of actor Angus Macfadyen, actress and producer Sadie Frost and Editor of Screen International, Matt Mueller.

The International Jury said:
“While there were many outstanding films in the international competition, SUNTAN is the title that really resonated with us. Argyris Papadimitropolous’s film is a compelling and unflinching portrait of one man’s journey from infatuation to desperation, marked out by a truly great performance from its lead actor, Efthymis Papadimitriou.”

Argyris Papadimitropoulos said:
"Back in the late '90s I was a student in the UK. All the films that were awarded in the Edinburgh International Film Festival were part of the conversation among us. We would go and watch everything with an Edinburgh laurel on the poster. Little did I know that 15 years later I would be so honoured as to be the recipient of such an award. I can't wait to print new posters. Thank you to the lovely people of the Festival and the amazing jury, I could not be happier."

THE AWARD FOR BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE FILM

The award for Best Documentary Feature Film went to Johan Grimonprez’s eye-opening documentary SHADOW WORLD, which dwelt on the shocking realities of the global arms trade. This year’s jury comprised veteran producer Steve Abbott, Fife-native actor Dougray Scott and film executive Tejinder Jouhal.

The Documentary Jury said:
“The jury felt there was an exceptionally high quality of films presented in the documentary section this year but, for us, the clear winner was SHADOW WORLD. Quite simply, it is an extraordinary film. A particularly powerful, poignant and provocative documentary, this film asked critical questions that continue to resonate. Director Johan Grimonprez and writer Andrew Feinstein pose the essential question: will we be allowed to choose peace over the business of war?”

Johan Grimonprez said:
“In an interview James Baldwin once said: ‘What we call history is perhaps a way of avoiding responsibility for what has happened, is happening, in time.’ I hope that SHADOW WORLD somewhat is able to point at how we can actually rewrite that reality. And it’s so wonderful that EIFF honours the effort of so many people, not in the least Andrew Feinstein, the writer of The Shadow World, but also the whole team that was able to get this different story out there. A big tanx, truly!!!”

THE AWARD FOR BEST SHORT FILM

The award for Best Short Film went to BEFORE LOVE, directed by Igor Kovalyov, with Gavin Scott Whitfield’s MURDEROUS INJUSTICE receiving a special mention from the jurors. The jury was comprised of short film producer Rebecca Mark-Lawson, film development executive Hilary Davis and filmmaker Ashley Horner.

The Short Film Jury said:
“The film stood out to the jury because the director gave us a unique cinematic experience. Beautiful and stylish animation explored a bizarre love triangle with a fascinating female lead.”

The Award winners were announced today ahead of Sunday’s Closing Night Gala, which concludes the spectacular 12-day Festival with the World Premiere of Gillies MacKinnon’s highly anticipated WHISKY GALORE! (http://www.edfilmfest.org.uk/films/2016/whisky-galore).

THE MCLAREN AWARD FOR BEST BRITISH ANIMATION

Voted for by the Festival audience, the McLaren Award for Best British Animation, supported by the British Council, this year goes to SIMON’S CAT – OFF TO THE VET by director Simon Tofield.

The winner of the Festival’s Audience Award will be announced at the Closing Night ceremony.

BEST OF THE FEST ANNOUNCED

Best of the Fest 2016 is here! All of the films in this selection have been hugely popular throughout the Festival and EIFF is giving audiences a final chance to see them for just £7 per ticket.
Every year audience members look forward to watching their favourite films again during the Best of the Fest, taking place on Sunday, 26th June. The films screening in this year’s Best of the Fest are: Meg Ryan's directorial debut, the touching ITHACA; THE CARER, with Brian Cox at his magnificent best; Timothy Spall and Juno Temple as two lost souls wandering through Blackpool in AWAY; Icíar Bollaín's gently moving family drama THE OLIVE TREE; MAGGIE’S PLAN, Rebecca Miller's charming New York rom-com starring Ethan Hawke, Greta Gerwig and Julianne Moore; and THE FIRST MONDAY IN MAY, an enthralling documentary which goes behind the scenes of the Met Gala.

Also screening are Taika Waititi's delightful HUNT FOR THE WILDERPEOPLE; Philip John's stylish and sexy Scottish coming of age story MOON DOGS; a rare screening of 1973 cult anime classic BELLADONNA OF SADNESS; fun and frantic rom-com MR. RIGHT, starring Sam Rockwell and Anna Kendrick; and Russell Mulcahy's newly restored cult classic 1986 film HIGHLANDER.

All films are screening on Sunday 26 June, and tickets are available here www.edfilmfest.org.uk/films/best-of-the-fest, in person, or by calling 0131 623 8030.

Sponsored Links

Latest Edinburgh News

Van Gogh experience announces Scottish premiere dates

Van Gogh experience announces Scottish premiere dates

A spectacular multimedia show celebrating Vincent van Gogh's life and stunning artworks is coming to Glasgow this summer!

READ MORE
A Big Map for the Big Yin! Interactive map launched to celebrate Billy Connolly

A Big Map for the Big Yin! Interactive map launched to celebrate Billy Connolly

National Theatre of Scotland launches a new interactive map for Scotland to demonstrate its love for the Big Yin, inviting people to share their own Billy Connolly memories.

READ MORE
Cast announced for Scottish tour of Hen Night Horror

Cast announced for Scottish tour of Hen Night Horror

Touring Scotland from June, the cast is announced for Hen Night Horror, an original musical comedy that promises to put the willies right up ye!

READ MORE
The Best Home Bar competition from Aldi Scotland returns for 2024

The Best Home Bar competition from Aldi Scotland returns for 2024

Aldi Scotland's popular 'Best Home Bar' competition has returned for another year, with a year's supply of beer up for grabs!

READ MORE
Fingal sails to top of world best luxury hotels list

Fingal sails to top of world best luxury hotels list

Edinburgh’s Fingal has sailed to the top of the world’s best hotels list in the TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice awards 2024.

READ MORE
UNIQLO will officially open the doors to its Princes Street store tomorrow

UNIQLO will officially open the doors to its Princes Street store tomorrow

Edinburgh – Global apparel retailer UNIQLO, will welcome its first Scottish customers through the doors of its Edinburgh store on Thursday, 25th April.

READ MORE
CHICAGO Announced for the Edinburgh Playhouse

CHICAGO Announced for the Edinburgh Playhouse

David Ian for Crossroads Live in association with Barry and Fran Weissler are delighted to announce further dates for the 2024/2025 UK and Ireland tour with dates at Edinburgh Playhouse in 2025.

READ MORE
Paisley Food and Drink Festival returns for a delicious double helping

Paisley Food and Drink Festival returns for a delicious double helping

Paisley Food and Drink Festival returns to the town this weekend for a two-day feastival with plenty for everyone to sample and enjoy.

READ MORE
Racegoers go corgi crazy at Musselburgh Racecourse

Racegoers go corgi crazy at Musselburgh Racecourse

A NEW four-legged champion has been crowned for the Corgi Derby at The Sky Bet Sunday Series Raceday, Musselburgh Racecourse.

READ MORE
Nationwide campaign encourages adults in Scotland to take the plunge

Nationwide campaign encourages adults in Scotland to take the plunge

With a staggering 14 million adults in the UK unable to swim, the team behind The Learn to Swim National Framework has launched a new campaign to encourage adults in Scotland to learn the life skill.

READ MORE
Gilded Balloon and Edinburgh Street Food announce new, dog friendly comedy night

Gilded Balloon and Edinburgh Street Food announce new, dog friendly comedy night

Edinburgh’s top street food hang-out and leading comedy producers Gilded Balloon have today announced a brand new partnership, bringing the city’s funniest night out to Edinburgh Street Food.

READ MORE
The one that started it all: Edinburgh Science Festival announces its new Director

The one that started it all: Edinburgh Science Festival announces its new Director

Edinburgh Science Festival drew its 35th anniversary edition to a close last weekend and now announces its new Director, Hassun El-Zafar, and dates for the 2025 Festival.

READ MORE
Pomegranates Festival kicks off next week

Pomegranates Festival kicks off next week

There’s just one week to go before the Pomegranates Festival of International Traditional Dance (25-30 April) kicks off at the Scottish Storytelling Centre and various venues across Edinburgh.

READ MORE
Top tips for visiting the Scottish Homebuilding & Renovating Show

Top tips for visiting the Scottish Homebuilding & Renovating Show

Now in its 30th year, the show is the go-to exhibition for any self-builders or renovators looking for practical tips, expert advice, or the chance to view 1000s of products.

READ MORE
Edinburgh Seafood Festival returns to St James Quarter

Edinburgh Seafood Festival returns to St James Quarter

The popular Edinburgh Seafood Festival returns to St James Quarter, with even more opportunities to get a taste of the finest Scottish fare!

READ MORE
Cineword celebrates Danny Boyle

Cineword celebrates Danny Boyle

Cineworld Edinburgh celebrates the acclaimed British director Danny Boyle from May 7th to May 28th with a limited time big screen re-release of four of his classic titles at only £5 per ticket!

READ MORE
Johnnie Walker Princes Street Introduces Sunrise Yoga Experience

Johnnie Walker Princes Street Introduces Sunrise Yoga Experience

Johnnie Walker Princes Street is inviting guests to find their flow and embark on a journey of tranquility and connectivity with its latest offering, Sunrise Yoga on 3rd May!

READ MORE
Red Carnation Unveils 100 Princes Street, a historically rich new hotel in Edinburgh

Red Carnation Unveils 100 Princes Street, a historically rich new hotel in Edinburgh

Red Carnation Hotels, the family-owned hotel collection, proudly announces the opening of its latest masterpiece and first property in Scotland, 100 Princes Street.

READ MORE
Edinburgh Zoo named best zoo in Scotland

Edinburgh Zoo named best zoo in Scotland

The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland’s (RZSS) Edinburgh Zoo has been named the best zoo to visit in Scotland by TripAdvisor, the world’s biggest travel guidance platform.

READ MORE
Ambassador Theatre Group becomes ATG Entertainment

Ambassador Theatre Group becomes ATG Entertainment

Ambassador Theatre Group (“ATG”), a leading live entertainment organisation, and owner of the Edinburgh Playhouse, today announced that it is rebranding as ATG Entertainment.

READ MORE
New Finds at Culloden Battlefield shed more light on intensity of battle

New Finds at Culloden Battlefield shed more light on intensity of battle

Latest investigations by National Trust for Scotland archaeologists at Culloden Battlefield have recovered a wide range of artefacts.

READ MORE
First Look and opening date confirmed for The Spanish Butcher in Edinburgh

First Look and opening date confirmed for The Spanish Butcher in Edinburgh

RUSK & RUSK, the independent Scottish restaurant group, today shares first look impressions of The Spanish Butcher, Edinburgh, and confirms it will officially open on Friday 10th May.

READ MORE
New Edinburgh Dog Friendly Brunch Spot Opens Today

New Edinburgh Dog Friendly Brunch Spot Opens Today

Sip & Bark is opening its doors today on Raeburn Place in Stockbridge, with a delicious brunch offering, a selection of cocktails and fine wines, plus it’s dog friendly!

READ MORE
Port Edgar Open Weekend is back with a splash as it celebrates 10th Anniversary

Port Edgar Open Weekend is back with a splash as it celebrates 10th Anniversary

The annual Open Weekend returns to Port Edgar, the largest watersports and activity centre in Scotland, for a special 10th-anniversary event on Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 May!

READ MORE
Kinky Boots struts into Edinburgh

Kinky Boots struts into Edinburgh

Broadway and West End phenomenon Kinky Boots The Musical, is strutting into Edinburgh in a brand-new production starring Strictly's Johannes Radebe and rising star Dan Partridge!

READ MORE
Laser Station Teams Up with Cash For Kids for Fundraising Event

Laser Station Teams Up with Cash For Kids for Fundraising Event

Laser Station will be hosting an exciting fundraising event from April 22nd to April 28th, aimed at raising funds to support Cash For Kids initiatives.

READ MORE
Lloyds Early Careers event coming to Edinburgh

Lloyds Early Careers event coming to Edinburgh

Lloyds Banking Group is hosting a free event on Saturday 13th April in Edinburgh for young people wanting to explore the wide range of careers options available in the banking industry.

READ MORE
Owen Thompson MP visits Newtongrange inspiring community garden to mark Community Garden Week

Owen Thompson MP visits Newtongrange inspiring community garden to mark Community Garden Week

Volunteers at the Newtongrange Community Garden were delighted to welcome a special visitor on Tuesday 2nd April - Owen Thompson MP.

READ MORE
Scottish Game Fair returns for its 35th year

Scottish Game Fair returns for its 35th year

The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) Scottish Game Fair (SGF) is back for 2024, celebrating its 35-year anniversary at Scone Palace.

READ MORE
New UNIQLO store to open on Princes Street on 25th April 2024

New UNIQLO store to open on Princes Street on 25th April 2024

Global apparel retailer UNIQLO will open its doors to Edinburgh’s highly anticipated store on 25 April 2024, with the arrival marks the regeneration of the shopping scene in Scotland’s capital.

READ MORE

Sponsored Links

Sponsored Links

Popular Events

Tales from the Towpath
Citadel Arts Group present 'Tales of the Towpath', a series of short plays exploring the story of the Union Canal and people connected to it. Catch them at the Lochrin Belle 23rd - 25th May!
Hamilton
The multi award-winning cultural phenomenon 'Hamilton' is touring the UK for the very first time and is coming to the Festival Theatre for a 9 week season from 28th February 2024!
Castle Street Market
Held in brightly coloured gazebos in the heart of central Edinburgh, Castle Street Market is filled with top quality products and has something to satisfy every taste!
Northern Streams Festival
Northern Streams is a festival celebrating Nordic & Scottish music, song and dance and this year's edition is taking place from 26th - 28th April at The Pleasance Edinburgh.
Fertile - An interactive theatre show
Join the University of Edinburgh for a candid conversation with pioneering fertility preservation scientist Professor Roger Gosden followed by an interactive theatre show!

Popular Listings

Corn Exchange Haddington Edinburgh Playhouse Festival Theatre Edinburgh Howden Park Centre Livingston Kings Theatre Edinburgh National Museum of Scotland O2 Academy Edinburgh The Brunton Theatre, Musselburgh Traverse Theatre Usher Hall