Winners Announced for 2011 Los Angeles Film Festival, Presented by Los Angeles Times

LOS ANGELES, June 26, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Today the Los Angeles Film Festival, presented by the Los Angeles Times and supported by L.A. LIVE, announced the jury and audience award winners for the 2011 Festival at the Awards Brunch, sponsored and hosted by CHAYA Downtown for the second year, and sponsored by Dove® Hair Care.  Allison Janney and John C. Reilly were on hand to present the awards.  The Los Angeles Film Festival ran from Thursday, June 16 to Sunday, June 26 in downtown Los Angeles.

"David, Doug and the team continue to raise the bar with the quality of our programming slate.  We're enormously proud to host such an exceptional and diverse group of films and filmmakers at this year's Festival, and to have introduced audiences to their wonderful work," said Los Angeles Film Festival Director Rebecca Yeldham.

The two top juried awards of the Los Angeles Film Festival are the Narrative Award and Documentary Award, each carrying an unrestricted $15,000 cash prize, funded by Film Independent, for the winning film's director.  The awards were established by the Festival to encourage independent filmmakers to pursue their artistic ambitions.

"It was such a rich year in competition films, so our juries had really tough choices to make.  The winning films are the cream of a particularly delicious crop, and we're delighted that they reflect the Festival's dedication to movies from all over the world," said Festival Artistic Director David Ansen.

The Narrative Award recognizes the finest narrative film in competition at the Festival and went to Stephane Lafleur for the North American Premiere of Familiar Ground.  The Documentary Award recognizes the finest documentary film in competition at the Festival and went to Beverly Kopf and Bobbie Birleffi for the World Premiere of Wish Me Away.

The award for Best Performance in the Narrative Competition went to Amber Sealey, Kent Osborne, Amanda Street, and Gabriel Diamond for their performances in Amber Sealey's How to Cheat.  Given to an actor or actors from an official selection in the Narrative Competition, this is the eighth year the award has been given at the Festival.  

For the first time, the Los Angeles Film Festival awarded an unrestricted $5,000 cash prize to each short film category.  The award for Best Narrative Short Film went to Saba Riazi's The Wind Is Blowing on My Street.  The award for Best Documentary Short Film went to Susan Koenen's I Am a Girl!.  Mikey Please's The Eagleman Stag won the award for Best Animated Short Film.

The Audience Award for Best Narrative Feature went to Attack the Block, directed by Joe Cornish and the Audience Award for Best Documentary Feature went to Beats, Rhymes & Life: The Travels of a Tribe Called Quest, directed by Michael Rapaport.  Asif Kapadia's Senna won the Audience Award for Best International Feature.  

The Audience Award for Best Short Film went to Blind Date, directed by Joe Rosen. Can't Shake This Feeling, directed by The General Assembly's Adam Littke, Ryan McNeill, Adam Willis won the Audience Award for Best Music Video for Grum.

The Narrative Feature Competition jury was comprised of director Lynn Shelton (Humpday, My Effortless Brilliance), Head/Founder of Giant Robot Eric Nakamura, and screenwriter Daniel Waters (Heathers, Batman Returns). The Documentary Feature Competition jury was comprised of Spirit Award-winning director Jeff Malmberg (Marwencol), Executive Director of the International Documentary Association Michael Lumpkin, and Co-editor of Slake magazine Laurie Ochoa.  The Shorts Competition jury was comprised of casting director Margery Simkin, film critic Alonso Duralde, and actress Lisa Gay Hamilton.

Now in its seventeenth year, the Festival is recognized as a world-class event, showcasing the best in new American and international cinema and providing the movie-loving public with access to critically acclaimed filmmakers, film industry professionals, and emerging talent from around the world.  As previously announced, the 2011 Los Angeles Film Festival will screen over 200 feature films, shorts, and music videos, representing more than 30 countries.  

The Festival kicked off on Thursday, June 16 with the world premiere of Richard Linklater's Bernie, sponsored by Virgin America, and will close tonight with the world premiere of FilmDistrict's Don't Be Afraid of the Dark, directed by Troy Nixey.  Gala Screenings included the North American premiere of FilmDistrict's Drive, directed by Nicolas Winding Refn; the world premiere of Summit Entertainment's A Better Life, directed by Chris Weitz and sponsored by CBS2/KCAL9; Lionsgate's The Devil's Double, directed by Lee Tamahori; and Screen Gems' Attack the Block, directed by Joe Cornish.

In addition, the Festival held Conversations with James Franco, Julie Taymor, Jack Black, and Shirley MacLaine, with panelists and moderators including Diablo Cody, Dustin Lance Black, Ruben Fleischer, Robert Ben Garant, Andy Garcia, Rachael Harris, Quincy Jones, Richard Kelly, Thomas Lennon, Derek Luke, Frank Pierson, David Milch, Thomas Newman, Philip Noyce, and Jason Ritter. Poolside Chats at the JW Marriot Pool Los Angeles at L.A. LIVE ION Rooftop Pool Bar, a two-day seminar on Money Talks & Art Matters, and free outdoor anniversary screenings of Ferris Bueller's Day Off, Stand By Me and Rudy were held throughout the ten days.    

Guillermo del Toro was this year's Guest Director of the 2011 Los Angeles Film Festival.  In his role as Guest Director, del Toro presented Pupi Avati's The Arcane Enchanter, a rarely seen Italian horror film that has inspired his work.  Erykah Badu and Daniele Luppi served as this year's Artists in Residence.  As Artists in Residence, each programmed an event that inspired their work.  Grammy Award-winning musician Erykah Badu selected Ricky Gervais' The Invention of Lying, followed by a conversation, and composer Daniele Luppi selected Sergio Corbucci's Navajo Joe, followed by a conversation about movies and music.

Dove® Hair Care proudly sponsored the 2011 Los Angeles Film Festival, supporting the filmmakers, industry professionals and emerging talent that make a beautiful difference in the entertainment world. Throughout the festival, Dove® Hair Care introduced its next generation of nourishment, Dove® Nourishing Oil Care collection, which transforms dry, rough, frizzy hair into beautifully smooth hair (even in Hollywood).

Located in the heart of downtown Los Angeles, the newest CHAYA combines urban chic and European sensibility with Japanese hospitality. CHAYA Downtown features a lively bar, lounge, and sushi bar that sit off the main dining room and look out into the large garden patio.  CHAYA Downtown is proud to return as sponsor and host of the Los Angeles Film Fest Awards Brunch for a second year and offer its delectable cuisine to filmmakers and VIPs.

Awards were given out in the following categories:

Narrative Award (for Best Narrative Feature)

Winner:  Familiar Ground written & directed by Stephane Lafleur

Producers:  Luc Dery, Kim McCraw

Cast:  Francis La Haye, Fanny Mallette, Sylvain Marcel, Michel Daigle, Suzanne Lemoine

Film Description:  (Canada) This droll, deadpan comedy from snowbound Quebec features an unhappy brother and sister whose fates seem to be known by a mysterious Man From the Future. Not too far in the future though. Just next September.

The Narrative Award carries an unrestricted cash prize of $15,000 funded by Film Independent, offering the financial means to help filmmakers transfer their vision to the screen.  The award recognizes the finest narrative film in competition, and is given to the director.  A special jury selects the winner, and all narrative feature-length films screening in the Narrative Competition section were eligible.  

In bestowing Familiar Ground with the Narrative Award, the Jury stated:

"An entire tree sticking out of a fireplace…a beaten-up snowman…an operatically dancing inflatable blue dude…the anything but familiar images of Familiar Ground won't soon be forgotten.  In a strong narrative competition this year, this was the singular vision that stood out the most."

****

Documentary Award (for Best Documentary Feature)

Winner:  Wish Me Away directed by Beverly Kopf & Bobbie Birleffi

Producer:   Beverly Kopf, Paul Mailman

Film Description:  This intensely personal documentary chronicles the heart-wrenching decision Nashville singing star Chely Wright to come out of the closet despite the potentially crushing response from the industry and her fans.

The Documentary Award carries an unrestricted cash prize of $15,000 funded by Film Independent, offering the financial means to help filmmakers transfer their vision to the screen.  The award recognizes the finest documentary film in competition, and is given to the director.  A special jury selects the winner, and all documentary feature-length films screening in the Documentary Competition section were eligible.

In bestowing Wish Me Away with the Documentary Award, the Jury stated:

"For its honesty, humor and potential to change minds and even save lives, the jury awards the Documentary Award to Wish Me Away."

****

Best Performance in the Narrative Competition

Winner:  Amber Sealey, Kent Osborne, Amanda Street and Gabriel Diamond in Amber Sealey's How to Cheat

Film Description:  An L.A. couple's struggle to get pregnant sets off the husband's wandering eye in this comedy that reveals marriage to be as funny as it is heartbreaking.

In bestowing the actors with the Best Performance, the Jury stated:

"At a time where actors are often asked to take a larger role in the creation of what is said in a film and how it's done, the performers of How to Cheat deserve special distinction.  Kent Osborne, Amber Sealey, Amanda Street, and Gabriel Diamond dug deeper and messier, heroically past the point of comfort."

****

Audience Award for Best Narrative Feature

Winner:  Attack the Block directed by Joe Cornish

Producers:  Nira Park, James Wilson

Cast:  Jodie Whittaker, John Boyega, Alex Email, Franz Drameh, Leeon Jones, Simon Howard, Luke Treadaway, Jumayn Hunter, Nick Frost

Film Description:  (England) – From the producers of Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz, Attack the Block follows a gang of tough inner-city kids who defend their turf against an invasion of savage alien creatures, turning a South London apartment complex into an extraterrestrial warzone.

This award is given to the narrative feature audiences liked most as voted by a tabulated rating system.  Select narrative feature-length films screening in the following sections were eligible for the Audience Award for Best Narrative Feature: Narrative Competition, Gala Screenings, International Showcase, International Spotlight, Summer Showcase, Community Screenings, Ford Amphitheatre Screenings, and The Beyond.

****

Audience Award for Best Documentary Feature

Winner:  Beats, Rhymes & Life: The Travels of a Tribe Called Quest  directed by Michael Rapaport

Producers:  Edward Parks, Bob Teitel, Frank Mele, Robert Benavides, Eric Matthies, Michael Rapaport, Debra Koffler

Film Description:  The rancorous break-up of a Tribe Called Quest frames Michael Rapaport's exuberant exploration of the turmoil and joy that drove these pioneers of bohemian hip hop.  

This award is given to the documentary feature audiences liked most as voted on by a tabulated rating system.  Select documentary feature-length films screening in the following sections were eligible for the Audience Award for Best Documentary Feature: Documentary Competition, International Showcase, International Spotlight, Documenting Mexico, Summer Showcase, Community Screenings, and Ford Amphitheatre Screenings.

****

Audience Award for Best International Feature

Winner:  Senna directed by Asif Kapadia

Producers:  James Gay-Rees, Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner

Film Description:  (England) A high-octane look at the most exciting driver to ever race Formula One — Brazil's Aryton Senna — this edge of your seat documentary explores the politics, rivalries and glamour of a sport that leaves no room for error.  

This award is given to the international feature audiences liked most as voted on by a tabulated rating system.  Select international feature-length films, both narrative and documentary, in the Narrative Competition, Documentary Competition, International Showcase, International Spotlight, Documenting Mexico, Summer Showcase, Ford Amphitheatre Screenings, and The Beyond were eligible for the Audience Award for Best International Feature.

****

Best Narrative Short Film

Winner:  The Wind Is Blowing on My Street by Saba Riazi

Producer:  Mohammad Hoseseni

Cast:  Rahman Houshyar, Sajjad Salehivand, Forough Bonakder, Ashraf Abolfazlian

Description:  (Iran) A young girl in Tehran is accidentally locked out of her home with no scarf on her head.

In bestowing The Wind Is Blowing on My Street with Best Narrative Short Film, the Jury stated:

"For offering insight into the specifics of life under theocratic rule in Iran in a way that speaks to us all, with a remarkable lead performance by an actress forced by circumstances to remain anonymous, the jury presents the Narrative Short Film Award to Saba Riazi for The Wind is Blowing on My Street."

****

Best Documentary Short Film

Winner:  I Am a Girl! by Susan Koenen

Producer:  Albert Klein Haneveld

Description:  (Netherlands) Joppe dreams of love, marriage and children.  Being born a boy only complicates things slightly.

In bestowing I Am a Girl! with Best Documentary Short Film, the Jury stated:

"For using gorgeous cinematography and energetic editing to capture a young woman's journey from biological maleness to forthright femininity, and for giving us a glimpse at an open-minded new generation with a better understanding of gender and sexuality issues than their parents ever dreamed, the jury presents the Documentary Short Film Award to Susan Koenen for I Am a Girl!"

****

Best Animated Short Film

Winner:  The Eagleman Stag by Mike Please

Producer:  Royal College of Art

Cast:  David Cann, Tony Guilfoyle

Description:  (England) This unique stop-motion animated film depicts a man's haunting obsession with the passage of time and his unorthodox relationship with a beetle.

In bestowing The Eagleman Stag with Best Animated Short Film, the Jury stated:

"For mixing innovative three-dimensional paper-cut animation, a stunning white-on-white visual style, and a wryly original sense of storytelling, the jury presents the Animated Short Film Award to Mikey Please for The Eagleman Stag."

****

Audience Award for Best Short Film

Winner:  Blind Date by Joe Rosen

Producer:  Joe Rosen, Abigail Blackmore

Cast:  Abigail Blackmore, Cavan Clerkin, Zeben Jameson, Matthew Blackmore

Description:  (England) Waiting for her date, Rachel has an unexpected encounter.

Awarded to the short film audiences liked most as voted on by a tabulated rating system.  Short films screening in the Shorts Programs or before Narrative Competition, Documentary Competition, or International Showcase feature-length screenings were eligible for the Audience Award for Best Short Film.

****

Audience Award for Best Music Video

Winner:  Can't Shake This Feeling by The General Assembly's Adam Littke, Ryan McNeill, Adam Willis

Music:  Grum

This award is given to the music video audiences liked most as voted on by a tabulated rating system.

To download images and clips from the winning films, please visit www.image.net and search 2011 Los Angeles Film Festival.  If you do not have an account, please use referral code 1020 and check the Film Festivals box under Interest.

ABOUT THE LOS ANGELES FILM FESTIVAL

Now in its seventeenth year, the Los Angeles Film Festival, presented by the Los Angeles Times, is widely recognized as a world-class event, showcasing the best in new American and international cinema and providing the movie-loving public with access to some of the most critically acclaimed filmmakers, film industry professionals, and emerging talent from around the world.

The Festival features unique signature programs including the Filmmaker Retreat, Ford Amphitheater Outdoor Screenings, Poolside Chats, Coffee Talks and more.  Additionally, the Festival screens short films created by high school students and has a special section devoted to music videos.  

Over 200 features, shorts, and music videos, representing more than 30 countries, make up the main body of the Festival.

The Los Angeles Film Festival is presented by the Los Angeles Times and is supported by L.A. LIVE and Premier Sponsor Pechanga Resort & Casino, Principal Sponsor Virgin America and Platinum sponsors Kodak, Stella Artois, Melrose MAC, Regal Cinemas L.A. LIVE Stadium 14, Dove® Hair Care, Volkswagen, Jameson Irish Whiskey®, Deluxe Entertainment Services Group and EFILM.  Special support is provided by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, the National Endowment for the Arts, the Department of Cultural Affairs, UCLA Latin American Institute, and the University of Guadalajara Foundation.  The Official Screening Venue is Regal Cinemas L.A. LIVE Stadium 14.  Stella Artois is the Official Beer, Jameson Irish Whiskey® is the Official Spirit, and World Wine HeadQuarters is the official wine purveyor.  The Los Angeles Athletic Club is the Official Host Hotel and Virgin America is the Official Airline Partner.  WireImage is the Official Photography Agency and PR Newswire is the Official Breaking News Service of Film Independent.

More information can be found at LAFilmFest.com

ABOUT FILM INDEPENDENT

Film Independent is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit arts organization that champions independent film and supports a community of artists who embody diversity, innovation, and uniqueness of vision. Film Independent helps filmmakers make their movies, builds an audience for their projects, and works to diversify the film industry. Film Independent's Board of Directors, filmmakers, staff, and constituents are comprised of an inclusive community of individuals across ability, age, ethnicity, gender, race, and sexual orientation. Anyone passionate about film can become a member, whether you are a filmmaker, industry leader, or film lover.

With over 250 annual screenings and events, Film Independent provides access to a network of like-minded artists who are driving creativity in the film industry. Film Independent offers free Filmmaker Labs for selected writers, directors, and producers; provides cut-rate services for filmmakers; and presents year-round networking opportunities. Film Independent's mentorship and job placement program, Project:Involve, pairs emerging culturally diverse filmmakers with film industry professionals.

Film Independent produces the Los Angeles Film Festival, celebrating the best of American and international cinema, and the Spirit Awards, a celebration honoring films and filmmakers that embody independence and dare to challenge the status quo.

For more information or to become a member, visit FilmIndependent.org.

ABOUT L.A. LIVE

Developed by AEG, L.A. LIVE is a 5.9 million square foot / $2.5 billion downtown Los Angeles sports, residential & entertainment district adjacent to STAPLES Center and the Los Angeles Convention Center featuring the recently opened Club Nokia, a 2,300 capacity live music venue, Nokia Theatre L.A. LIVE, a 7,100-seat live theatre, a 54-story, 1001-room convention "headquarters" destination (featuring The Ritz Carlton and JW Marriott hotels and 224 luxury condominiums – The Ritz Carlton Residences at L.A. LIVE – all in a single tower) , the state-of-the-art Regal Cinemas L.A. LIVE Stadium 14 theatres, "broadcast" facilities for ESPN, a 100,000 square foot special events deck, the one-of-a-kind GRAMMY Museum®, saluting the history of music and the genre's best know awards show all centered around Nokia Plaza L.A. LIVE, a 40,000 square foot outdoor event space, twelve signature restaurants along with entertainment, residential and office space.

Visit L.A. LIVE today at www.lalive.com

ABOUT THE LOS ANGELES TIMES

The Los Angeles Times is the largest metropolitan daily newspaper in the country, with a daily readership of 1.9 million and 2.9 million on Sunday, more than 8 million unique latimes.com visitors monthly and a combined print and online local weekly audience of 4.5 million. The Pulitzer Prize-winning Times has been covering Southern California for more than 129 years. The Los Angeles Times Media Group businesses and affiliates also include The Envelope, Times Community Newspapers, LA, Los Angeles Times Magazine, Brand X, and Hoy Los Angeles which, combined with the flagship Los Angeles Times, reach approximately 5.2 million or 38% of all adults in the Southern California marketplace.  LATMG also owns and operates California Community News as well as Tribune Direct's west coast division and is part of Tribune Company, one of the country's leading media companies with businesses in publishing, the Internet and broadcasting. Additional information is available at http://latimes.com/aboutus.

SOURCE Film Independent

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