natuzzi prize winner announced!
The 2009 BigPond® Adelaide Film Festival (BAFF) is delighted to announce
TREELESS MOUNTAIN by So-yong Kim as the winner of the NATUZZI International Award for Best
Feature Film.
The winner was announced on Sunday night, at the closing night of the 2009 BigPond Adelaide Film
Festival and Australian premiere screening of Stephan Elliot’s new film, EASY VIRTUE.
The NATUZZI International Best Feature Award is the first of its kind in Australia and director
So-yong Kim wins a cash prize of $AUD25,000.
The seven person jury, comprised of key figures in screen culture and the international art
scene and led by Jury President LAURENCE KARDISH, Senior Curator, Department of Film at
the Museum of Modern Art in New York, decided between 13 narrative feature films invited into
competition including:
ALL AROUND US by Ryosuke Hashiguchi
A CHRISTMAS TALE by Arnaud Desplechins
DEAN SPANLEY by Toa Fraser
GOMORRAH by Matteo Garrone
JALAINUR by Zhao Ye
KISSES by Lance Daly
MY YEAR WITHOUT SEX by Sarah Watt
MYTEHRAN FOR SALE by Granaz Moussavi
THE SKY, THE EARTH, AND THE RAIN
by JoséLuis Torres Leiva
STELLA by Sylvie Verheyde
TEZA by Haile Gerima
TREELESSMOUNTAIN by So-yong Kim
and ZIFT by Javor Gardev
In making their deliberation, the jury was looking for a distinctive voice, bold storytelling, and
creative risk-taking—but more than anything, a film that genuinely engaged and transported the
viewer. Announcing the jury’s decision, Laurence Kardish said, ‘After viewing and discussing several
strong films in the international competition, the Natuzzi jury awards TREELESS MOUNTAIN by
So-yong Kim for its integrity, intensity and humanity. Set in Korea today, this memorable tale of
childhood and adaptation could happen anywhere. Rich in its observation of the tensions and
humour of everyday life, TREELESS MOUNTAIN is distinguished also by its performances,
particularly, the two young girls who play sisters. The film transports and rewards the viewer.’
Responding to the news, So-yong Kim said "Filmmaking is a collaborative medium. So, on
behalf of everyone who helped make Treeless Mountain we are very honored to receive this
award from The BigPond Adelaide Film Festival. Thank you very much!"
bigpond audience award
winners announced!
The 2009 BigPond Adelaide Film Festival is delighted to announce three Australian films as winners of the BigPond Audience Awards with the brilliant SAMSON AND DELILAH, directed by Warwick Thornton scooping the Best Feature Award.
THE CAT PIANO by Eddie White and Ari Gibson has won Best Short Film
and YES MADAM, SIR by Megan Doneman was voted Best Documentary.
Justin Milne, Group Managing Director Telstra Media said, ‘The calibre of the films at the 2009 BigPond Adelaide Film Festival was exceptional and we are delighted to recognise the very deserving winners, SAMSON AND DELILAH, THE CAT PIANO and YES MADAM, SIR, in this way.’
Responding to the news, Warwick Thornton said, ‘It's a beautiful day! To have our film embraced by the audience in Adelaide is such a gorgeous reward for all the Samsons and Delilahs in the world.’
Producer Kath Shelper said, “The experience of BigPond Adelaide Film Festival was such a buzz for us and our cast and crew, and to receive the audience recognition like this is just very sweet icing on the cake.”
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