Docaviv announced the winners of the film competitions at an awards ceremony held last night, Wednesday, May 9th at the Port of Tel Aviv.
Israeli Competition Winners:
Best Israeli Film: Home Movie
Director, Production & Script: Reuven Brodsky; Cinematography: Reuven Brodsky, Itamar Mendes-flor; Editing: Reuven Brodsky, Shiri Borchard; Music: Adi Rennert.
The jury’s statement: Given for its creative vision and cinematic and poetic language that allows us into the intimacy of a special home which you can almost feel and smell. This is a loving portrait of a Russian immigrant family which is drawn with a delicate hand, and turns their home into a main character.
Additional screening: Saturday, May 12th, 12:30, Cinematheque 3
Special Jury Mention: The Invisible Men
Director, Production, Script & Research: Yariv Mozer; Production: Sander Verdonk, Gertjan Langeland, Adam Rosner, Hila Aviram; Script: Adam Rosner; Editing: Yasmine Novak; Cinematography: Shahar Reznik; Soundtrack: Hugo Dijkstal; Music: Wouter Van Bemmel.
The jury’s statement: This film shows the tragic plight of gay Arab men who are forced to leave their homeland, just because they are gay and where the threat of being returned to Palestine means facing death. We found this to be a courageous and unique story with three unforgettable characters and wonderful access.
Mayor of Tel Aviv-Yafo Award for Debut Film: Powder
Director, Script & Cinematography: Ayal Goldberg; Production: Osnat Trabelsi; Editing: Erez Laufer, Ayal Goldberg; Soundtrack: Itzik Cohen; Music: Avi Belleli.
The jury’s statement: We enjoyed and appreciated how the film unfolds from the first scene and how it weaves many layers: the compassionate, empathetic main character’s struggles between his masculinity and sexual identity; patriotism and desire to no longer serve in the military.
Best Cinematography: Home Movie
Cinematography: Reuven Brodsky and Itamar Mendes-flor
The jury’s statement: Given for its poetic and sensitive use of shadow and light that patiently and lovingly captures a family in transition.
Best Editing: Powder
Editing: Erez Laufer and Ayal Goldberg
The jury’s statement: For the seamless editing of a complex story with many elements.
Best Research: One Day After Peace
Research: Miri Laufer
The jury’s statement: The outstanding research and selection of archive footage in One Day After Peace shares the stories of incredible characters and the complex truth and reconciliation process after South Africa’s apartheid era, reminding us that we need to keep touching our wounds to make them heal.
International Competition Winners:
Best International Film: Planet of Snail
Director: Yi Seungjun; Production: Kim Minchul, Gary Kam; Editing: Simon El Habre and Yi Seungjun.
The jury’s statement: The jury considers this as the best International film as it portrays a unique love story in a poetic and pure way that we can only experience through cinema.
Additional screening: Saturday, May 12th, 15:00, Cinematheque 3
Special Mention: Detropia
Directors: Heidi Ewing, Rachel Grady; Production: Heidi Ewing, Rachel Grady, Craig Atkinson; Editing: Enat Sidi; Cinematography: Tony Hardmon, Craig Atkinson; Music: Dial.81.
The jury’s statement: The film deserves the special mention award because of its subject matter which affects all western societies and because of the way the film is beautifully made. It seeks to denounce a harsh reality but at the same time it is also a personal search for the beauty in it.
In addition to the awards, the jury of the International Competition decided to give a special mention to the film Epilogue by Manno Lanssens.
Student Competition Winners
Best Student Film: Grace
Director: Michal Aronzon, The Sam Spiegel Film & Tv School, Jerusalem
The jury’s statement: Presenting a series of fragments from the day-to-day life of the heroine, the film portrays the dilemmas and questions of migrant workers in Israel, focusing on significant issues such as identity and a sense of belonging. At the same time, the film does not fall prey to clichés of this genre, and succeeds in presenting a rounded portrayal of an inspiring woman. The director combines a restrained tone with a multi-faceted script incorporating scenes brimming with vitality to present a humane, richly nuanced and full of humor story that provides a fascinating glimpse into this emerging Israeli sub-culture.
Additional screening: Saturday, May 12th, 10:00, Cinematheque 3
Second Prize: Treasure Hunt
Director: Nadan Pines, Bezalel, Academy Of Art And Design, Jerusalem
The jury’s statement: Intelligent script choices and confident cinematic language enable the director to convey his personal story while allowing the viewer to identify with a different protagonist at each stage of the film. The choice of animation to portray past events arouses interest in its allusion to the world of childhood, and is employed with intelligence and sensitivity, while simultaneously enhancing the amused and ironic tone adopted by the director.
Third Prize: Machrumba
Director: Tamar Kamrat, Tel-hai College – Film And Animation Department
More to come at Docaviv: film screenings will continue through May 12th – check out the site and facebook page for schedule and updates.
