The Chicago International Film Festival, headed by founder and artistic director Michael Kutza, last night announced the winners of this year’s competition.
In the category of International Feature Films, the Gold Hugo was awarded to “Le Havre” (Finland/France) a depiction of illegal immigration by acclaimed director Aki Kaurismäki. The Silver Hugo went to Mohamed Diab’s “Cairo 678” (Egypt), a film that addresses sexual harassment.
Olivia Colman earned the Best Actress award for her role in “Tyrannosaur” (UK) and Maged El Kedwany won Best Actor for “Cairo 678.”The jury gave the Best Screenplay prize to Joshua Marston and Andamion Murataj for “The Forgiveness of Blood” (US/Albania).
Look for the book this month; the movie comes out in May.
Top honors among the documentary contenders were bestowed on Mila Turajlic for “Cinema Komunisto” (Serbia) and Lisa Immordino Vreeland’s “Diana Vreeland: The Eye Has To Travel” (US).
Additionally, the festival recognized French film director and producer Claude Lelouch’s 50 years as a filmmaker by giving him a special Silver Hugo. Actor Anthony Mackie scored the Artistic Achievement award on Saturday at the festival’s annual Black Perspectives tribute.
For more info on other documentary winners, as well as New Directors, the Founder’s award, After Dark, Short Films, Intercom and the Chicago award, visit the fest’s site. The Audience Choice award will be announced on Oct. 24.
Anthony Mackie is being honored tonight at CIFF.
Meanwhile, since my last post, I have been in cinephile heaven, watching movies galore, including:
“From One Film to Another,” Claude LeLouch, France
“Wild Bill,” Dexter Fletcher, UK
“Nobody Else But You,” Gérald Hustache-Mathieu, France
“Diana Vreeland: The Eye has To Travel,” Lisa Immordino Vreeland, US
“Into the Abyss,” Werner Herzog, US
“Don’t Go Breaking My Heart,” Johnnie To, Hong Kong
I talked with Lisa Immordino Vreeland this morning and she’s lovely. Now I’m off to toast Anthony Mackie. Here’s hoping he’ll be sleeveless despite the chilly wind. 😉
From FNB readers