Awards for 2015
Best International Film
The International Competition
WINNER
Approaching the Elephant: Amanda Wilder
"At first sight, the topic of the film seems like another progressive middle class whim, but in the hands of the director, the stark black and white images of the establishment of a new democratic school become a rich, multilayered reflection on reality. Within a few rooms, a corridor and a small courtyard, we witness a real struggle to change accepted conservative educational concepts. The film reveals with unprecedented candor the real difficulties and questions as they happen in front of our eyes. The director succeeds in combining great intimacy with a precise cinematic language while focusing on engaging characters. This is by itself a great documentary achievement that leaves the viewer in total surprise, glued to the screen. From the small moments observed, deep questions arise concerning authority, education, democracy and the limits of freedom."
NOMINEES
Freedom Award of Fedeora
WINNER
Democrats: Camilla Nielsson
"An observational documentary structured like a narrative feature, in which history unfolds in front of the camera, telling an engaging story of two political figures who are initially on opposite sides but are gradually brought together by common human values."
Special Jury Mention
WINNER
Une jeunesse allemande: Jean-Gabriel Périot
"The international jury decided to accord a special mention to an outstanding and thought-provoking film, built entirely from archive material, unfolding a tense period in West Germany's history of the 1960s and '70s. The film makes the connections between German intellectuals, filmmakers and the political reality that led a small group of young, opinionated men and women to terrorism and acts of killing. On the surface, the rich and varied archival material goes almost without any directorial comment. However, the analytical assemblage in itself and the tiny, ingenious connotations attached to it open up a space for reflection, allowing the audience to make their own interpretations of this process of radicalization."
Israeli Competition
Director Award of Fedeora
WINNER
Twilight of a Life: Sylvain Biegeleisen
"A heartwarming, heartbreaking portrait of an extraordinary woman facing her nearing death. Directed clearly and with great love, the film finds and reflects the deep, universal meaning to be found in the private parting of a son and his mother."
Best Israeli Film
WINNER
Twilight of a Life: Sylvain Biegeleisen
"A cinematic journey on finding joy in the smallest moments of life. Full of humor, love and compassion, this film warms the audience's hearts and souls."
NOMINEES
Yafo Award for Best Debut Film
WINNER
Censored Voices: Mor Loushy
"It's rare to see a film from a young filmmaker that treats a complex subject with such depth, grace and maturity."
Research Award
WINNER
Censored Voices: Mor Loushy
"Bringing together a wealth of previously unseen and unheard archive materials and combining them to reveal a hidden side of a familiar story."
Depth of Field Competition
WINNER
Sam Klemke's Time Machine: Matthew Bate
"Sam Klemke's Time Machine" is rich with cinematic, human and philosophical layers, as it explores the idea of the biopic and self-documentation. The last act holds in store a wonderful surprise, sending the viewer to rethink the nature of moving pictures in the age of the internet. With all its use of irony, the film is filled with love of mankind, warts and all."
NOMINEES