In the Company of Impressions, Expectations and Awards

The film days concluded on Wednesday, 21 November, with the closing ceremony in a relaxed and entertaining atmosphere which embraced this year’s Liffe.

Interspersed with dubbed numbers from musicals, which director Ivana Djilas complemented with funny lyrics and enrapturing music accompaniment performed by Boštjan Gombač and Andraž Mazi, as well as Branko Završan in the role of singer and the host, the 18th LIFFe culminated in the awards ceremony.

The youngest award – Itak filmfest, bestowed by Mobitel to best short film made with mobile phone camera went to Postaja. According to jury president Nejc Gazvoda, the jury was impressed by the featured issue of observation, especially topical at a time of advanced technology. The prize – ticket granting admission to all LIFFe 2008 screenings, which all film buffs envied, was awarded by a representative of the sponsor, Ms Karmen Štamulak.

Fipresci – prize awarded by the jury of the International Association of Film Critics, on stage represented by Leo Seosanto, was granted to Just About Love?, debut feature by Lola Doillon, at Liffe screened for the first time outside its native France. Having visited Ljubljana already during the Festival, the young filmmaker sent her lead actor to receive the price and express her appreciation.

The Amnesty International jury was unanimous: “The film convinced us with auctorial approach to a burning and universal issue,” explained Jasmin Duraković and Nataša Posel, jury members besides unavoidably detained Taco Ruighaver. XXY, by Argentinean director Lucia Puenzo, who sent a few filmed words of thanks, was also one of audiences’ favourites, with a ranking of 4.39.

Golden Reel, the audiences’ award, was bestowed to Empties by Jan Svĕrák, from the Kings and Queens Section, ranking first with 4.7. The award was presented by Ms Pia Barborič Jurjaševič, General Manager of donor Tobačna Ljubljana.

The jury comprised of Alexis Tioseco, Enrico Chiesa and Andrej Blatnik bestowed the Kingfisher Award to Windows on Monday by Ulrich Köhler. According to the jury, the young director gives us a new, refreshing perspective on a subject which has been filmed and refilmed over and over again. A sensitive work with brilliant performances, it announces the arrival of a very promising talent. Mitja Štular, representative of general sponsor Mobitel, presented the award to Mr Köhler, who expressed his apprehension that he might experience the destiny of kingfisher, the endangered species after which the award had been named.

The evening ended with a musical number and the Rumanian comedy 12:08 East of Bucharest. Film enthusiasts already eagerly await next year and another fortnight of cinema treats.

Tina Bilban