Abdel Kechiche wins European Film Academy Critics’ Award 2008
The European Film Academy (EFA), the International Federation of Film Critics (FIPRESCI) and EFA Productions have announced that this year’s FIPRESCI prize has been awarded to French filmmaker Abdellatif Kechiche for his film La Graine et la mulet (The Secret of the Grain).
Hassouna Mansouri, FIPRESCI’s director of the department for African affairs, explained the decision by saying: “Giving this year’s prize to Abdellatif Kechiche, the International Federation of Film Critics (FIPRESCI) recognises an author in the purest and simplest meaning of the word. The award not only pays tribute to all those filmmakers who are often marginalised because of their origins, but above all recognises the talent of those who are committed to a different and independent cinema; those who stand against the war machines and their grip on the industry of the image.”
The FIPRESCI award is just the last in a long line of prizes for La Graine et le mulet. The tale of an aging Arab immigrant (Habib Boufares) pursuing his dream of opening a restaurant has already reaped the FIPRESCI and two special prizes at the Venice Film Festival, the Louis Delluc Prize, as well as four Césars; for best film, best director, best original screenplay and most promising newcomer (actress Hafsia Herzi).
If you enjoyed this post, please consider to leave a comment or subscribe to the feed and get future articles delivered to your feed reader.
