The awards of 23rd Olympia Festival

 

23rd OLYMPIA INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL FOR CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE 2020

International Jury Awards

ROCK DEMERS (president), WILKE BITTER, RINIO DRAGASAKI, PER ERICSSON, ELISE JALLADEAU, GLORIA MORANO, REMKE OOSTERHUIS, BECKY PARRY, LINA UŽKURAITYTE

Covid-19 has restricted our lives in a way that we had only seen in science fiction films before. The essence of a festival, which is to watch films in cinemas, to communicate, to exchange opinions and get in contact could not happen in this familiar way. But it is not time to give up; on the contrary, we have to be inventive, adaptive and open. So, through new technologies and watching films on a smaller screen, we had a different experience which we will remember, but hope not to be forced to use in the future. We didn’t have the chance to meet in person, but we did exchange opinions, we loved films, we benefited from each other. We owe a handshake and maybe a hug, and we would like to thank Olympia Festival for a flawless digital event. Next year, see you in person!

Best Feature Film Award

• Antigone, Sophie Deraspe, 109’, Canada 2019

A lively, original, well-crafted film, so deeply rooted in our present time while it is an adaptation of a timeless piece of world literature.

Best Short Fiction Film Award

• Our time, Veronica Spedicati, 16’, Italy 2019

For its subtle message of hope in a melancholic summer, when time passes and moments stay. A film with remarkable direction and beautiful acting.

Best Short Animation Film Award

• Cornstalk, Anastasiia Zhakulina, 8΄, Russia, 2020

For its emancipatory message, presented with humour and aesthetical creativity. A film about being different, feeling out of place and finding your own path in the world.

Best Direction in a Feature Film Award

• The Samuel Kishi Leopo for the film Los Lobos, 94’, Mexico 2019

For his outstanding achievement in directing this film. Working with first-time acting children and incorporating the film’s environment with great empathy, Leopo brought a story to life full of realism and imagination, confinement and love that we all – especially in the state of the world right now – can relate to.

Best Screenplay in a Feature Film Award

• The Gaspar Scheuer for the film Delfin, 87΄, Argentina 2019

For a screenplay that dares to tackle the beautiful but dark aspects of the emotions of a child, who carries more responsibilities than he should account for, but also stresses the importance of music and traveling in the shaping of the character of a person.

Best Young Actress Award

• The Riva Krymalowski for her role as Anna in When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit, Caroline Link, 110’, Germany-Switzerland 2019

Through this compelling and riveting performance the audience is able to experience both the carefree joy of childhood as well as the imminent threat from an intolerant world.

Best Young Actor Award

• The Nikolas Kisker for his role as Daniel in Daniel ’16, Dimitris Koutsiabasakos, 101΄, Greece 2020

Even without much to say this young actor manages to communicate with his audience and let us relate to this glowering adolescent that finds himself opening up his heart.

Special Mentions

• The Ezequiel Menalled for his music in Delfin, Gaspar Scheuer, 87΄, Argentina 2019, for its inventive, warm, original, powerful music thus adding precious and meaningful emotions to the film.

• Το Summer Rebels, Martina Saková, 92’, Germany-Slovakia 2020, for its lively entertainment value, it’s cross cultural friendship. Also a rare comedy using many songs to comment the actions and emotions of the protagonists, while it is a film specifically aimed at a children audience.

• Το Sisters: The Summer We Found Our Superpowers, Arild Østin Ommundsen, Silje Salomonsen, 77’, Norway, 2020. Τhis enchanting film is original in its focus on two young sisters who make the natural environment their playground and discover their own strength and resourcefulness and the very special bond between them.

Kids & Docs Jury Awards

MARIANNA ECONOMOU (president), CHRISTOS KARAKEPELIS, JOANNE SALMON, KIM SANG HWA, ANNE SCHULTKA

We would like, first of all to thank the festival organizers for the honour to be members of the jury for the Kids & Docs awards and for having the opportunity to watch so many beautiful and inspiring films that address a variety of important issues about and for children and young people around the world. The subject matter, the creative approach and the form of the documentaries we watched covered a wide range and our task to select was not easy. Unfortunately due to the COVID-19 restrictions, we didn’t have the possibility as jury members to meet and have long discussions about the films. We had to contain ourselves to a couple of zoom meetings (which even these proved to be difficult for two members). Nevertheless, we tried to be as fair as possible taking into consideration the following main criteria:

• Which film, all round, made the best impression on us and touched our hearts.

• The portrayal of children and the importance/global relevance of the issues addressed.

• The creative/aesthetic approach of the director

• The message put across for a young audience.

• The educational potential in festivals and schools.

Best Feature Documentary Award

• Pearl of the Desert, Pushpendra Singh, 84’, India-South Korea 2019

For its masterly way to depict everyday life in a traditional desert village where music and nature play a prime role. The film follows very closely the young protagonist who experiences conflicting emotions and dilemmas regarding his traditional role as a singer and his aspiration to open up to the world. Besides the beautiful cinematography, we felt that the film is important because it addresses through the eyes of a 12 year old, a global issue about the uneasy coexistence of traditional and modern cultures.

Best Short & Medium Length Documentary Award

• Asho, Jafar Najafi, 30’, Iran, 2019,

This film gave us a great glimpse into the life of a unique young boy and his love of films. It gave a great balance between older traditions and the new world intertwining and the inner conflict it can sometimes create for the young protagonist. The shots were beautifully shot and the audience gets a chance to get to know the unique character Asho.

Best Feature Documentary Director Award

• The Koichi Doi for his film Bonfire at Dawn, 72’, Japan 2019

A wonderful glimpse into an ancient tradition that is shared between father and son. This film was beautifully and poetically portrayed with both scenes that show respect for keeping up the tradition and the joy in sharing it with the next generation.

Special Mentions

• Blue eyes and colorful my dress, Polina Gumiela, 55’, Bulgaria-Germany 2020

For the unique way we get to see the world through the eyes of a 3 year old girl. It is an absolute joy to watch and an important insight into this age’s perception of space, people and relationships.

• For Me and Others Like Me, Sein Lyan Tun, 30’, Myanmar 2019

We have seen many outstanding documentaries in our jury work, but no topic touched us more than that of a young nun in Myanmar wanting to become a doctor to help her community. We hope to shine a light on Eaindras story with this special mention, a light that can hopefully support her in her mission fighting for access to education.

International Youth Jury Awards

SOFIA AGALIOTI (Greece), ALEX CHARLES HERLOFSEN (Norway), NAOMI HOFMAN (Germany), EDMUND KRAJEWSKI (Poland), NIKOLAAS MOOL (The Netherlands), MORGAN NORBERY (Sweden), FLAVIA PETTERMANN (Canada), ESTER JOSEFINA VANDASOVA (Czech Republic), ΑΡΤΕΜΙΣ ΖΙΟΥΒΑ (Greece)

Best Short Fiction Film Award

• Shoe shiner, Andrés Gallegos, 17΄, Chile 2018

Best Short Animation Film Award

• Roberto, Carmen Córdoba González, 9’, Spain, 2020

Children’s Juries Awards (up to 12 years old)

Feature films: CLIO VOVOU, ARTEMIS GIZA, NICO COLDREU, EVANGELIA KOUKAKI, ATHANASIA MALAI, MAYA PAIKOU, ELEKI TSIGKRI, ZOI-CHYSI FYTANIDI, EMMANOUIL CHRISTAKOS. Short fiction films: SERGIOS VAKIS, SOFIA KARIANAKI, GIANNIS MICHAS, NIKOLIA MOUTSOI, GEORGIA NIKOLOPOULOU, KOSTIS STAVROPOULOS, DANAI STAVROU, GEORGIA CHANTZOPOULOU. Short animation films: GIORGOS ATHANASIOU, MARIANNA ANDRIKOGIANNOPOULOU, MARIOS GIANNAKOPOULOS, MAVRA KANELLOPOULOU, DIMITRIS LAGAMTZIS ALEXIA MANETA, NEFELI NIKOLAOU, MICHAELA PAMOUTZAKI, ILIANA PANAGOULI, VASILIKI ELENI TSAKIRIDI. Documentaries: SAM DELAGRAMMATIKAS, AGGELOS MANOLAS, ANNA IFIGENEIA OUROULI, KONSTANTINA STROUMBAKOU, THANOS TAGALAKIS, CHRISTOS TAGALAKIS

Best Feature Film Award

• Oskar and Lilli, Arash T. Riahi, 102′, Austria 2020

Best short fiction film Award

• Happy Eviction, Samuel del Amor, 10’, Spain 2020

Best Short Animation Award

• Matilda and the Spare Head, Ignas Meilūnas, 13’, Lithuania 2020

Best Feature Documentary Award

• Little Ballerinas, Anne-Claire Dolivet, 90’, France 2020

Best short & medium length documentary Award

• Winter Lake, Petteri Saario, 15’, Finland 2019

Children’s Juries Awards (over 13 years old)

Feature films: MARIA GALANAKI, DIMITRIS THEODOROPOULOS, ANNA KALFOUNTZOU, PANAGIOTIS CALIONTZIS, MIRTO STELLA MITSAKOU, AGGELIKI NEKTARIA DAVELI, ATHINA REMOUNDOU, PANAGIOTIS RAFAIL SOULIS, RAFAELA TOKA. Short films: AGGELIKI GOULI, THETIS DOUROU, IRENE KATSONOPOULOU, NICOLAS NICOLOPOULOS, FOTINI PINI, SOFIA STEFOU, MARIA-DANAI SIREGGELA, MARIA JIMA, EKATERINI JOITI, VASSILIS TSAKONIATIS, KONSTANTINOS TSOLAKIS. Documentaries: MAXIMOS ALEXOPOULOS, ARTEMIS GALANAKI, ANTONI GIKA, DIMITRIS ZEZAS, AFRODITI ZIOUVA, EMMANOUIL-GEORGIOS KALOGIROU, SOFIA NIKOLAIS KARAKAXI, ANTONIA MANOUSAKI, ANASTASIA SACHARIDOU, KETEVAN TSAKALIDOU

Best Feature Film Award

• Antigone, Sophie Deraspe, 109’, Canada 2019

Best Short Fiction Film Award

• Shoe shiner, Andrés Gallegos, 17’, Chile 2018

Best Feature Documentary Award

• Sandlines, the Story of History, Francis Alÿs, 61’, Iraq 2020

Best Short & Medium Length Documentary Award

• Bertha and the Wolfram, Tijs Torfs, 16’, Belgium 2020

SPECIAL AWARDS

Hellenic parliament “Human Values” Award

ARIS FATOUROS, VASSILIS DOUVLIS, ANNA KOJIA

• Los Lobos, Samuel Kishi Leopo, 94’, Mexico 2019

For a film with a special, poetic gaze narrates the story of a young woman from Mexico, who comes to the USA along with her two young sons, in the search for a better life. The children, confined in a small, poor room, create with their drawings a unique imaginary universe, waiting for their mother to return from work and keep her promise to take them to their own Promised Land, Disneyland.

“#ThisisEU – European Values” award by the European Commission’s Representation in Greece

• Daniel ’16, Dimitris Koutsiabasakos, 101΄, Greece 2020

While Europe seems to forget its major principles and shows a rather cruel face, this film by Dimitris Koutsiabasakos brings together adults and youth from different countries and cultures and reminds us that friendship and solidarity may rise in troubled times, values, which are not restricted by borders and geographic territories.

European Children Films Association (ECFA) Awards

Best Feature Film Award:

• When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit, Caroline Link, 110’, Germany-Switzerland 2019

A story we experience through the eyes of Anna as she escapes pre-war Germany and travels through Europe to make a new life with her family. The film is a beautifully directed and acted adaptation of Judith Kerr’s semi-autobiographical novel, where we revisit shared childhood experiences against the backdrop of growing conflict-sadly still all too relevant today.

Best Short Film Award:

• Matilda and the Spare Head, Ignas Meilūnas, 13’, Lithuania 2020

An original and funny story with absurd elements. In times of restriction, the film provides a message of freedom, both to the kids and their parents.

Best Documentary Award:

• Little Ballerinas, Anne-Claire Dolivet, 90’, France 2020

This highly observing French feature length documentary about 4 girls aged 6 to 11 amazed us with its way to capture emotions and the complex relationship between friendship and competition. With beautiful cinematography, the film introduces us to wonderful young protagonists. Congratulations!

CIFEJ Award

• Delfin, Gaspar Scheuer 87΄, Argentina 2019

For its humanity, it’s humor, it’s passionate and hopeful 11 years old main character in spite of its so difficult living conditions.

Greek Film Clubs’ Association Award

DIMITRIS KALANTIDIS, MIRELLA LEGAKI, DIMITRIS PAPADIMOS, EVANGELOS CHRISTIDIS, ELLI MITSI

• Antigone, Sophie Deraspe, 109’, Canada 2019

A free adaptation of the tragedy of Sophocles which depicts in an intact cinematic way hot issues of today, as abuse of authority, authoritarian treatment of refugees and immigrants, judicial bureaucracy, police violence and promotes in a colorful way that love, solidarity and urge to struggle are the values that can confront these issues.

Νοva, top provider of combined home entertainment and communication services in Greece provided the awarded film “When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit”, which recently premiered on Novacinema TV stations ains is available to Nova subscribers through Nova On Demand service. We would like to thank Nova for providing the film.

20th European Meeting Of Young People’s Audiovisual Creation – Camera Zizanio

GREEK COMPETITION SECTION

CATEGORY A’

1st PRIZE

The ironed sheet> 13th Primary School of Serres, Film Workshop

For the exceptional direction, music, costume design, and the performances of the comedy film roles. Also, it is awarded for the important message the creators getting across, as the film reminds us that nature isn’t inexhaustible but is invaluable. In earth, we are all guests and everything deprives from the leaves: the nature, the air and the water.

2nd PRIZE

Just for the smoke of it > Primary School of Eleochori Kavalas

For its production value and keeping the audience’s attention through its nice presentation combined with other interesting elements of the film. Also, the film spreads an important message: Smoking is harmful both for the smokers and everyone else around them.

3rd PRIZE

Live computer > 21st Primary School of Peristeri

For its story and the interesting idea that was implemented with an excellent direction and lighting. Also, for its message that a computer is a double-edged sword and that we shouldn’t give up on our friends no matter what.

CATEGORY Β’

1st PRIZE

Ashes > General Lyceum of Krestena

The film deals with the catastrophic wildfires of 2007 and it is awarded for the originality of the work, its good direction, and the exceptional performances of the students at the leading roles This is a really powerful film, which moved us and revived memories that have marked us all.

2nd PRIZE

Real dreams > Special High School and Special Lyceum of Athens & 2nd General Lyceum of Ilioupoli.

The film is awarded as it reaches a very sensitive issue and delivers strong messages about life and the true standards of power and values. It deals with a well-known subject in a special way that touch us more, because children do not follow a screenplay and they express themselves freely and give us their own truths. The film underlines that we are all equal and have equal rights and that everything is possible for everyone, as long as we believe it. These children have a lot of strength and also give us the strength to never give up.

3rd PRIZE

12 weeks > 2nd General Lyceum of Igoumentitsa

The film deals with a very serious issue, often a taboo, directed in a nice and original way. It deals with an unwanted pregnancy at a young age, which creates dilemmas for life-changing options. It is something that can happen to any of us, it is serious and it affects both the girl and the boy. Despite the information that comes from the internet and other sources, there is still a difficulty in managing the issue. What we really need is to talk about this and not face it alone.

ΚΑΤΗΓΟΡΙΑ Γ’ – CATEGORY C’

1st PRIZE

Wreathless > Cinema Group Belladonna

For the outstanding direction, the performances, the props and the costumes. For the well- crafted and cinematic way that deals with an issue leaving many aspects open to interpretation and also kindles our imagination. On how the intensity, the pain, the anger in the various people’s stories is depicted.

2nd PRIZE

Hate Calling > 7th General Lyceum of Nea Smirni

Because the issue of xenophobia and racism is raised in an original but not easy and safe way, in a surreal scenery and with allegorical elements, by making a difference. Because of its many messages such as that our society imposes the racist thinking and behavior but all this depends on everyone and how we’ll manage it and whether it will be accepted. Even young people who seek work nowadays are faced with their beliefs even for a slice of bread.

3rd PRIZE

Lost > EPAL of Kastoria

For its strong shots and a narration that busts into our mind, our soul, our thoughts, our beliefs and also the young people’s hopes. We felt that the direction, with the icy landscapes and mystery, attributes the freezing of an entire society and goes over than the obvious.

SPECIAL MENTIONS

Somewhere only we know > Erato Baloglou

Argiro > 1st EPAL and 1st E.K of Argos

SPECIAL AWARDS

In the frame of the European Meeting of Young People’s Audiovisual Creation the Educational Television – Ministry of Education and Religious Affairs has institutionalized, since 2015, the Award of Media Literacy. It’s an annual award given at the Closing-Award Ceremony of the Olympia International Film Festival for Children and Young People and aims to encourage and support the consistent efforts of the schools in order to produce creative audiovisual works as well as the pupils’ active participation.

The Award of Media Literacy goes to the 5th Kindergarten of Evosmos in Thessaloniki for the participation and collaboration among the students for the creation of the film “The world we want” and also for their awareness on Sustainability issues

The world we want > 5th Kindergarten of Evosmos, Thessaloniki

Award of the Greek Ombudsman for children’s rights

Don’t lower your head > Art High School of Athens

Award of “Nikos Kavoukidis”

Don’t lower your head > Art High School of Athens

INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION SECTION

Anti COVID award

Quarantine Marathoner > Eduardo Costa, Karol Azevedo, (Brazil)

For the original and especially optimistic and encouraging point of view through which the quarantine is presented. The humorous but also the intelligent balance between the quarantine and the marathon, makes this social distance a little easier.

CATEGORY A’

Out of the Frame > Students of Toon Club, (India)

Excellent film. It brings up, through a wonderful animation with very beautiful images, the various problems that all generations are facing over time. It’s also profound that this is given with a very clear way.

CATEGORY Β’

Joaco & Nanan > Latina American Institute (Argentina)

This short animation has won us over with the tender and touching way that the issue of coexistence of generations is presented… without any chatter and exaggeration. The animation was simple but finest, while the relationship of young Joaco with his grandmother and his effort to lead her through the new era reflects, for most of us, our relationship with our grandparents. It was a lovable film and also dressed with the music of our favorite – one and only- Beatles!

CATEGORY C’

After a mature and long discussion we decided that we can’t decide and so two films are awarded in category C, because of a tie!

Mirmecofaga, Yohana Lazarova &Natália Penque (Brazil)

We thought it’s fair to award this film, as its issue, which is police violence, is still relevant enough and especially for young people.Visually, the animation was very original and creative and its images brought excitement and even shocked the members of the Jury.Despite its short duration, the animators skillfully managed to make a complete statement in less than 3 minutes! And this is remarkable! It is definitely one of those films that someone wants to watch over and over again! Congratulations!

Sophie and Jacob > Max Shoham (Canada)

Our decision to award the film “Sophie and Jacob” was based on the emotion that was aroused and the intense excitement that we felt.This is a completely complete film, with a well- crafted screenplay, a well-structured narration and an impressive animation.

EUROPEAN COMPETITION SECTION

CATEGORY A’

1st PRIZE

Online Lesson > MFS Animation School (Georgia)

2nd PRIZE

Star Wars, The Imperial March > NFFS (The Netherlands)

3rd PRIZE

Violence NO more > CLIA ANILUPA (Portugal)

Statement of the jury

This year we were pleased to participate as members of the European section jury at B ‘& C’ category of the Camera Zizanio. Since due to the pandemic, children and young people from all over Greece had the opportunity to participate for the first time in the youth juries of the festival. For a week we watched online movies from all over Europe with a wide variety of themes and through a youthful perspective: stories about quarantine, violence, climate change, drugs, diversity, family relationships, societal constraints and the fast rhythms of modern life. The award-winning films from Poland, the United Kingdom, Spain, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Belarus and Austria stood out for their originality, themes covered and mature cinematic discourse. Congratulations to all the films that participated, and we wish to all the children and young people to continue creating.

ΚΑΤΗΓΟΡΙΑ Β’ – CATEGORY Β’

1st PRIZE

System Error > Studio Różnych Gatunków Filmowych (Poland)

2nd PRIZE

Early works > Ethan Ross (UK)

3rd PRIZE

4 senses > Pablo Iranzo Pineda (Spain)

CATEGORY C’

1st PRIZE

The wheel of dreams > Milan Bogdanović (Bosnia and Herzegovina)

2nd PRIZE

Road > Kirill Khaletsky (Belarus)

3rd PRIZE

Dear Diary > HBLA (Austria)

Shame > Paz del Carre de la Portilla (Spain)

YOUTH CINEMA NETWORK AWARD

YCN is a worldwide network of youth film festivals, organisations and film & media educators from more than 20 countries. The annual Youth Cinema Network (YCN) Award recognises excellence in films made by young people and was established in 2016. The procedure? YCN festivals nominate one film for each age group and then the YCN members cast one vote per group. Let’s see the winners for 2020!

age 0 – 14

Tree #3 by Omer Ben-Shachar (USA)

age 15 – 19

Pirates by Cal Arnold O’Driscoll (Ireland)

age 20 – 27

Wavy Head by Max Shoham (USA)