High Estimation of the Young Cinema

The results of the festival of young European cinema “VOICES” were summarized on July 8, 2010. A festive closing ceremony took place in “Lenkom” cinema. During the festival a lot of vivid events were held – an opening ceremony, a show of films in the frames of competition and out-of-competition programs, meetings with the film producers. The festival became an original “Window to Europe” for the region, as thanks to the festival residents and guests of Vologda and Cherepovets could see pictures of the young film producers representing the future of the world cinematograph and films produced by recognized masters of cinema art. Besides, concerts of groups “Rico Sanches & Gipsies” and “Billy’s Band”, a French piano player Siegfried Debreban were arranged.

At the closing ceremony Andrey Khalpakhchi, a member of the jury, was the first who took the word: “I congratulate this city with a remarkable festival. During these days many words were said about Vologda and Paris but I would like to remind you that the Cannes became a famous resort in the world after the Cannes film festival had been arranged. I think that Vologda may have the same future. In your intelligent city we met with the intelligent leaders of the region. Thank you that you initiated the idea to hold International festival in Vologda and we are glad to be present here. I am sure that this festival will live long that’s why seeing you soon in Vologda”.

An honor guest of the closing ceremony of the festival became Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of France in Russia Jean de Gliniasti: “It’s a great honor for me to be present today on such an event. In this France-Russia cross year you chose my country as an honored guest and I’m very glad. I heartily thank you. In this I see a recognition of the significance we attached to cinematograph in France. France is the fifth country in world by production of films per capita besides we are not the last by the number of cinemas and annual proceeds. We especially are proud that we have many different cinema schools, trends and genres. It reflects an important aspect – a cultural diversity. The most popular films in France and abroad are those that reflect the life of our country. Cinema is a mean of international assistance; it’s well known that a good film makes a country more attractive for tourists. I would like to wish the same to Vologda. Let European audience see the beauty and cultural richness of Vologda land thanks to the events that take place today and thanks to the films that I hope will be shot here in the future”.

The significance of the festival was underlined by the Senior Vice-Governor of Vologda Oblast Ivan Pozdnyakov: “One of the main cultural projects in the frames of Year of France in Russia – International festival of young European cinema is completed. I’m glad that it was a very successful debut. Presence of the Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of France at the closing ceremony of the festival underlines its colossal cultural and political significance. And I really hope that the support of our creative projects by France and European Union will be impressive and safe in the future”.

At last the main intrigue of the film festival was uncovered – the winners of the competition program were announced. Ten live-action films by the young film directors from Denmark, Sweden, Italy, France, Russia, Ukraine, Belgium, Poland and Spain contended the first prize. The main prize was manufactured by company “Severnaya chern’ (northern niello) in Veliki Ustyug representing a producer’s megaphone twined by a film tape with pictures of the most beautiful and famous corners of Vologda land.

A prize ceremony was opened by Senior Vice-Governor of Vologda Oblast Ivan Pozdnyakov who presented the prize of the Viewers’ Choice to the Italian producer Rhino Sharetto for the film “Hold your head high”.

Prize for the best screen play was presented by the general director of the film studio named after M.Gorky Vyacheslav Ershov to Nicolas Alberny and Jhan Mash (film “Eights wonderland”).

Film “Reverse” received two prizes: Boris Lankosh received the prize for the best direction and Agatha Buzec – for the best actor.

The festival jury instituted a special prize for the actors’ ensemble. This prize was presented to the film “Qu'un seul tienne et les autres suivront” (France).

Grand Prize of the International festival of the young European cinema “VOICES” was awarded to the film “My Happiness” by Sergey Loznitsa. The prize was presented by the jury chairman Sergey Bodrov. The film-winner was showed once again on July 9 in cinema “Salute”.

During the festival the Vologda residents had a possibility to show themselves in creative way – to shoot a video-reel about their native land and to take part in the competition “I love you, Vologda land!” Thirteen films from different regional cities competed for the main prize – a trip to France. The amateur films were shown in cinema “Salute”. The best film about Vologda land was announced at the closing ceremony. The winner of the competition became a short film “Ustye na velike” by director Anna Tikhomirova (Vologda city). Her work was shown in cinema “Lenkom”. An every day life of Ustye people was shown in a child’s eyes that rode a cycle in his favorite village and greeted everybody whom he met.

After closing ceremony the audience got one more gift – a documentary film “Oceans” by directors Jacques Perrin and Jacques Cluzaud. The film was shot in 50 different corners of the planet and it took 4 years. Almost three forth of the land is covered by water. “Oceans” suggest having a look at the magic underwater world that is still a mystery for a man.
Comments by the jury chairman, film director Sergey Bodrov: I think that the festival will live and develop though the jury decisions varied. The picture that received the Grand Prize evoked different reactions, but the jury decision was unanimous. We supported this film as such pictures are shot very seldom. It is a hard and bitter film. But all medicine is bitter, sweet medicine doesn’t help. I think we need such pictures in spite of their hard view.

It was not difficult to appraise the films; we’ve got a good team in jury. Many of the pictures are very interesting, Polish film “Reverse” is not bad; I also liked a Russian film “Be missing”. But it’s impossible to note every film and we selected those to be of special attention. In our estimation we were guided by one criterion: a film shouldn’t leave us indifferent – it should affect or delight.

I’m very glad that I came to Vologda. I was delighted by local people. I wish to the Vologda people in the frames of new festival “VOICES” and in other festivals good meetings with interesting performances, films and people. Go to the cinema!

The director of the film-winner “My happiness” Sergey Loznitsa about his victory: For me such a prize means a lot. I’m pleased to receive such a prize, I hope it will help to release a film as it was produced for the cinemas and I’d like to show it to the audience, may be it will happen already in September, 2010.

The picture is based on my travel all over the country that left a great impression on me and I couldn’t keep it inside, I have to speak about this, to suggest thinking it over. The way out of the situation is inside us and if we think it over we will face these problems very seriously.

Irina Sorokina