The awards were reintroduced at the Edinburgh International Film Festival this year and a packed Filmhouse greeted the participants. Grant Lachlan of STV’s Moviejuice presented the awards ceremony comprising of six different awards.
Michael Powell Award for Best British Feature Film
Chaired by respected screen actor Jim Broadbent the Michael Powell committee took in 10 films from this years festival to decide the Best British Feature.
The award went to Penny Woolcock‘s brave and bold documentary about gang violence in Birmingham: One Mile Away.
Best International Feature Film
This award, chaired by actor Elliot Gould took in 14 different features from many different countries, comprising of some of the most popular films at the festival.
The award was given to Here, Then. from Chinese filmmaker Mao Mao. The director was humble upon receiving his award, saying “It’s a great opportunity to be here, thank you.”
The Michael Powell Award for Best Performance in a British Feature Film
Deliberated by the same judges as the Feature Film Award, this prize was split between two fine performances in the same film, James Marsh’s Shadow Dancer. Andrea Riseborough and Brid Brennan shared the award for their fine performances together.
Student Critic Jury Award
Comprising of three students selected by Artistic Director Chris Fujiwara, the Student Jury took in nine feature films selected from across the festivals including the other award categories.
The award went to Jang Kun-Jae‘s Sleepless Night. The jury described the film as “a modern romance in which the unremarkable becomes remarkable.”
Best International Short Film
Scottish actor and jury chair Ewen Bremner announced the award winner as Dinosaur Eggs in the Living Room.
Best British Short Film and The McLaren Award for Best New British Animation
Will Anderson’s The Making of Longbird picked up these two awards capping a great festival for the young filmmaker.