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BRIFF Winners 2018

official ​selectionS 2018

   BEST SHORT FILM:   BERLIN ALEXANDER PLATZ

Animation

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Adam by Evelyn Ross
"The idea came from reading creation myths that share similar thread that man created humanity. The story was then created as a response to the patriarchal storytelling, creating a feminine land of creation, in physical and metaphorical sense."​

Art House

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 Berlin: Alexanderplatz by Mark Nelson
"A tour de force art house film, at once mesmerising and sublime."
 ​Director Mark Nelson took inspiration from Herman poem ‘Stufen’ (‘Steps’ in English); the stages or steps we take in our interaction with the world. Alexanderplatz, in East Berlin, provides a filmic opportunity to present not only an interplay between Man and imposing structures weighed down by history, but also what might transcend both in Hesse’s vision - a Cosmic Spirit.

Brighton Film

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The Brighton Kop by Reuben Armstrong
"A charming and graphically playful look at what constitutes a unique and diverse tribe."

Comedy

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Estribillo by César Tormo
"The phenomenal and hilarious connection between both actors and Ada Tormo’s range and talent as both an actor and singer are what really stand out and make this film completely different from the father-daughter relationship we are used to seeing."
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"Four minutes, four chords - a perfect joke."

Documentary (short)

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The Condom Man by Cara Holmes (director)
​& Nora Windeck (producer)
"A thoughtful re-creation of a period that helps us understand the lingering biases towards the HIV infected community."

Drama

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In Humans We Trust by Tim Kent
"This highly consummate and thought-provoking film probes our attitudes towards arguably the biggest issue of our times - immigration. The unexpected twist gives sober food for thought."

Fantasy, Horror, Sci-Fi

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Please Love Me Forever by Holy Fatma (director)
​and Mathilde Le Ricque (producer)

"A beautiful and picturesque film with exuberant mise-en-scene, spellbinding and interesting characters, all with their own unique personality traits, and a well-driven script based on obsession, curiosity and intense devotion."

Indie - Low Budget

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Toby by Ash Ogden
“Well-acted with an excellent use of real locations to accentuate the oddity of the title character’s presence. The story featured good pacing, with each incident ratcheting up the tension until the climax. A well-constructed film.” 

LGBTQ

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Skai Blue by Guido Verelst
"​Skai Blue is a deeply compassionate story about love at first sight experience and the difficulty of letting go based on a discovered truth that disrupts the whole relationship. Great acting, great characters and beautifully shot."

Micro Movie

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Mumpsimus and Halcyon Discord by Rolf Klein
"Great narration and a powerful, riveting performance by Owain Astles. His character guides us through the emotional and psychological trauma he endured as an adolescent and gives a glimmer of hope."

Music Video

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​Delightful by Katie Garibaldi
"This track and video are exactly that - delightful. 
The sound is a fusion of country, blues, soul and rock, aka, the best of Nashville. Katie has a superb voice and is a talent to watch."

Phone Film

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Brothers by Jack Ballo
"What a powerful subject matter. An incredibly ambitious project. Told beautifully – phone movie or not – it's a wonderful film. The director navigates interviews expertly to get the best out of the subjects. Right from the start I'm rooting for these characters. Inspiring filmmaking."

Student Film

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Automaton by Ella Brolly
"​This film has stunning set design, outstanding cinematography and an insightful and powerful script. Shené Gardner’s performance is engaging and excellent.  Automaton sets a new benchmark for the student film."

​Thriller - Noir

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Complex by Scott Forrest
"Visually stunning in terms of lights, effects and locations and a strong acting performance from a dedicated cast. These are the elements that really set the film apart from others taking on the noir genre."

BEST FEATURE FILM:     LEAVE NOW

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                                    Leave Now, by Stephen Frost

                                   “Lyrical beauty and original narrative.”
           “A hauntingly beautiful film” - Swindon Independent Film Festival 
                    “A moving psychological drama” - Derby Film Festival 
​

A grief-stricken woman, Rose Montefiore, revisits the seaside town where she first met her late husband. However, instead of finding the peace and quiet she seeks, Rose is disturbed by recurring problems with an electrical fault and has to call upon the services of local electrician, Titus, and his son, Robbie. When Rose saves Robbie's life after an accident she finds herself caught up in the lives of those around her, past and present, who need her help. After she discovers a forgotten phonograph in the attic and listens to the distant voices recorded on an old wax cylinder, she begins to unlock a secret that lies deep within the house itself. Are the ghosts real, or all in the mind? And if so, whose mind? In Leave Now, two separate worlds pass through each other, like sunlight through mist, where love is lost and found, and holding on means letting go.
​

BEST DOCUMENTARIES:     F**K IT, IT'S OVER  &  SHE IS JUICED

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​​                               F**K It, It's Over, by Hardeep Giani

                         “A compelling portrait of the artist in our times.”
 
Artist Henrietta Sophia Wallace Dunlop was brought up in Soho in the early 1970's when it was a hub for artists and a place with a unique feel and character. Through the eyes of her life story we look at how Soho has changed with gentrification and also follow her through her attempts to save it and also come to terms with a difficult childhood.

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                                          She is Juiced, by Lois Norman

​               "An intellectual, aesthetic work that crosses, and pushes, boundaries."
​
She is Juiced opens up the worlds, works and creative juices of four powerful and passionate LGBTQIA+ female artists. Filmed with their creations, they question and share, how we express all of who we are, and all of who we can dare to be. Artists Jo Hay, Ope Lori, Peta Lily and Sarah Jane Moon work with their sexuality, gender, difference and humour to squeeze the best from life through Art. She is Juiced is a sensitive work that allows space to experience four vital and diverse, female, creative impulses, both through the eyes of fellow creatives and in their own words.


BEST SCREENPLAY: LEAVE NOW  &  IN HUMANS WE TRUST

BEST SOUND EDITING: SKAI BLUE

BEST MISE-EN-SCÈNE: AUTOMATON

BEST EDITING: MOTHER, A SCI-FI FAIRY TALE

BEST DIRECTOR: JOHN HARRIGAN (ARMAGEDDON GOSPELS)

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY: SKAI BLUE

BEST ACTOR: ROBERT EMMS (DUNROAMIN)

BEST ACTRESS: ISABELLE CARLEAN-JONES (PLEASE LOVE ME FOREVER)

BRIGHTON ROCKS SPIRIT AWARD:     F**K IT, IT'S OVER

Awarded to the film that best embodies Brighton Rocks Film Festival's attitudes, aspirations and ethos.
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