Menu
22/06/2004
NI film wins top award at international festival
Following its general release on Friday June 18 ‘Freeze Frame’, the first feature film from Northern Ireland born duo Michael Casey and John Simpson, received the top honour at the Taormina Film Festival in Italy over the weekend.
Director John Simpson received the Grand Jury BNL Award for the Best First Film and prize of €25,000.
Others honoured by the Taormina Festival for cinematic excellence this year include Roman Polanski, Michael Douglas, Antonio Banderas, Dame Judi Dench and Dame Maggie Smith.
Co-funded by the NIFTC and shot entirely on location in Belfast’s disused Crumlin Road jail, 'Freeze Frame' stars British comedian Lee Evans as a paranoid murder suspect who videotapes himself around the clock so that he will have a rock-solid alibi if he’s ever accused of another crime.
NIFTC Chairman Colin Anderson commented: “Congratulations to John Simpson, his producer Michael Casey, and everyone involved with Freeze Frame. It is fantastic that the first feature film genuinely created in Northern Ireland for more than a decade has won an award of this status. The NIFTC backed Freeze Frame with funds provided by the National Lottery, and this award is a wonderful indication that it was a very worthwhile investment.”
Established in 1955, the Taormina Film Festival is one of Italy's oldest and most prestigious festivals and has contributed to the discovery of some of the world's most respected filmmakers.
(GB)
Director John Simpson received the Grand Jury BNL Award for the Best First Film and prize of €25,000.
Others honoured by the Taormina Festival for cinematic excellence this year include Roman Polanski, Michael Douglas, Antonio Banderas, Dame Judi Dench and Dame Maggie Smith.
Co-funded by the NIFTC and shot entirely on location in Belfast’s disused Crumlin Road jail, 'Freeze Frame' stars British comedian Lee Evans as a paranoid murder suspect who videotapes himself around the clock so that he will have a rock-solid alibi if he’s ever accused of another crime.
NIFTC Chairman Colin Anderson commented: “Congratulations to John Simpson, his producer Michael Casey, and everyone involved with Freeze Frame. It is fantastic that the first feature film genuinely created in Northern Ireland for more than a decade has won an award of this status. The NIFTC backed Freeze Frame with funds provided by the National Lottery, and this award is a wonderful indication that it was a very worthwhile investment.”
Established in 1955, the Taormina Film Festival is one of Italy's oldest and most prestigious festivals and has contributed to the discovery of some of the world's most respected filmmakers.
(GB)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
18 November 2024
Other News In Brief
Two Arrested After Dangerous Driving Incident In North Belfast Two men have been arrested following a dangerous driving incident in north Belfast in the early hours of Monday, November 18th. The incident began on the Whitewell Road, where a car was observed driving erratically.
Other News In Brief
Two Arrested After Dangerous Driving Incident In North Belfast Two men have been arrested following a dangerous driving incident in north Belfast in the early hours of Monday, November 18th. The incident began on the Whitewell Road, where a car was observed driving erratically.
27 August 2003
Derry's Nerve Centre wins top animation award
A short animated film produced by the Nerve Centre in Derry has won the top animation award at the Edinburgh International Film Festival. 'Pullin the Devil by the Tail' won the McLaren Award For New British Animation, seeing off competition from over 30 animated films.
Derry's Nerve Centre wins top animation award
A short animated film produced by the Nerve Centre in Derry has won the top animation award at the Edinburgh International Film Festival. 'Pullin the Devil by the Tail' won the McLaren Award For New British Animation, seeing off competition from over 30 animated films.
25 February 2009
Projecting Success At Belfast Film Festival
Stars of the big screen, Sir Ben Kingsley and Harry Potter actor Rupert Grint as well as Ulster actor James Nesbitt are among those set to attend the Belfast Film Festival at the end of March.
Projecting Success At Belfast Film Festival
Stars of the big screen, Sir Ben Kingsley and Harry Potter actor Rupert Grint as well as Ulster actor James Nesbitt are among those set to attend the Belfast Film Festival at the end of March.
15 July 2008
'Hunger' Set For UK Release On October 31
'Hunger', the winner of the Camera d'Or at this year's Cannes Film Festival and the directorial debut of acclaimed British visual artist and filmmaker Steve McQueen, is to be released in cinemas on October 31, Pathé Distribution has announced.
'Hunger' Set For UK Release On October 31
'Hunger', the winner of the Camera d'Or at this year's Cannes Film Festival and the directorial debut of acclaimed British visual artist and filmmaker Steve McQueen, is to be released in cinemas on October 31, Pathé Distribution has announced.
13 May 2008
Foyle Film Festival Launched
The Foyle Film Festival is set to take place this autumn, it has just been announced. Now in its 21st year, the Foyle Film Festival will be from November 21 to 29th and is now established as the flagship project of Derry's multi-media Nerve Centre.
Foyle Film Festival Launched
The Foyle Film Festival is set to take place this autumn, it has just been announced. Now in its 21st year, the Foyle Film Festival will be from November 21 to 29th and is now established as the flagship project of Derry's multi-media Nerve Centre.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
