Short film contest in partnership with Raindance and chaired by Oscar-winning director Asif Kapadia announces “Not a Pizza Order” as Grand Prix winner.
Nikon is today announcing the winners of its Festival in association with independent film organisation, Raindance and Oscar-winning director, Asif Kapadia. ‘Not A Pizza Order’ by Cécile Ragot, France, takes the Grand Prix prize. Cécile will win a Nikon D810 film kit and a one-week, all-expenses paid networking trip to the Cannes Film Festival in May 2016.
Over 550 budding short filmmakers from across Europe submitted entries to the Nikon European Film Festival, now in its second year. Exploring the theme ‘Everyday Moments’, enthusiasts and professional filmmakers were challenged to create a short film of up to 140 seconds that turned an ordinary moment into a creative narrative.
The winners were decided by the jury, chaired by the director of Oscar-winning documentary ‘Amy’, Asif Kapadia. He was joined by Emmy-nominated photographer and filmmaker Pieter ten Hoopen, the founder of independent film festival Raindance, Elliot Grove, and Nikon Europe’s Dirk Jasper.
‘Not A Pizza Order’ by Cécile Ragot, was selected as the Grand Prix winner by the jury during the final judging session at the British Film Institute in London. All jury members were impressed by this powerful film that highlights the struggles of domestic violence. Turning a seemingly routine call into a compelling story on screen, she was praised for her film’s memorable narrative, complemented by her incredible technical skill.
The other category winners selected by the jury were:
- Best Narrative – ‘Bad Luck’ by Martin Taube, Sweden
- Technical Excellence – ‘Evasion’ by Pierre le Gall, France
- Best Student Entry – ‘Diamondjaw’ by Tormi Torop, Estonia
The winner of the People’s Choice award, based on individual likes and shares received on the Nikon Film Festival website, went to ‘At Night They Work’ by Ad van Brunschot from the Netherlands.
Asif Kapadia, Chair of the Jury for the Nikon European Film Festival, commented: “The standout films had a really strong idea and story; ones which took me on a mini journey. I felt, personally, that ‘Not a Pizza Order’ was an incredibly powerful short film. You think it’s a comedy film, but actually it’s a really serious piece of work about something very important. I’m always looking for films that stay with me; whether it’s an image or moment, or something that when I walk away, I remember that film. I think the prizewinners are all brilliant movies.”
Elliot Grove, Founder of Raindance and member of the Nikon European Film Festival Jury, added: “We were amazed by the high standard of films submitted and particularly the diversity of how the theme ‘Everyday Moments’ was interpreted. As a fellow director and general advocate of independent film, I’m delighted that Nikon is encouraging aspiring filmmakers across Europe and around the world to develop their talent and reward them with the technology they need to hone their skills.”
Cécile Ragot, winner of this year’s Grand Prix prize, said: “This award is such a wonderful encouragement to keep trying and keep making films. I am so thankful to the Jury members. I make films hoping they will maybe have an impact on people’s lives or people’s perspectives, and this award means I can maybe turn this hope into a reality.”
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