Kirkcaldy Man, a film about former Darts champion Jocky Wilson wins Golden Dove award at DokLeipzig
Screen Academy Scotland graduate Julian Schwanitz takes home €5000 prize money; Bafta-winning Caring for Calum is nominated for Grierson Award.
Scottish documentary talents are making an impact on the international scene. The jury at the 54th DokLeipzig, the biggest documentary film festival in Germany, honoured Screen Academy graduate Julian Schwanitz with the prize for best international short film, the Golden Dove.
Kirkcaldy Man (17’) goes in search of Jocky Wilson – once known by every child in Kirkcaldy, as one of the best darts players ever, world champion in 1982 and 1989. But getting to know him is not so easy.
Director Julian Schwanitz, who graduated from Screen Academy Scotland last year said:
“It’s a great honour to be showing the film at DokLeipzig, the oldest documentary festival in the world and to be awarded by a jury of internationally respected filmmakers. I really didn’t expect this. German audiences have also reacted extremely positive to the film and this very Scottish subject.”
Emma Davie, Programme Director Film & TV at Edinburgh College of Art / Screen Academy Scotland said:
“We’re delighted that Julian’s hard work and persistence in making this complex film has been rewarded. Given that Julian made this film as his MFA film at Edinburgh College of Art, it’s incredible that it should win the prize against fierce competition from professionals from all over the world. Credit should also go to his DOP Julian Krubasik.”
Robin Macpherson, Director of Screen Academy Scotland said:
“Julian’s win at DokLeipzig is further evidence, if any were needed, of the great documentary talent flowing from eca and Scotland onto the world’s screens.”
Sonja Henrici, Head of Development at Scottish Documentary Institute said:
“Even to be selected for competition at DokLeipzig is an achievement. Julian winning this award is going to give a boost to documentary filmmakers here in Scotland, who have become really supportive of each other. It highlights our blossoming documentary scene in Scotland.”
Lou McLoughlan is another Scottish filmmaker currently making an impact; the only Scottish filmmaker invited by Bafta to the Royal bash in Los Angeles earlier this year (attended by the Royal Couple William and Kate), her Bafta winning film Caring for Calum (also made through the eca MFA programme) is also nominated for a prestigious Grierson Award – the Sky Arts Best Student Film. The Awards Ceremony is on 1 November in London, attended by the great and good of the UK & international documentary world.
Ends./
For further information contact:
Sonja Henrici (Head of Development): 0131 221 6125
Download full press release here.
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