International Short Film Festival Oberhausen 2005
May 5-10, 2005

Ecumenical Award

The Ecumenical Jury gives its Award to the film City Paradise by Gaëlle Denis (Great Britain 2004, 6 min.). The Award carries a prize money of 1500.- € donated by the Catholic and the Evangelical Church. The statement of the Jury reads:

In an original and touching way, the films tells the story of a miraculous transformation. Together with the main character, we dive into an atmosphere full of lightness which overcomes the feeling of being an foreigner. The director proves how amusing and entertaining the exploration of existential questions can be.

Synopsis: London is a big city and for those new to it, it can sometimes seem quite scary. But Tomoko who arrives from Japan to learn Englisg accidentally discovers a mysterious secret city underground, inhabited by friendliy little aliens and beautiful blossoms. (Festival information)

In addition, the Jury awards a Commendation to the video Border by Laura Waddington (Great Britain/France 2005, 27 min.). Statement of the Jury:

Far removed from familiar reportage formats, the director confronts us with unusual images of a political tragedy. As a person crossing the borders between the visible and the invisible herself, she gives a profile to the shadowy faces of people living in darkness.

Synopsis: In 2002, Laura Waddington spent months with Afghan and Iraqi refugees who were hiding in the fields araound Sangatte Red Cross Camp to cross the Channel Tunnel to England. (Festival information)

Members of the Jury:
Els van Driel, Netherlands
Eva Furrer-Haller, Switzerland (President)
Dirk von Jutrczenka (Germany)
Sebastian R. B. Schlöglmann (Austria)
Eberhard Streier (Germany)