Winners Announced: British Independent Film Awards

The nominations are below, with the winner in red.

Best British Independent Film   

Best Director 

The Douglas Hickox Award (Best Debut Director) 

Best Screenplay 

Best Actress 

Best Actor 

Best Supporting Actress

Best Supporting Actor

Most Promising Newcomer

Best Achievement In Production

Best Technical Achievement

Best Documentary

Best British Short

Best International Independent Film

The Raindance Award

 

Awards

  • The Richard Harris Award
    (for outstanding contribution by an actor to British Film)
  • – Julie Walters
  • The Variety Award
  • – Paul Greengrass
  • The Special Jury Prize 
  • Sixteen Films and friends AKA Team Loach

The Jury:

Jury Chair – Penny Woolcock (Director), Antonia Campbell-Hughes (Actress), Art Malik (Actor), Ate de Jong (Director), Bart Layton (Director), James Floyd (Actor),  Jill McCullough (Dialect Coach), Julien Temple (Director), Liza Marshall (Producer), MyAnna Buring (Actress), Natascha McElhone (Actress), Pippa Harris (Producer), Roland Gift (Musician), Sally El Hosaini (Director), Sandy Powell (Costume Designer), Steve Hamilton Shaw (Producer).

 

Operation Libertad and 26 other films for EKOIFF 2012

Operation Libertad (Feature) – Switzerland/France

The Swiss film Operation Libertad has been selected as the Opening Film of the third Eko International Film Festival from November 5-10, 2012, at the Silverbird Cinemas of the prestigious Silverbird Galleria on Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria. The film was premiered at the 2012 Cannes Film Festival with good reviews. 26 other films including features and short films, short and long documentary films and short animations have also been selected for public screenings at the 6 day film festival. The following are some of the films of different genres and from outstanding filmmakers in Nigeria, Switzerland, France, Austria, Mozambique, Spain, UK, Germany, USA, Argentina, Korea, Brazil and other countries.

 

OPERATION LIBERTAD from Les Films d’Ici on Vimeo.

“The film is based on a fundamental concept that was fuming within small sub societies in Switzerland some 30 years ago. I experienced the film as so real that it leaves you with the question; it might still be a totally true story… Brilliant camera work and visual design was done, to give the viewer the idea that most of the film that existed of a flashback was shot indeed at the end of the Seventies. The characters in the film were each of them very typical in their own rights, which gave the group together the image of a spicy revolutionary group that started out pretty innocent, but got too destructive in the end.”

~ Vivian Van Dijk, Editor-in-Chief of EYES IN.

SYNOPSIS

In 1978, the members of a small revolutionary group break into a Swiss bank near Zurich. They film the entirety of the action so as to prove the collusion between the Helvetic financial system and dictators. Thirty years later, the tapes of the Operation Libertad resurface…

Directed by Nicolas Wadimoff

THE SUFFERING GRASSES: when elephants fight, it is the grass that suffers (Documentary Feature) – Korea/Brazil

SYNOPSIS
Over a year later, with thousands dead and counting, the ongoing conflict in Syria has become a microcosm for the complicated politics of the region, and an unsavory reflection of the world at large. Against the backdrop of the Arab Spring and the complicated politics of the region, this film seeks to explore the Syrian conflict through the humanity of the civilians who have been killed, abused, and displaced to the squalor of refugee camps. In all such conflicts, large and small, it is civilians—women and children, families and whole communities—who suffer at the leisure of those in power. When elephants go to war, it is the grass that suffers.

Directed by Iara lee

Iara Lee, a Brazilian of Korean descent, is an activist, filmmaker, and founder of the Cultures of Resistance Network, an organization that promotes global solidarity and supports peace with justice projects. Iara is currently working on a variety of initiatives, grouped under the umbrella of CulturesOfResistance.org, an activist network that brings together artists and change-makers from around the world. At the center of these initiatives is a feature-length documentary film entitled CULTURES OF RESISTANCE, released in 2011, which explores how creative action contributes to conflict prevention and resolution.

Iara’s most recent project is a short film entitled THE SUFFERING GRASSES, which explores the Syrian conflict through the humanity of the civilians who have been killed, abused, and displaced to the squalor of refugee camps. The film premiered in Kuwait in June 2012.

Foreign Love (Feature) – Nigeria/USA

SYNOPSIS
Jason has always been the smartest guy in his classes. He was always confident he would be the valedictorian of his graduating class until he met an equally brilliant girl from West Africa, Funmi, who came to America to get her college education. What Funmi doesn’t count on was finding lasting love with Jason a Caucasian boy in her college. But with strong opposition from their friends and then their families, is their relationship strong enough to overcome the challenges?
Foreign Love is a romantic drama filled with relationship trials and how two people who truly love one another eventually overcame their challenges.

Directed by Michael Oke and Jay Wiggs

VOTE FOR THE NOLLYWOOD DIVA OF THE YEAR


To Vote Text Genevieve Nnaji to 33967
 

Eko International Film Festival (EKOIFF) presents the first ever Nollywood Divas Awards.

WHO IS YOUR DIVA OF THE YEAR?

To vote your favorite diva, text the name of your diva to 33967

You can vote on all the mobile phone networks in Nigeria.

…And the 20 nominees are the following Nollywood divas in no particular order.
 

  • Rita Dominic,
  • .Genevieve Nnaji
  • Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde
  • Stephine Okereke Linus.
  • Kate Henshaw
  • Funke Akindele.
  • Monalisa Chinda
  • Omoli Oboli,
  • Stella Damasus.
  • Lillian Bach
  • Joke Silva-Jacobs
  • Ngozi Ezeonu
  • Clarion Chukwura.
  •  Ini Edo
  •  Uche Jumbo
  • Bimbo Akinbola.
  • Tonto Dike
  • Mercy Johnson
  • Nse Ikpe Esim
  • Fathia Balogun

       Each text is N50

You stand a chance to win VIP Ticket to the Gala Night of the 3rd Eko International Film Festival/Nollywood Divas Awards Night.


To Vote Text Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde to 33967


To Vote Text Clarion Chukwura to 33967


To Vote Text Stephanie Okereke to 33967


To Vote Text Kate Henshaw to 33967


To Vote Text Funke Akindele to 33967


To Vote Text Mercy Johnson to 33967


To Vote Text Rita Dominic to 33967


To Vote Text Fathia Balogun to 33967


To Vote Text Monalisa Chinda to 33967


To Vote Text Tonto Dike to 33967


To Vote Text Bimbo Akintola to 33967


To Vote Text Omoni Oboli to 33967


To Vote Text Nse Ekpe to 33967


To Vote Text Stella Damasus to 33967


To Vote Text Ngozi Ezeonu to 33967


To Vote Text Lillian Bach to 33967


To Vote Text Ini Edo to 33967


To Vote Text Joke Silva-Jacobs to 33967


To Vote Text Uche Jumbo to 33967

VOTE FOR THE NOLLYWOOD DIVA OF THE YEAR 2012!

The annual Eko International Film Festival (EKOIFF), Nigeria’s leading international film festival is honoring Nollywood divas with the launch of the annual Nollywood Divas Awards to be unveiled at the 3rd Eko International Film Festival which opens on November 5, 2012, in the coastal mega city of Lagos in south western Nigeria.

The Nollywood Divas Awards is a celebration of the accomplished actresses in Nollywood, the Nigerian film industry,” said Mr. Hope Obioma Opara, the President of Eko International Film Festival and CEO of Nollywood Divas Awards as he released the maiden NOLLYWOOD DIVAS AWARDS MAGAZINE ® with the announcement of the 20 nominees for the inaugural Nollywood Divas Awards in Lagos.

The top nominees include the most popular Nigerian actress Genevieve Nnaji, multiple awards winning actresses Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, Rita Dominic, Kate Henshaw, Stephanie Okereke-Idahosa, Omoni Oboli, Monilisa Chinda, Funke Akindele, Stella Damasus, Ini Edo, Mercy Johnson, Bimbo Akkintola, Nse Etim Ekpe, Uche Jumbo, Tonto Dike, Lillian Bach, Fathia Balogun, Ngozi Ezeonu, Joke Silva-Jacobs and Clarion Chukwurah who is the most accomplished Nigerian Nollywood diva to date.

VOTING OPENS ON SEPTEMBER 1.
You will soon receive the alert to vote on your mobile phones from September 1.
VOTE FOR THE NOLLYWOOD DIVA OF THE YEAR 2012!

Nominees and Winners of the 65th Cannes Film Festival

The highly gifted Austrian filmmaker Michael Haneke won his second Palme d’Or at the 65th Cannes Film Festival with his romantic thriller Amour (Love). His first Palme d’Or was for his film The White Ribbon in 2009. Thousands of filmmakers, distributors, movie buffs, tourists and others thronged the festival from May 16 to May 27, 2012. The President of the Jury for the main competition was the notable Italian director Nanni Moretti while British actor Tim Roth was the President of the Jury for the Un Certain Regard and the event was hosted by French screen diva Bérénice Bejo.

There were 22 films in the Official Selection and Egypt was the only African country in competition this year, but her entry Yousry Nasrallah’s Baad El Mawkeaa (After The Battle) did not win any prize.
The following are all the selected films and winners, including winners of other awards.

Synopsis
Georges and Anne are in their eighties. They are cultivated, retired music teachers.
Their daughter, who is also a musician, lives abroad with her family.
One day, Anne has an attack.
The couple’s bond of love is severely tested.

Credits

Actors

In Competition :

Feature films

Short Films

Un Certain Regard :

Cinefondation :

Golden Camera :

All Awards

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Rita Dominic Wins the Best Actress Award at 2012 AMAA

Rita-Dominic-
Rita Dominic acknowledges the honour of winning the African Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) for the Best Actress in a Leading Role.

Top Nollywood diva Rita Dominic won the African Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) for the Best Actress in a Leading Role for her awesome role in the Kenyan movie Shattered. It was a Sunday night of glamour at the 8th AMAA at the prestigious Expo Hall of the luxury Eko Hotel and Suites on Victoria Island in Lagos. The top prizes were won by South Africans and Nigerians.

The following is the complete list of the winners.

AMAA 2012 BEST SHORT FILM

Braids On Bald Head – Nigeria – Winner
JAMAA – Uganda
Look Again – Kenya
Maffe Tiga – Guinea
Hidden Life – South Africa
Mwansa The Great – Zimbabwe
Chumo – Tanzania
The Young Smoker – Nigeria

AMAA 2012 BEST DOCUMENTARY

African Election – Nigeria / Germany – Winner
Beyond The Deadly Pit – Rwanda
Awa Ogbe An African Adventure – Algeria
Dear Mandella – South Africa
White & Black, Crime And Colour – Tanzania
The Niger Delta Struggle – Ghana
There Is Nothing Wrong With My Uncle – Nigeria
How Much Is Too Much – Kenya

AMAA 2012 BEST DIASPORA FEATURE

Toussanat Louverture – France – Winner
Ghetta Life – Jamaica
High Chicago – Canada
Elza – Guadelupe
Better Must Come – Jamaica
Kinyanrwanda – USA

AMAA 2012 BEST DIASPORA DOCUMENTARY

The Education of Auma Obama – Germany – Winner
White Wash – USA
Almendron Mi Corazon – Guadeloupe
All Me The Life And Times Of Winfred Hubert – USA

AMAA 2012 BEST DIASPORA (SHORT FILM)

White Sugar In A Black Pot – USA-Winner
John Doe – USA
The Lost One – USA

AMAA 2012 BEST ANIMATION
The Legend Of Ngog Hills – Kenya – Winner
Oba – Nigeria
Climate Change Is Real – Kenya
Egu – South Africa
Chomoka – Kenya

AMAA 2012 BEST FILM BY AN AFRICAN LIVING ABROAD

Mystery Of Birds – USA / Nigeria – Winner
Housemates – United Kingdom / Nigeria
Ben Kross – Italy / Nigeria
Paparezzi Eye In The Dark – USA / Nigeria / Ghana

AMAA 2012 ACHIEVEMENT IN PRODUCTION DESIGN

Phone Swap – Nigeria- Winner
Somewhere In Africa – Ghana
Otelo Burning – South Africa
Adesuwa – Nigeria
How To Steal 2 Million – South Africa

AMAA 2012 ACHIEVEMENT IN COSTUME DESIGN

Adesuwa – Nigeria – Winner
The Captain Of Nakara
Rugged Priest – Kenya
Somewhere In Africa – Ghana
Queens Desire

AMAA 2012 ACHIEVEMENT IN MAKE-UP

Shattered – Kenya – Winner
Rugged Priest – Kenya
State Research Bureau – Uganda
Adesuwa – Nigeria
Somewhere in Africa – Ghana

AMAA 2012 ACHIEVEMENT IN SOUNDTRACK

Alero’s Symphony – Nigeria – Winner
Otelo Burning – South Africa
Adesuwa – Nigeria
How To Steal 2 Million – South Africa
Somewhere In Africa – Ghana

AMAA 2012 ACHIEVEMENT IN VISUAL EFFECTS

Adesuwa – Nigeria – Winner
Behind The Mask
Somewhere In Africa – Ghana
State Research Bureau – Uganda
Otelo Burning – South Africa

AMAA 2012 ACHIEVEMENT IN SOUND
State Of Violence – South Africa – Winner
Otelo Burning – South Africa
How To Steal 2 Million – South Africa
Man On Ground – South Africa
Algiers Murder – South Africa

AMAA 2012 ACHIEVEMENT IN CINEMATOGRAPHY

Othelo Burning – South Africa – Winner
How To Steal 2 Million – South Africa
Rugged Priest – Kenya
Masquerades – Ghana
Man On Ground – South Africa / Nigeria

AMAA 2012 ACHIEVEMENT IN EDITING

How To Steal 2 Million – South Africa – Winner
Algiers Murder – South Africa
Man On Ground – South Africa / Nigeria
Unwanted Guest – Nigeria
Otelo Burning – South Africa
Alero’s Symphony – Nigeria

AMAA 2012 ACHIEVEMENT IN SCREENPLAY

Ties That Bind – Ghana – Winner
Mr & Mrs – Nigeria
How To Steal 2 Million – South Africa
Otelo Burning – South Africa
Unwanted Guest – Nigeria
Two Brides And A Baby – Nigeria

AMAA 2012 BEST NIGERIAN FILM

Adesuwa – Winner
Unwanted Guest
Family On Fire
Alero’s Symphony
Phone Swap

AMAA 2012 BEST FILM IN AN AFRICAN LANGUAGE
State Of Violence – South Africa – Winner
Chumo – Tanzania
Family On Fire – Nigeria
Otelo Burning – South Africa
Asoni – Cameroun

AMAA 2012 BEST CHILD ACTOR

Tsepang Mohlomi (Ntwe) – Otelo Burning – Winner
Rahman Junior Bande (Greg) – Behind The Mask
Reginna Danies (Jenny) – Bank Job
Benjamin Abemigisha and Racheal Nduhukire (Derick and Margaret) – JAMAA
Ayinla O Abdulaheem – ZR-7

AMAA 2012 BEST YOUNG / PROMISING ACTOR

Ivie Okujaye (Alero) – Alero’s Symphony – Winner
Neo Ntatleno (OJ) – State Of Violence
Iyobosa Olaye (Adesuwa) – Adesuwa
Martha Ankomah – Somewhere In Africa
Thomas Gumede and Sihle Xaba – Otelo Burning

AMAA 2012 BEST ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE

Fano Mokoena – Man On Ground – Winner
Rapuldna Seiphemo (Twala) – How To Steal 2 Million
Hafiz Oyetoro – Phone Swap
Okechukwu Uzoesi – Two Brides And A Baby
Godfrey Theobejane – 48
Lwanda Jawar – Rugged Priest

AMAA 2012 BEST ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE

Terry Phetto – How To Steal 2 Million – Winner
Ebbe Bassey – Ties That Bind
Empress Njamah – Bank Job
Ngozi Ezeonu – Adesuwa
Thelma Okoduwa – Mr & Mrs
Omotola Jalade Ekeinde – Ties That Bind

AMAA 2012 BEST ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE

Majid Micheal – Somewhere In Africa – Winner
Menzi Ngubane – How To Steal 2 Million
Chet Anekwe – Unwanted Guest
Jafta Mamabolo – Otelo Burning
Karabo Lance – 48
Wale Ojo – Phone Swap
Hakeem Kae-Kazim – Man On Ground

AMAA 2012 BEST ACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLE

Rita Dominic – Shattered – Winner
Nse Ikpe Etim – Mr & Mrs
Yvonne Okoro – Single Six
Ama K. Abebrese – Ties That Bind
Uche Jombo – Damage
Millicent Makheido – 48
Kudzai Sevenzo-Nyarai – Playing Warriors

AMAA 2012 BEST DIRECTOR

How To Steal 2 Million – Charlie Vundla – Winner
Adesuwa – Lancelot Oduwa Imaseun
Ties That Bind – Leila Djansi
Rugged Priest – Bob Nyanja
State Of Violence – Khalo Matabane
Man On Ground – Akin Omotoso
Otelo Burning – Sara Bletcher

AMAA 2012 PRIZE FOR BEST FILM

How To Steal 2 Million – South Africa – Winner
State Of Violence – South Africa
Adesuwa – Nigeria
Otelo Burning – South Africa
Rugged Priest – Kenya
Ties That Bind – Ghana
Man On Ground – South Africa / Nigeria

NOLLYWOOD DIVAS AWARDS MAGAZINE ®

divas supple

The maiden edition of the annual NOLLYWOOD DIVAS AWARDS MAGAZINE ® is for the inaugural Nollywood Divas Awards coming up at the 3rd Eko International Film Festival in November 2012. This special edition of the NOLLYWOOD DIVAS AWARDS MAGAZINE ® is for the celebration of the leading ladies of Nollywood, the phenomenal Nigerian film industry in the world. Both the digital and print versions will be circulated and distributed gratis worldwide and exhibited at the forthcoming 65th Cannes International Film Festival as the biggest film festival in the world pays a special memorial tribute to the legendary Hollywood Diva Marilyn Monroe, who has been selected as the “icon” of the festival for its 65th anniversary. We shall use this event to showcase the best of our own Nollywood Divas to the whole world. The NOLLYWOOD DIVAS AWARDS MAGAZINE ® NOT FOR SALE. The voting for the Nollywood Divas Awards will open soon. So, stay tuned to vote for your favourite Nollywood Diva!

Nigerian Films in the Spotlight at New York African Film Festival

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MAAMi
The New York première of Tunde Kelani’s Maami is a must see.

Andy Amadi Okoroafor’s Relentless, Starring Hip-Hop and Soul Singer Nneka, Tunde Kelani’s Maami and Andrew Dosunmu’s Restless City are among the top Nigerian films in the spotlight as the popular New York African Film Festival returns to the Film Society of Lincoln Center from April 11 -17.

The details of the complete highlights are in the following press release.

AFRICAN FILM IS IN THE SPOTLIGHT AS THE NEW YORK AFRICAN FILM FESTIVAL RETURNS TO FILM SOCIETY OF LINCOLN CENTER APRIL 11 To 17

Highlights Include Opening Night Film Mama Africa, Celebrating the Legacy of Miriam Makeba, The Education of Auma Obama, Offering a Window into the African Family and Father of President Obama, and Centerpiece Selection Relentless, Starring Hip-Hop and Soul Singer Nneka.

NEW YORK (March 15, 2012)—Film Society of Lincoln Center (FSLC) and African Film Festival, Inc. (AFF) have again joined forces to present the 19th New York African Film Festival (NYAFF). Presented under the theme “21st Century: The Homecoming,” this year’s festival will explore the modern notion of home and homeland, from the legacy of music legend Miriam Makeba—subject of the Opening Night Film Mama Africa—to Diasporic visions like the New York-set Restless City. The NYAFF will also mark the 100th anniversary of the African National Congress (ANC) and the 50th anniversary of independence for Algeria, Burundi, Jamaica, Rwanda and Uganda, as well as give a unique look into the life of President Obama with the New York premiere of a film on his half-sister, The Education of Auma Obama. The NYAFF will run from April 11 through 17 at Film Society of Lincoln Center, and throughout April and May at The Jerome L. Greene Performance Space, Columbia University’s Institute of African Studies, Maysles Cinema Institute and the Brooklyn Academy of Music’s BAMcinématek.

“This is a continuation of the discussion about the shape of Africa that has taken place since Independence and that is now not being embraced by the younger generation,” said African Film Festival, Inc. Executive Director and Founder Mahen Bonetti. “Though these young people have not in many ways been thrown a lifeline as post-Independent conflict emerged, they have somehow managed, through technology, to craft their own narrative, unconsciously drawing on the past and creating something new and very modern without having disavowed the past.”

Special events and highlights include the Opening Night film Mama Africa by Mika Kaurismäki (Special Jury Recognition—Documentary at the 2012 Pan African Film Festival) on April 11, and the Centerpiece film Relentless by Andy Amadi Okoroafor, starring internationally renowned Nigerian-German hip hop and soul singer Nneka, a U.S. premiere, on Friday, April 13. With the election year in full swing, the NYAFF will present a film that offers a window into the African family of President Barack Obama and insight into his father, with The Education of Auma Obama by Branwen Okpako; the film won the Viewers’ Choice Award at the 2011 Africa International Film Festival and the Festival Founders’ Award at the 2012 Pan African Film Festival. The film noir How to Steal 2 Million by Charlie Vundla, a U.S. premiere, features the top South African actors Rapulana Seiphemo, Terry Pheto and John Kani.

“African cinema was born in the same year as the New York Film Festival—1963—and it’s always been a source of great pleasure and pride for me that for 50 years our programs have provided a vital showcase for the best in African filmmaking,” said Film Society of Lincoln Center Program Director Richard Peña. “We also salute our dear friends and partners at the New York African Film Festival, which for almost twenty years has worked successfully to make African cinema a reality around the United States.”

The popular blog Africa is a Country (africasacountry.com) will present “Africa is a Country: Talking Media and Russian Archives,” a free panel discussion, on Saturday, April 14 from 1:30 pm to 4 pm in the Frieda and Roy Furman Gallery at the Walter Reade Theater. Featured bloggers and special guest will examine the relationship between Africa and the Soviet Union in the 1960s and 1970s, as is evidenced by Russia’s extensive film archive of the continent, and then explore the relationship between film and social media movements on the continent (e.x. Tahrir revolutionary cinema, which documented the Egyptian Revolution in Tahrir Square, and Kony 2012).

“Africans in the Diaspora: Expatriates and the Homecoming,” a free festival preview will take place at The Jerome L. Greene Performance Space on April 5 at 6:00 pm to welcome audiences to the 19th edition of the NYAFF; the event, moderated by renowned journalist Femi Oke, will include a special performance by popular artist-emcee DJ Spooky in which he rescores Father of African Cinema Ousmane Sembene’s Borrom Sorret, filmmaker-scholar Yemane Demissie and music and African cinema critic Beatiz Leal. The festival then kicks off at the Film Society of Lincoln Center’s Walter Reade Theater at 165 W. 65th Street, Plaza Level, from April 11 through 17, then heads to Columbia University’s Institute of African Studies on Thursday, April 19 for a daylong, free public program exploring the themes of the festival. It picks up on May 4 and 5 at the Maysles Cinema Institute in Harlem and culminates over Memorial Day Weekend at the Brooklyn Academy of Music BAMcinématek—part of the dance and music festival DanceAfrica. For details, visit African Film Festival online at www.africanfilmny.org.

The programs of AFF are made possible by the generous support of the National Endowment for the Arts, The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, New York State Council on the Arts, NYC Department of Cultural Affairs, International Organization of La Francophonie, Domenico Paulon Foundation, New York Foundation for the Arts, Divine Chocolate, New York Times Community Affairs Department, The Ford Foundation, Bradley Family Foundation, South African Consulate General, SN Brussels, French Cultural Services, Bloomberg, Lambent Foundation, Columbia University’s Institute of African Studies, WNYC, 57 Main St. Wine Company, South African Airways, Hudson Hotel, Putumayo World Music, Flavorpill, Giant Step and Omnipak Import Enterprises, Inc.

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Press Screening Schedule
Please join us for advance press screenings at the Walter Reade Theater, 165 West 65th St., between Broadway and Amsterdam Avenue.
RSVP to John Wildman, jwildman@filmlinc.com, 212-875-5419.

MONDAY, APRIL 2
10AM Mama Africa (90 mins.)
11:45AM Relentless (92 mins.)
1:30PM The Education of Auma Obama (79 mins.)

TUESDAY, APRIL 3
10AM How to Steal 2 Million (90 mins.)
12PM Outside the Law (138 mins.)
2:45PM Fire in Babylon (80 mins.)

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Film Society of Lincoln Center
John Wildman, (212) 875-5419, jwildman@filmlinc.com
Davis Ninh, (212) 875-5423, dninh@filmlinc.com

For all other venues and general inquiries about The African Film Festival
Cheryl Duncan, (201) 332-8338, cheryl@cherylduncanpr.com
Alimah Boyd, (201) 332-8338, alimah@cherylduncanpr.com

ONLINE PRESS OFFICE:
Press releases and hi-res images may be downloaded from www.filmlinc.com/press

Films—Schedules & Descriptions

Directors and guest speakers will be present during the festival (indicated by an asterisk* before the show time). ALL FILMS IN NON-ENGLISH LANGUAGES WILL BE SUBTITLED IN ENGLISH.


FILM SOCIETY OF LINCOLN CENTER SCREENINGS

ALL SCREENINGS WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE WALTER READE THEATER, 165 WEST 65TH STREET.

OPENING NIGHT SELECTION


Co-presented by Okayafrica

Mama Africa. Mika Kaurismäki, 2011, Finland/South Africa/Germany, HDCAM; 90m
Miriam Makeba was the first African musician to win international stardom, one whose music was always anchored in her traditional South African roots, as was her ceaseless message against racism and poverty. Miriam was forced into a life in exile, after exposing the harsh realities of apartheid. Singing for John F. Kennedy and Marlon Brando, performing with Harry Belafonte, Nina Simone and Dizzie Gillespie, being married to Hugh Masekela and then Stokely Carmichael, her life was a tumultuous one. Miriam stood for truth and justice on behalf of oppressed people, most importantly for Africans. She tragically died after collapsing at a concert in November 2008 in Italy at the age of 76. This documentary traces her life and music through more than fifty years of performing. Apr 11, *7:15p; Apr 13, 1:30p


CENTERPIECE SELECTION

U.S. Premiere

Relentless. Andy Amadi Okoroafor, 2011, Nigeria/France/ Spain/Germany, 35mm; 92m
Obi is a peace-keeping soldier in worn torn Sierra Leone, where he meets Blessing a Sierra Leonean woman. His life is devastated when he finds Blessing mutilated by rebels. His only option is to end her misery. On his return to Lagos, Obi is a man battling with the scars of war. By day he runs a small security company with Ola, his best friend and fellow war veteran; at night he walks the lonely streets of Lagos. A haunting story about loneliness, love and self-discovery set in Africa’s throbbing megacity Lagos, Relentless delicately explores the effects of war and loss. Plus a live dance performance by Khaleah London. Apr 13, *8:00p

U.S. Premiere
Black Africa White Marble. Clemente Bicocchi, 2011, USA/Republic of Congo/Italy; 77m
In the 1880s, there were two paths for Central Africa: Pietro di Brazza’s and Henry
Stanley’s. Italian by birth and French by education, Brazza rejected the racism of his age, using his philosophy of non-violence to penetrate the rainforests of the Congo Basin, sowing trust along the way. Meanwhile, his rival Stanley (in the service of the Belgian King Leopold II) advanced with the roar of the canon. More than a century later, when the current Congo president decides to transfer di Brazza’s remains from his grave in Algiers to a multimillion-dollar mausoleum in Congo’s impoverished capital, writer Idanna Pucci discovers an insidious hidden agenda behind the plan—one that sheds harsh light on both Central Africa’s colonial past and its corrupt present. Told using an innovative mixture of animation, puppetry and original documentary footage, Black Africa White Marble is a gripping, real-life David-and-Goliath thriller. Apr 14, *5:00p; Apr 16, 4:00p


Co-presented by Margaret Mead Film Festival

The Creators. Laura Gamse, 2011, South Africa; 83m
The story begins in the mind of Cashril Plus, a twelve-year-old animator and son of graffiti artist Faith47. Through Cashril’s eyes, we see his mother paint the streets and forgotten townships haloing Cape Town. The Creators then weaves us through the lives of Faith47 and fellow artists Warongx (afro-blues), Emile (hip hop), Sweat.X (glam rap), Blaq Pearl (spoken word) and Mthetho (opera). Born in separate areas of a formerly-segregated South Africa, these artists recraft history–and the impacts of apartheid–in their own artistic languages. Director Laura Gamse’s camera reveals the impulse behind the artists’ social consciousness, their individual eccentricities, and each creator’s unique form of expression. Diving into the current of subversive art which fuels South Africa’s many clashing and merging cultures, The Creators brings into focus the invisible connections among strangers’ disparate lives–and the creative expression used to traverse the divide. The result is an intimate, refreshing and deeply revealing portrait of those remolding the legacy of apartheid.

U.S. Premiere
Stocktown X: South Africa. Teddy Goitom and Benjamin Taft, 2011, Sweden/South Africa/Ethiopia; 30m
An inspiring and surprising adventure that will give you a new perspective of Africa. This film takes us on a road trip across South Africa, capturing the contemporary creative generation of this vivid and pulsating culture. Apr 14, *7:00p

N.Y. Premiere
The Education of Auma Obama. Branwen Okpako, 2011, Kenya/Germany/Nigeria, Digital; 79m
The Education of Auma Obama is a captivating and intimate portrait of U.S. president Barack Obama’s older half-sister, who embodies a post-colonial, feminist identity in her native Kenya. Nigerian-born director Branwen Okpako’s film also documents a generation of politically and socially engaged Africans whose aspirations are informed by their parent’s experiences, and whose ambition to forge a better future for their communities starts from the ground up. Apr 12, *6:00p; Apr 16, 2:00p

Elza. Mariette Monpierre, 2011, Guadeloupe/USA; 80m
Bernadette, a single mother in Paris, tries to provide her daughters with everything. She is thrilled when her eldest daughter, Elza, is the first in the family to graduate from college earning a master’s degree summa cum laude. But Elza breaks her mother’s heart by running away to their native Guadeloupe in search of a distant childhood memory: the father she barely remembers. Apr 12, 4:00p; Apr 15 *6:15p

Co-presented by Cinema Tropical
Fire In Babylon. Stevan Riley, 2010, UK, Digital; 80m
In a turbulent era of apartheid in South Africa, race riots in England and civil unrest in the Caribbean, the West Indian cricketers, led by the enigmatic Viv Richards, struck a defiant blow at the forces of white prejudice worldwide. Fire in Babylon is the breathtaking story of how the West Indies triumphed over its colonial masters through the achievements of one of the most gifted teams in sporting history. Their undisputed skill, combined with a fearless spirit, allowed them to dominate the genteel game at the highest level, replaying it on their own terms. This remarkable documentary is their story, told in their own words. Apr 15, 8:30p


U.S. Premiere

How to Steal 2 Million. Charlie Vundla, 2011, South Africa, Digital; 90m
Five long years…that’s how long Jack spent in prison after getting pinched for robbery. His partner in crime and best friend, Twala, never got caught and Jack never talked. But Twala proved as treacherous as Jack is honourable by marrying Jack’s former fiancée during his prison term. Upon being released, Jack decides to go straight. He wants to start a construction business, but after being rejected for a loan he must find a new source of capital. An opportunity presents itself when Twala suggests they do a home invasion with a take worth two million South African Rand. The intended victim: Twala’s father, Julius. In his search for a third partner Jack comes across the tough, but sexy Olive. When the robbery goes wrong, secret double crosses are revealed and the tension builds towards an explosive, surprising finale in this dark and stylish modern-day film noir. Apr 12, *8:15p
In Darkest Hollywood: Cinema & Apartheid. Peter Davis and Daniel Riesenfeld, 1994, USA/South Africa/Canada; 112m.

Using a wealth of archival footage and commentary by filmmakers and actors, including a young John Kani and Miriam Makeba, this two-part film examines the role of cinema in both supporting and attacking Apartheid, focusing on the impact of Hollywood films in South Africa, the depiction of South Africa in Hollywood films, and finally, the emergence of an indigenous film industry in South Africa. It also questions Hollywood’s commitment to racial stereotypes and reluctance to depict black heroes.
Apr 11, 3:30p; Apr 16, *6:00p

N.Y. Premiere
Maami. Tunde Kelani, 2010, Nigeria; 78m
Maami, and her young son Kashimawo are desperately poor. Gifted with a loving heart, enterprising spirit and brave soul, she is the center of her son’s world. Yet he longs for the father he has never known, a man with a terrible secret. Adapted by Tunde Babalola, from Femi Osofisan’s novel of the same name, this Nollywood film about love, perseverance and fate unfolds through Kashimawo’s reminiscences of his hardscrabble childhood in the southern Nigerian town, Abeokuta, and his ascent to international football fame during the 2010 World Cup. Apr 16, *8:45p

U.S. Premiere
Monica Wangu Wamwere: Unbroken Spirit. Jane Munene, 2011, Kenya; 71m
Unbroken Spirit recounts the indefatigable efforts of Monica Wangu Wamwere (a.k.a. Mama Koigi), mother of Kenyan human rights activist and political prisoner Koigi wa Wamwere. She participated (along with Noble Laureate Wangari Maathai) in the 1992 Mothers’ Hunger Strike to release political prisoners and is a member of the Release Political Prisoners pressure group. Director Jane Munene’s rousing and deeply moving portrait introduces us to a largely an unknown African woman who is truly a remarkable spirit! Apr 12, 2:15p; Apr 15, *2:00p

Co-presented by 3rd I NY
Outside the Law/Hors la loi. Rachid Bouchareb, 2010, Algeria/France, 35mm; 138m
From acclaimed writer-director Rachid Bouchareb (Indigenes) comes this epic story–a 2011 Oscar nominee for Best Foreign Language Film–of three brothers who fight for Algeria’s independence from France following World War II. After losing their family home in Algeria, three brothers and their mother are scattered across the globe. Messaoud joins the French army fighting in Indochina, Abdelkader becomes a leader of the Algerian independence movement in France, and Saïd moves to Paris to make his fortune in the shady clubs and boxing halls of Pigalle. Gradually, their interconnecting destinies reunite them in the French capital, where freedom is a battle to be fought and won. Apr 17, *8:30p

U.S. Premiere
Playing Warriors. Rumbi Katedza, 2011, Zimbabwe; 78m
When twenty-something advertising executive Nyarai finds out that her best friend Nonto is getting married, she and her lawyer friend Maxi are sent into a frenzy thinking that their time to find “Mr. Right” may be running out. Determined to marry for love–despite the insistence of her meddlesome mother that she hurry up and settle down–Nyarai sets out to find a modern man as strong and dependable as the mythical traditional warrior. Reminiscent of a Zimbabwean Sex and the City, director Rumbi Katedza’s delightful debut feature is a smart and insightful comedy about the struggle of young African women to balance modern lifestyles with the pressures of family and tradition. Apr 15, *4:00p

U.S. Premiere

Relentless. Andy Amadi Okoroafor, 2011, Nigeria/France/ Spain/Germany, 35mm; 92m

Obi is a peace-keeping soldier in worn torn Sierra Leone, where he meets Blessing a Sierra Leonean woman. His life is devastated when he finds Blessing mutilated by rebels. His only option is to end her misery. On his return to Lagos, Obi is a man battling with the scars of war. By day he runs a small security company with Ola, his best friend and fellow war veteran; at night he walks the lonely streets of Lagos. A haunting story about loneliness, love and self-discovery set in Africa’s throbbing megacity Lagos, Relentless delicately explores the effects of war and loss. Plus a live dance performance by Khaleah London. Apr 13, *8:00p

Co-presented by Okayafrica

Restless City

Restless City. Andrew Dosunmu, 2011, USA/Nigeria, HDCAM; 80m

Direct from its acclaimed premiere at this year’s Sundance Film Festival, director Andrew Dosunmu’s kinetic, gorgeously photographed debut feature tells the story of an Africa immigrant surviving on the fringes of New York City where music is his passion, life is a hustle, and falling in love is his greatest risk. Djibril is a young African immigrant who’s life can only go upward. He wants to be a pop star and one day return to Africa where his mother and father toil for a meager living. By day he sells merchandise on Canal Street for a small income, but he continuously seeks a way to succeed as a singer. When Djibril meets Trini, a prostitute under the control of Bekay, the local loan shark, his life assumes new purpose and momentum; however, whether Djibril and Trini can outrun Bekay’s nefarious influence is another story. Apr 14, *9:30p


U.S. Premiere

Sderot, Last Exit. Osvalde Lewat, 2011, Cameroon/Israel; 80m
Co-presented by Human Rights Watch Film Festival
Located 2 km from the Gaza border, the film school of Sderot in the south of Israel is a microcosm of the geo-political landscape, where daily life between Jews, Muslims, Christians, Palestinians, Israelis, left-wing radicals and ultranationalists is far from tranquil. Director Osvalde Lewat offers a fascinating glimpse of a film school where the issue of training is not only artistic, but clearly political and ideological.

N.Y. Premiere
Farewell Exile/Salam Ghourba. Lamia Alami, 2011, Morocco; 15m
In an underprivileged Moroccan neighborhood surrounded by misery, Fatima anxiously waits to join her husband, who emigrated to France over a year ago. Will a letter from her husband secure a brighter future, allowing her to take her son away from this harmful environment? Or will she have to make a crucial sacrifice?

U.S. Premiere
Up Your Black Arse. Aurélien Bodineaux, 2011, Belgium/DRC; 12m
In a Brussels retirement home, two men–one Belgian, one Congolese–drink to their long-lasting friendship. They argue over an old story. It’s one of broken dreams and wasted lives. Up Your Black Arse stares into the colonial past, to look into our present.
Apr 13, 3:30p; Apr 17, *6:00p

World Premiere
Treasures From the Russian State Archives. (Total Running Time: 70 mins. approx.)
Don’t miss this extraordinary selection of newsreels and other rare documentary material discovered in the vault’s of Russia’s national film archives. Topics include Johannesburg in 1954, the funeral of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., South African surgeon Christian Bernard, opposition to apartheid in Johannesburg in 1976, and the liberation of Algeria. The program will also include a trailer of a new film that examines Russian-African relations, based on material from this vast archive. Presented by Russian filmmaker Alexander Markov. Apr 11, 2:00p; Apr 13, *6:00p


FOR ALL OTHER VENUES

Visit www.africanfilmny.org for updates.

Ticket Information

Ticket Prices
$13 General Public, $9 Students & Seniors, $8 Film Society Members

4 Film Package!
See 4 films for the price of 3
$9.75 General Public, $6.75 Students & Seniors, $6.00 Film Society Members
Please note: Minimum purchase of four tickets required for discount to apply. Discount does not apply to the 7:15pm Opening Night screening of Mama Africa on Wednesday, April 11 & the 8pm Centerpiece screening of Relentless on Friday, April 13.

Purchase Options
Online: FilmLinc.com
In Person: Film Society box offices

Film Society of Lincoln Center

Walter Reade Theater, 165 West 65th Street (north side) between Broadway & Amsterdam, on the upper level (212-875-5601). Box Office Hours: Mon.–Fri. opens at 12:30pm, Sat./Sun. opens 1/2 hour before first public screening. Closes 15 minutes after last public screening or at 6pm when there are no public screenings.

Elinor Bunin Munroe Film Center, 144 West 65th Street (south side) between Broadway & Amsterdam. Box Office Hours: Opens 1/2 hr before first public screening. Closes 15 minutes after last public screening or at 6pm when there are no public screenings.

Opening Night & Centerpiece Receptions

Please email AFF at nyaff@erols.com or call 212 352 1720 for information about the Opening Night and Centerpiece receptions. Tickets to the receptions include the film screenings.


FILM SOCIETY OF LINCOLN CENTER
Under the leadership of Rose Kuo, Execu
tive Director, and Richard Peña, Program Director, the Film Society of Lincoln Center offers the best in international, classic and cutting-edge independent cinema. The Film Society presents two film festivals that attract global attention: the New York Film Festival, currently planning its 50th edition, and New Directors/New Films which, since its founding in 1972, has been produced in collaboration with MoMA. The Film Society also publishes the award-winning Film Comment Magazine, and for over three decades has given an annual award—now named “The Chaplin Award”—to a major figure in world cinema. Past recipients of this award include Charlie Chaplin, Alfred Hitchcock, Martin Scorsese, Meryl Streep, and Tom Hanks. The Film Society presents a year-round calendar of programming, panels, lectures, educational programs and specialty film releases at its Walter Reade Theater and the new state-of-the-art Elinor Bunin Munroe Film Center. The Film Society receives generous, year-round support from Royal Bank of Canada, American Airlines, The New York Times, Stella Artois, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the New York State Council on the Arts. For more information, visit www.filmlinc.com.

AFRICAN FILM FESTIVAL, INC.
For more than two decades, African Film Festival, Inc. (AFF) has bridged the divide between post-colonial Africa and the American public through the powerful medium of film and video. AFF’s unique place in the international arts community is distinguished not only by leadership in festival management, but also by a comprehensive approach to the advocacy of African film and culture. AFF established the New York African Film Festival (NYAFF) in 1993 with Film Society of Lincoln Center. The New York African Film Festival is presented annually at the Walter Reade Theater by African Film Festival, Inc. and Film Society of Lincoln Center, in association with Brooklyn Academy of Music. AFF also produces a series of local, national and international programs throughout the year. More information about AFF is found on the Web at www.africanfilmny.org.

I-Represent International Documentary Film Festival Holds 22nd-25th March 2012

iREP 2012 OFFICIAL POSTER

PRESS RELEASE

I-Represent International Documentary Film Festival Holds 22nd-25th March 2012 at Terra Kulture & Freedom Park, Lagos

The highly acclaimed I-Represent International Documentary Film Festival which debuted last year holds its second edition from Thursday 22nd to Sunday 25th of March 2012, at Terra-Culture, Lagos, and Freedom Park Broad Street, Lagos Nigeria. It will feature screenings and discussions at Terra Kulture each day from 10am-5pm Thursday-Saturday and screenings at Freedom Park’s outdoor theatre from 7pm-11pm Thursday-Saturday and from 10am-10pm on Sunday at Freedom Park Only.

The festival is conceptualized on the framework: AFRICA IN SELF CONVERSATION, and it would explore the theme: DEMOCRACY AND CULTURE – THE DOCUMENTARY FILM INTERVENTION.

iREP 2012 OFFICIAL POSTER1

As would be deduced from the unprecedented and sporadic people’s mass action that attended the January 1, 2012 removal of fuel subsidy by the Federal Government, a new sense of participation in governance is evolving on the African continent. It is thus increasingly becoming important to explore opportunities open to African filmmakers to bring better understanding and approaches to participatory democracy as a part of African political culture through the medium of documentary films.

The scope of the Festival would cover such areas as Democracy and Demonstrations, New media technology and participatory democracy, and The potentials of the Nigerian films to explore and exploit the documentary format in its production values.

A key subtheme in the 2012 iREP Documentary Film Festival is: IS NOLLYWOOD DOCUMENTARY? This will feature a conversation among filmmakers and their publics on the potentials of Nollywood films to embrace the Documentary ethics in its operation and outputs. A key area of discourse would be the need to explore the production and distribution potentials and schemes of Nollywood towards achieving documentary objectives.

We have the pleasure of Professor Jean Paul Colleyn (Director of Institute of African Studies, Paris) to deliver the Keynote Speech at the Festival opening ceremony on Thursday at 10am. Jean Paul-Colleyn is an Anthropologist, Filmmaker and Professor at the Ecole des Hautes Etudes en Sciences Sociales in Paris, France as well as Director of the Centre fod African Studies (Institute of African Studies). He has conducted extensive fieldwork research in West Africa; and currently engaged in a research project in Mali. He was a producer at Arte TV channel (1988-98); visting professor at New York University (1998-2001); Commissioned Editor of the series ‘The Art of the Myth’ (Arte, 2009-2010); Director of over 30 Documentary films and author of over 14 books and many scholarly essays on documentary films, Art and African Studies and Culture.

Also speaking at the Festival are luminaries with vast knowledge and relevant experience in filmmaking and the media. They include the Chairman of CHANNELS Television Mr. John Momoh, a veteran documentarist and award-winning journalist, Mr. EmekaMba, Director-General of the National Film and Video Censors Board and a reknowned authority on New Media channels for content management and distribution. The festival is holding this year in partnership with Goethe Institute and it will feature a host of International Filmmakers who are presenting films and conducting Training Workshops. Notable amongst them includeNigerian/German Filmmaker BranwenOkpakowho will be screening her internationally acclaimed film “The Re-education of Obama.” and other international filmmakers attending the festival include German Director Jens Wenkel, Kathrin Springer (Producer) Ulla Wessler (DokFEst Munich) and BärbelMauch (producer).

An important feature of this festival is a PRODUCERS’ ROUNDTABLE CONFERENCE featuring conversation on Strategies For International Co-Productionto be attended by Documentary filmmakers from Cameroon, Germany, Ghana and Nigeria. It will be Moderated by Ms. Katarina Hedren a key promoter of the Documentary Network Africa Initiative. Ms. Hendren is the former chair of the Swedish based film festival, CinemAfrica, and she works as a translator/interpreter, as well as discussion and workshop moderator/facilitator/designer, film programmer, film critic, and writer with South African producers and directors as well as organisations such as Tri-Continental Film Festival, People to People Conference, Encounters International Documentary Festival, The Goethe-Institut and FESPACO. She is the coordinator of the Mokolo project – an initiative that aims to create a virtual platform for web content relating to African audiovisual industries, thus improving the accessibility and visibility of African audiovisual content and professionals.

The Training Workshop of the festival which last year was attended by over 100 young Nigerian Filmmakers will be holding once again at the Freedom Park Venue on Friday and Saturday and it will feature Facilitators such as BarbelMauch from Germany, Veteran documentaristAlhajiArulogun, Filmmaker Tam Fiofori, and Festival Executive Director Femi Odugbemi

The festival will be screening over 20 films at both Terra Kulture during the day and from 7pm-11pm at Freedom Park each night. Notable films on the schedule include “LAGOS: Notes of a City” by Jens Wenkel, “Linking Africa” by Michael Grotenhoff, “RedHot Nigeria” by Sandra Obiago, “Espoir Voyage” by Michel Zongo, “And the Chain was Not” by Femi Odugbemi, “An African Election” by JarrethMerz, “DuniyaJuyijuyi” by AbdullahiYahayaSa’ad and “The Guantanamo Trap” by Thomas Wallner.

ABOUT iREP FESTIVAL

i-Represent International Documentary Film Festival is an annual film festival dedicated to promoting awareness about the power of documentary films to serve as a means of deepening and sharing social and cultural education as well as encouraging participatory democracy in our societies. The maiden edition held in January 2011, in Lagos, Nigeria, brought together a pool of veteran filmmakers, film scholars, critics, Arts enthusiasts, and students from different parts of the World.

We believe strongly that the 2012 Festival would provide completely invaluable opportunities for all participants to appraise cogent issues that are germane to the future of filmmaking in Africa, and indeed, the World. Activities at the conference have been carefully designed to cover a wide spectrum of knowledge areas and interest, and would include Paper presentations, Training and Workshops, Interactive panel discussions, film screenings, and Networking.
We look forward to the pleasure of having your presence at the festival
Thank you.

More Details at
www.irepfilmfestival.com

SIGNED:
Femi Odugbemi
Executive Director
For IREP FILM FORUM
9TH MARCH 2012.

The Artist Wins Best Picture and Four Other Oscars

The Artist
Jean Dujardin wins Best Actor for THE ARTIST.

The night of the Oscars belonged to The Artist as the French Black and White film won the most coveted Oscars at the 84th Academy Awards, for Best Picture, Best Director, Actor in a Leading Role, Original Score and for Costume Design as well.

As the era of silent films draws to a close, two actors find their careers and their relationship influenced by the coming of talking pictures. While popular screen star George Valentin resists the transition to sound, young Peppy Miller embodies a modern age that is leaving Valentin behind.

Directed by Michel Hazanavicius
Produced by Thomas Langmann
Written by Michel Hazanavicius
Starring
* Jean Dujardin
* Bérénice Bejo

Music by Ludovic Bource
Cinematography Guillaume Schiffman
Editing by
* Anne-Sophie Bion
* Michel Hazanavicius
Studio
* La Petite Reine
* ARP Sélection

Thomas Langmann: I want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart. To you members of the Academy, to you Harvey, not only because we received tonight the award that any filmmaker would ever dream to receive, but because you’re offering me tonight the opportunity to pay tribute to a member of this Academy that I miss so much, the Oscar winner Claude Berri. And he directed movies like “The Two of Us,” “Jean de Florette” and produced and worked with directors such as Francis Ford Coppola, Milos Forman, Pedro Almodovar, Roman Polanski. And I always thought and remember, will I ever one day be able to work with such director? Director that could stand in front of these example. And tonight I know I do because I am the producer of Michel Hazanavicius. And I am glad to be his producer.

Michel Hazanavicius: Okay thank you. I’d like to say very, very important things. I want to say hi to my kids and it’s six in the morning in Paris so you should go to bed in thirty seconds. I want to say to my wife, Bérénice Bejo, who’s here that I love you, but it’s not just that, it’s about the movie. You inspired the movie and you’re the soul of the movie and the positive feeling of the movie. Thank you for being this in the movie and in my life. And I want to thank three person: I want to thank Billy Wilder. I want to thank Billy Wilder. And I want to thank Billy Wilder. Thank you very much.

The Iranian film A Separation by Asghar Farhadi won the Oscar for the best Foreign Language Film.

A Separation

When an Iranian couple separate prior to their divorce, a chain of events is set in motion that will affect the future of two families. After his wife’s departure, Nadar hires a woman named Razieh to care for his elderly father, but complications in Razieh’s own life give rise to an escalating series of problems.

List of the 84th Annual Academy Award winners announced Sunday:

1. Best Picture: “The Artist.”
2. Actor: Jean Dujardin, “The Artist.”
3. Actress: Meryl Streep, “The Iron Lady.”
4. Supporting Actor: Christopher Plummer, “Beginners.”
5. Supporting Actress: Octavia Spencer, “The Help.”
6. Directing: Michel Hazanavicius, “The Artist.”
7. Foreign Language Film: “A Separation,” Iran.
8. Adapted Screenplay: Alexander Payne, Nat Faxon and Jim Rash, “The Descendants.”
9. Original Screenplay: Woody Allen, “Midnight in Paris.”
10. Animated Feature Film: “Rango.”
11. Art Direction: “Hugo.”
12. Cinematography: “Hugo.”
13. Sound Mixing: “Hugo.”
14. Sound Editing: “Hugo.”
15. Original Score: “The Artist.”
16. Original Song: “Man or Muppet” from “The Muppets.”
17. Costume Design: “The Artist.”
18. Documentary Feature: “Undefeated.”
19. Documentary Short: “Saving Face.”
20. Film Editing: “The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo.”
21. Makeup: “The Iron Lady.”
22. Animated Short Film: “The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore.”
23. Live Action Short Film: “The Shore.”
24. Visual Effects: “Hugo.”
——
Oscar winners previously presented this season:
Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award: Oprah Winfrey.
Honorary Award: James Earl Jones.
Honorary Award: Dick Smith.
Gordon E. Sawyer Award: Douglas Trumbull.
Award of Merit: ARRI cameras.

Winners List compiled by FOX News.