INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN'S FILM FESTIVAL IN OULU, FINLAND 17.-23.11.2003

The children's jury's decisions:
"The Jury had a really difficult job deciding on the winner. All twelve films in competition were of the same quality.

In the winning film:

'The plot is based on a true story and is also interesting.'
'The story is beautifully and fluently told.'
'Time travel is a difficult topic. However, it was exquisitely carried out.'
'The music of the film appeals to everyone.'
'The scenery created an atmosphere for the film.'


The winner is: An Angel for May directed by Harley Cokeliss

The film that reached the second place is Strong as a Lion, directed by Manne Lindwall.

Film in third place is Hop, directed by Dominique Standaert."

The CIFEJ-jury's decision:

"This year The Oulu Childrens Filmfestival has a very, very good selection of films. The jury enjoyed them all. That made the decision difficult. However, now we do have the winner and we are happy about that.

The special mention goes to Emma and Daniel, directed by Ingela Magner. Emma and Daniel is a film about the greatness of friendship and nature. The director has made a beautiful portrait of how children in grief can react. Ingela Magner does this with passion and involvement.

And now, the winner is a film that has an original story, and good acting. Not only the main actor, but also the supporting roles are done with an outstanding performance. The music and sound design are beautiful, good and cinematic. The film has an optimistic ending, which shows: there is always a hope that good intensions will win. The Cifej Prize goes to the Belgian film: "Hop", directed by Dominique Standaert. Congratulations!"