Strong films give jury tough decisions whilst audiences turn out in record numbers for GLIMMER: The 7th Hull International Short Film Festival.
The inaugural Anthony Minghella Awards for Best International and Best UK Short saw the jury face a difficult decision after attempting to choose the winners in competitions that they felt was of a very high standard. Indeed, the films were so strong that the jury felt compelled to share the Anthony Minghella Award for Best International Short between two films.

In the International Competition, a special mention was given to Romanian documentary Humoresca [Humoresque] (Dir. Diana Delenau) which received its UK Premiere at GLIMMER. The first co-winner of the Anthony Minghella Award for Best International Short Film was Entre Chiens Et Loups [Between Dogs and Wolves] (Dir. Jean-Gabriel Périot, France) a powerful work featuring a young man looking for a job. The second co-winner of the Anthony Minghella Award for Best International Short was Dobro Jutro [Good Morning] (Dir. Marina Radmillac, Crotia) a remarkable movie, shot in one take that also received its UK Premiere at GLIMMER. The prize money of £1000, sponsored by the University of Hull, will be shared equally between the winning films.

In the UK Competition, a special mention was given to Life Of A Pigeon (Dir. Billy Campbell) a work that playfully deconstructs the notion of documentaries. The winner of the Anthony Minghella Award for Best UK Short was given to The Solitary Life of Cranes (Dir. Eva Weber) a beautiful documentary set in London. Weber receives the prize money of £500 as sponsored by the University of Hull.

The jury for the Anthony Minghella Awards were Georg Felix Harsch (Translator / Hamburg International Short Film Festival), Martha Jurksaitis (EXP 24 / Leeds International Film Festival) and Dave Rolinson (Lecturer, University Of Hull)

The jury for the Yorkshire/Hull Competitions also faced difficult choices when they realised the quality of films on offer. In the GLIMMER Award for Best Yorkshire Short, they decided that Hammerhead (Dir. Sam Donovan) and Boy (Dir. Joe Morris) both deserved special mentions for their outstanding stories. The winner of the award was Vigilante (Dir. Darren Bolton), a very powerful mockumentary that provoked a strong reaction amongst the audience. Originally there was no sponsor for this award but, after realising the talent on offer, Hull Film has decided to award the winner £250 in prize money.

The GLIMMER Award for Best Hull Short went to Dark Road (Dir. Neil Watling) an affecting piece about a boy who finds himself all alone in the world. The winners will receive £500 in prize money sponsored by Hull City Council

The jury for the GLIMMER Yorkshire/Hull Awards were Wendy Cook (Manager, Hyde Park Picture House), Maria Pavlou (Yorkshire based Producer) and Will Ramsay (Hull Daily Mail).

Aside from the awards, more than a 1000 people also came to GLIMMER, held mainly at Reel Cinema in the St Stephens Shopping Centre, to enjoy – amongst others – a retrospective of the work of filmmaker John Smith, a dark selection of the work of David Firth, the 2009 BAFTA Nominees and films from Israel. There was also a successful exhibition of Polish Posters at the RED Gallery, Industry Events, a screening of sci-fi and fantasy shorts at The Adelphi Club, a young directors film fair, medium length movies at Sabrini’s café and an opportunity to meet some of the many guests who attended this year’s festival

Glimmer Director Laurence Boyce said:

“The festival was so enjoyable and we’re so proud the audiences turned out in record numbers. We want to thank them, the filmmakers, the Reel Cinema, St Stephens and all our volunteers, juries, venues, friends and sponsors. This festival is a testament to their hard work, support and desire to put on a great event in the city of Hull. Now we just have to start planning for the next one. Dates for GLIMMER2010 will be announced soon and, remember, Hull Film will be showing a selection of great films throughout the year!”

For more information on GLIMMER and Hull Film and to get on the mailing list, email office@hullfilm.co.uk or ring 01482 381512.