Film Festival in Edinburgh Crowned by "Mortician" as It Strikes a Balance Between New Discoveries, Traditional Retrospectives, and Industry Discussions
The Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF) returned this year, showcasing outstanding work from filmmakers and teams, as well as a retrospective lineup of celebrated classics. One such film was "The Wind That Shakes the Barley" by Ken Loach, which was screened separately in the retrospective lineup.
Meanwhile, the Sean Connery Prize for Feature Filmmaking Excellence was awarded to "Mortician," a film shot entirely on an iPhone in Canada. The film's director, Abdolreza Kahani, not only won the prestigious prize but also faced a unique challenge. Kahani had to make the film due to being banned from making films in his own country.
"Mortician" was more than a festival premiere for Kahani and his collaborators. It was a vehicle to speak for silenced artists and women in Iran, a powerful statement that resonated deeply with the audience. The lead actor, Nima Sandar, spoke movingly about Kahani elevating his craft, while co-star Gola, a London-based Iranian singer in exile, linked the film's themes to the real-life suicide of journalist Keyvan Samimi in Tehran.
The Unified Series gathered some of the sector's most influential figures, but the sessions were closed to press. However, industry events at the EIFF included panels, Q&A's, and targeted panels on sectors such as Animation and the Creator Economy.
One such panel featured Ken Loach, Paul Laverty, and Rebecca O'Brien in a conversation about their work. The EIFF also offered late shows for films like Ben Wheatley's "Bulk."
The festival had many world premieres, including "Concessions" and "Blue Film." One out-of-competition title that caught attention was "Sorry, Baby" and "Islands," which had never screened before.
In a poignant moment, Thelma Schoonmaker reflected on the legacy of her late husband Michael Powell at the EIFF. Her reflections were honoured with The Thelma Schoonmaker Prize for Short Filmmaking Excellence, which was awarded to Joanna Vymeris's "Mother Goose."
Finally, the £50,000 ($67,300) prize that came with the Sean Connery Prize may be an entire feature budget for Kahani, providing a significant boost to his career. "Mortician" was also picked up by Visit Films after winning at the EIFF, ensuring that its powerful message reaches a wider audience.
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