The 38th Karlovy Vary International film festival concluded with a grand flourish over the weekend, an awards ceremony that saw the handing out of the grand prize, the prestigious Crystal Globe for Best Picture, as well as awards for Best Director, Actress, and more...
This year the Grand Prize went to the Italian-Turkish co-production Facing Window, directed by Turkish filmmaker Ferzan Ozpetek. The tragic-comedy, which stars Giovanna Mezzogiorno, and the late great Massimo Girotti, tells the story of Giovanna, a woman in her late twenties, who lives a stereotypical life of a worn-out marriage, tedious work, two small children to take care of, and few escapes. But, it is when her husband brings home a strange old man, that Giovanna's life begins to change, taking on an air of suspense. She begins to peel away the layers of mystery in the man's life in order to unravel the truth...
Facing Window, Photo: www.iffkv.cz
After winning on Saturday Ferzan Ozpetek stressed that his job was "the most beautiful in the world!" He had every right to be ecstatic: along with taking the grand prize he was also personally awarded for best film direction, while Giovanna Mezzogiorno tied for best actress with Sylvie Testud, from the French film Fear and Trembling. Commenting his work Ozpetek said he "favoured strong heroines, always one step ahead of the men." His film, a step ahead of the competition, left its mark on the final night in Karlovy Vary, and Czechs can look forward to its distribution throughout the country soon.
Finally, the last evening in Karlovy Vary wouldn't be complete without the ever-charming, great US actor Morgan Freeman receiving an outstanding achievement award for his contribution to the world of cinema - the actor known from such films as Shawshank Redemption and Seven, twice nominated for Best Actor at the Academy Awards. Mr Freeman was all smiles Saturday as he accepted the award from festival president Jiri Bartoska. But, it was with dismay that organisers later realised they had forgotten to engrave the actor's name on the award. An unfortunate faux-pas on an otherwise flawless awards ceremony, one which festival organisers now say they will remedy so that Mr Freeman will eventually get a proper award.
For a full list of this year's winners visit the film festival's web site at www.iffkv.cz.
