The Head of the jury Spike Lee announced the winners of the first Babelgum Online Film Festival at a grandiose awards ceremony in Cannes, while the 61st Cannes Film Festival was underway.
“We're talking about a new era in film-making here,” commented Spike Lee. “I've viewed some very strong films in this competition. The Babelgum Online Film Festival has provided the opportunity for young film-makers to put their work in front of a global audience and to get feedback. Feedback is a healthy thing, whether it’s positive or negative. I can testify to that. From my experience you actually see more experimental, interesting stuff online than you do on TV or in theatres."
Bruno Chatelin , co founder of filmfestivals.com commented during the evening to Spike Lee and Babelgum Chairman and Co-Founder Silvio Scaglia "our greatest satisfaction during tonight's ceremony was Ambroise Becchio's statement disclosing that he had found out about the contest from filmfestivals.com's newsletter"
And the winners are…
- The Babelgum Looking For Genius Award: SOTTO IL MIO GIARDINO (UNDER MY GARDEN) by Andrea Lodovichetti (Italy)
- The Babelgum Short Film Award: OFFICER DOWN by Richard Recco (USA)
- The Babelgum Social/Environment Award: WITHOUT WORDS by Brian Deane (Ireland)
- The Babelgum Animation Award: QUIDAM DĒGOMME (A SHEEP ON A ROOF) by Rémy Schaepman (France)
- The Babelgum Documentary Award: GREATER – DEFEATING AIDS by Emanuel Exitu (Italy)
- The Babelgum Music Video Award: MOUTHFACE by Antonin de Bemels (Belgium)
- The Babelgum Spot/Advertising Award: THE POCKET CROSSBORDER by Ambroise Becchio (France)
Aside from their Awards, the winning film-makers were each handed a cheque for €20,000 by Spike Lee.
Congratulations to all the winners!
Check the Video of Spike Lee's Speech
Check out the Full Length Video of the lavish awards ceremony in Cannes, in the midst of the festival.