Press release from Mehrzad Mumtahan
Winners of the 2010 HIFF were announced last Saturday night by the jury with Xavi Sala from Spain winning Best Film and Audience Choice awards for "Hiyab (Hijab)".
The judges described the film as "an even-handed piece and cool dialogue. The film built on a modern theme and delivered a knockout message of hypocrisy and discrimination with sophistication”.
The award for Most Original Concept went to “Living on the Banks of the Mimosa” a documentary by Wadja Wadja HS year 9 indigenous students from QLD, produced by Shirley Perkins and Mojgan Khadem. “This film speaks directly to the heart, with honesty, integrity and purpose” the judges commented. “It has a direct message to the elders to improve the community, it transcended the genre itself”.
The Achievement award went to “Can you imagine…” a film by Lithgow High School film students. The jury described this film as” profoundly moving with a message that speaks to all Australians and generations”.
“We have had a successful festival and an exciting line up of films on reconciliation” said festival Director Mehrzad Mumtahan. “It’s been a great mix of award-winning international entries and films from emerging local filmmakers, some of them still in their teens whom we’ve been happy to promote” he added.