Press release from The Lantern Group
Sydney Film Festival is proud to announce The Snowman, directed by Juliet Lamont and produced by Rachel Landers and Dylan Blowen as the winner of the 2010 FOXTEL Australian Documentary Prize. The Snowman is a poignant story about the filmmaker’s search for the truth behind her father’s mental collapse 30 years ago, following a trip to Antarctica.
The cash prize of $10,000, provided by FOXTEL, was awarded at the Festival’s Closing Night on Monday 14 June at the State Theatre.
"From raw youth culture dicing with death on the roads to the fusion of music with spiritual regeneration following political persecution, each film shortlisted for this year's FOXTEL Documentary Prize makes for strong viewing. The Jury has selected The Snowman as the outstanding film in this year's awards not only for the generosity and bravery the director showed by inviting us on her family’s journey to come to terms with losing their father to mental illness, but the exceptional craft which the film employs in its camera work, animation and overall composition. The result is a very moving, memorable and ultimately inspiring film about spirit of endurance in the face of loss", said the jury today.
“FOXTEL is delighted to sponsor this Australian Documentary prize and to have the opportunity to celebrate fine documentary filmmaking as part of the Sydney Film Festival”, said Malcolm Smith, Office of the CEO, FOXTEL.
Sydney Film Festival thanks FOXTEL for their support of this Award and congratulates all the finalists for being selected to screen in the competition.
FOXTEL Australia Documentary Prize jury:
Jim Buchan, Group Channel Manager Crime & Investigation Network, The History Channel, GM Factual Acquisitions; Bentley Dean, director of the inaugural FOXTEL Australian Documentary Prize co-winner Contact; Penny Robins, independent producer/executive producer and Executive Producer at Film Australia.