[Press Release by Melodrama Pictures]
The Funk, written and directed by Cris Jones and produced by Melanie Coombs has picked up the major prize – International Jury Award – at Short Cuts Cologne overnight. Short Cuts Cologne is one of Europe’s most prestigious short film competitions and the first prize comes with 1500 euros!
The Jury of the festival commented “Stylistically between avant-garde and postmodern, this film impresses with its compelling technique. An innovative composition of stills, sound and music create a dynamic film that deals with the fears and isolation of life in a fast-paced world.”
Writer/Director Cris Jones thanked the festival for the award: “ ‘The Funk’ was truly a labour of love, taking over a year to make, and it is very exciting to be able to share the film with audiences in Cologne. I’d like to thank everyone involved in bringing ‘The Funk’ to life, the cast and crew, my wonderful producer Melanie Coombs and her team at Melodrama Pictures, my incredibly supportive family, and Screen Australia who helped fund the project. Most of all, my biggest thanks to the team at Short Cuts Cologne for including our film as part of their wonderful festival. “
Producer Melanie Coombs is also delighted. “Cris is a great talent and it’s wonderful that The Funk, while made on the smell of an oily rag, has be recognised at this great European shorts festival!”
To date The Funk has screened at
St Kilda Film Festival, Australia (2008) where it won the SBS Broadcast prize*
Sydney Film Festival, Australia (2008)
Melbourne International Film Festival, Australia (2008)
Brisbane International Film Festival, Australia (2008) voted 3rd favourite short film
Encounters Film Festival, UK (2008)
Uppsala Film Festival, Sweden (2008)
St Louis International Film Festival, USA (2008)
Interfilm Berlin, Germany (2008)
Raindance Film Festival, UK (2008)
Short cuts Cologne, Germany (2008) winner of the International Jury Prize of 1500 euros.
Zinebi, Bilbao, Spain (2008)
Taipei Golden Horse International Film Festival, Taiwan (2008)
In the Bin, Australia (2008)
The film is represented for international sales by Sophie-Luise Werner Interfilm Berlin Distribution
www.interfilm.de
The Funk will screen on SBS Television, mid 2009