Subtle and playful Ernest et Célestine big winner of Cinekid

It is rare for the same film to receive both jury and (children's) audience awards at the Cinekid festival. But about the subtle and sparkling French animated film Ernest et Célestine everyone agreed this time. This story based on picture books by Belgian illustrator Gabrielle Vincent, who died in 2000, won a double award, making it this year's big winner. Ernest and Célestine are a bear and a mouse who have to find that their friendship is poorly understood in the bear and mouse world.

Nice also that Ernest et Célestine is for younger children, because films that exactly match that age and simultaneously steal the hearts of adults through their quality, humour and originality are not too common. This charming production by the director trio Stéphane Aubier, Vincent Patar and Benjamin Renner, who had already caught the eye with this at Cannes, has it all. The first two animation makers had previously attracted attention with Panique au village, an absurdist stop-motion film in a completely different style. That they now manage to surprise again in a completely different way demonstrates the scope of their talent.

The MovieSquad prize, awarded by a jury of 12- to 14-year-olds, went to Milo, an English-language, Dutch-Irish production about a boy who escapes his father's stifling protection to learn who he really is with a criminal couple. The award is a nice boost for the duo debuting with this Berend and Roel Boorsma.

Ernest et Célestine comes to Dutch cinemas on 13 December. Milo will be released as early as 8 November.

The jury prize at the Dutch competition went to Brammetje Baas By Anna van der Heide. A safe choice. Brammetje is a heart-warming, clever and also very busy little boy who has difficulty getting along with his strict master.

Remarkably, the gripping and frequently awarded elsewhere Chewboy was passed here. The other nominees were Mees Kees and Tony 10.

Among Dutch films, the audience award went to Mees Kees, a moving film that also happens to be largely set in a primary school.

Leo Bankersen