The Dutch Film Festival not only kicked off tonight with the slavery drama How expensive was the sugar, but also with the presentation of the first awards. Janina Pigaht received the Filmprijs van de Stad Utrecht, the award for best debut, for her documentary Diaries of an elephant. In it, Pigaht goes in search of SS past of her loving German grandfather and tries to break the great silence about it in her family.
Diaries of an elephant is a beautiful and carefully crafted personal document that was televised earlier this year. The judges' praise ('courage', 'thorough research', 'nuances') is certainly justified. Doesn't take away from the fact that it is a solid and meticulous rather than an exciting or surprising production. In fact, the same could be said about the other two nominated titles - also documentaries. Eye-catching debut films like Die Welt by Alex Pitstra or the impressive and already critically acclaimed documentary Soldier on the Roof by Esther Hertog apparently escaped the jury's attention.
Film publicist Monique van Schendelen was awarded the Golden Calf for the 2013 Culture Prize, but that was announced earlier. It is an award for special merit for Dutch film culture. For 27 years, Van Schendelen has dedicated herself to the promotion of films and film activities. A familiar and reliable face in a world where much is in flux. She will undoubtedly be missed when she steps down in December.
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