A new film showcase in Estoril
by Vitor Pinto
A retrospective on Pedro Almodóvar and a tribute to US director David Lynch will be the main events of the Estoril European Film Festival, whose first edition will be held from November 8-17.
Internationally acclaimed producer Paulo Branco (Alma Films, Paris, and Clap Filmes, Lisbon) is the artistic director of the brand new event, while Oscar winner Bernardo Bertolucci accepted to take on the role of Branco's advisor.
According to the producer's statements in a press conference earlier this week, the festival will feature three awards: the Golden Nau (€30,000), the Silver Nau (€20,000) and a “Special Jury Prize, which will distinguish a director or a cast member".
The six-member selection committee – Nuria Vidal (San Sebastian Film Festival), Ben Gibson (director of the London Film School), Portuguese film critic Rui Pedro Tendinha, Roberto Turigliatto (Turin Film Festival), French film critic Frederic Bonnaud and French author and journalist Guy Braucourt – are already choosing the 14 European titles in competition.
The jury will be composed of personalities from different artistic backgrounds, among them Spanish painter Miguel Barceló, considered by Branco to be "one of the greatest contemporary artists". Other names will be announced soon.
The Estoril European Film Festival also intents to open "spaces for reflection, with showcases and debates on current European film production and its links with distribution, promotion and exhibition".
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