7^th Meetings with Mountain Film Festival, Zakopane 8^th – 11^th September 2011

The international jury composed of Matthias Fanck, Robin Ashcroft, Luca Bich, Krzysztof Kokoryn and Wojtek Kliczka awarded the following four films and gave a special mention:

Grand Prix of the 7th Meetings with Mountain Film, Zakopane, Poland

180˚ South
by Chris Malloy
USA 2010, ‘85

We felt that this nicely photographed, edited and musically scored film represented a big and great journey involving impressive people who were setting an important example of how to live in a better way. The film raised significant environmental issues, involving not just big issues, but also at a very personal, human level. Both the film and the title of the film was a metaphor –illustrated by actual events and decisions within the journey. Why, we, both –mankind as a whole, but also, and more importantly on an individual level, that when we feel something is wrong we shouldn’t be frightened, in fact we should turn around and take a different course. And if need be, at 180˚ to the direction we had been going.

The goal of the expedition was the ascent of a very beautiful, classically shaped mountain – this had been the dream of one man for over ten years. The strength of his story was that when the objective was within his grasp, he recognised the dangers were so great that he could lose everything. He made the courageous decision, to turn around. That life is more important than obsession – this is something we all need to consider, both for ourselves and the planet. We should not be frightened of making that 180˚ turn if that is the sensible decision.

We saw in the film that this wisdom was passed down, between generation to generation – from the mature to the maturing.

Tatra Mountains Rescue Team’s Award
Cold
directed by Anson Fogel
USA  2011, ’19

It really isn’t that advisable to try to climb Gasherbrum II in winter, but if you decide to, this film will give you a clear idea of what to expect! A pioneering ascent of an 8000 m peak - like this one - is always going to be a challenging and demanding experience, even for the most talented and experienced mountaineers.

This unflinching film, filmed in a ‘RAW’ format and travelling between very recent events on the mountain and the climber’s home – the life he left behind, and may not return to! COLD contrasts what all mountaineers must leave behind when they want to make a dangerous climb. Here we see just how important the art of the editor is, in the filmmaking process, to the production of an outstanding film. Working with film footage, gained in the most demanding circumstances, a great story is realised, a story that shocks, amuses and inspires in equal measure.

Tatra National Park Director’s Award
Flirting with Heights
directed by Jean-Michel Bertrand
France 2010, ’75

Tatra National Park Director’s award goest to Jean Michel Bertnad’s film „Flirting with heights”. It shows a charming story and pictures shot with a lot of passion. We can see beautiful landscapes accompanied by touching music. For a while we could move to the alpine fields to observe chamois playing on the snow and flirting marmots. The most important is that we were able to have a look into the eagle’s nest, which has been fascinating Bertrand since long time ago.

Award of the Mayor of the City of Zakopane
Miage
directed by Edmond Carrère, Pierre Redon
France 2009, ‘53

This film focuses on an issue that affects all mountain areas – and many other landscapes - which attract tourists. It shows us what happens when an alpine community experiences unconsidered development – when major issues affecting the lives of the original communities are placed second to speculation and profit. It considers what will happen when the tourist boom runs its course, and there is nothing left to sustain the community. It reflects on what has been lost and how it could have sustained meaningful lives for many years into the future.

This is an experimental film, combining stark, but very beautiful images with well balanced interviews, with the interviewees placed into limbo. They talk while set on a familiar, homely chair, but they appear to be lost against a simple white background which separates them from their previous lives.

White is a constant theme through this film. The overall effect of the filming is depressing, but engaging; the music is chaotic despite being played on classic and familiar musical instruments. It seeks not to set the story against the usual glamorous portrayal of alpine resorts, but against a depressing and atmospheric view of a mountain, its glacier and its valley.

Throughout the story a figure dressed in white travels to the summit of the Dome du Miage and beyond. This is a powerful representation of better times past – a ghost story about a village.

Jurys’ Special Mention
Sleepless Night / Nuit Blanche
directed by Samuel Tilman
Belgium 2010, ’20

A number of the Judges felt that the voice only portrayal of Arianne was an outstanding performance. Superficially her performance was a very simple one, but it lent great realism and power to this short drama.

Audience Prize went to the film:
 

Trou de Fer / The Iron Hole
directed by Pavol Barabáš
Slovakia 2011, ‘56


Youth Jury award:

Swiss Machine

Directed by Peter Mortimer, Nick Rosen
USA 2010, ’19
 

Prizes

Grand Prix of Meetings with Mountain Film - Great Wooden Mountain that is

a statuette carved by renown Polish artist and 4 000 PLZ for the best film of all.

The following recognitions may be awarded by a specific Jury:

TOPR - Tatra Mountains Rescue Team’s Award, for the best film portraying human being in extreme conditions. The prize is composed of the statuette “Wooden Mountain” and 1 000 PLZ.

Tatra National Park Director’s Award, for the film, which pictures in the best way deep and inseparable relationship of human being with the nature. The prize is composed of the statuette “Wooden Mountain” and 1 000 PLZ.

Award of the Major of City of Zakopane, for the best film which portrays most important

human, cultural or artistic aspects of mountain population. The prize is composed of the statuette

“Wooden mountain” and 1 000 PLZ.

Audience Prize, composed of statuette “Wooden Mountain” and a material award.

Youth Jury Prize, special prize prepared by Youth Jury.

* the financial awards are subject to Polish tax law