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“The show must go on...”

 

       

         All good things must come to an end, and unfortunately the Festival did not make exception to the rule...

 

         The emotion was indeed tangible yesterday evening as I headed for the Théâtre Graslin – one of Nantes’ most famous venues – in order to attend the Closing Ceremony of this 31st edition of the Festival of 3 Continents.

 

         Built in the late 18th century by the local architect Mathurin Crucy, the theatre was dressed in all its finery – which, in my opinion, added to the magic of this very special event (and for the record, it was apparent that the Théâtre Graslin was even better “dressed” than some of the guests...).

 

         In a good-natured atmosphere and after the prerequisite speeches which, as usual, seemed to be endless, the long-awaited list of prize winners was revealed by the international jury made up of professional producers, film-makers or even journalists among whom were to be found Barmak Akram, Bouchra Khalili, Guillaume de Seille, Catherine Ruelle, Paz Fábrega or still Daniel Taye Worku.

 

         Exclusively for you, dear readers, I am proud to announce that the winners of the 2009 edition are:

 

-          Montgolfière d’Or (Golden Montgolfière): Shin Dong-il for Bandhobi (yes!)

-          Montgolfière d’Argent (Silver Montgolfière) and Prix du Jury Jeune (Young Jury Prize): Edwin for Blind Pig Who Wants To Fly (no comment…)

-          Prix du Public (Audience Prize): Yousry Nasrallah for Scheherazade, Tell Me a Story (go women, go!)

 

No real surprise then, apart from maybe the success encountered by Edwin’s first-feature film. Not my cup of tea at all, but it takes all sorts to make a world!

 

As the Festival reaches its finale, the curtain suddenly goes up to reveal a giant screen set up for the show. “Music expresses that which cannot be put into words and cannot remain silent” wrote Victor Hugo – as far as the silent film (presented with a traditional musical accompaniment) is concerned, it really seemed that the same held true…

 

In this 31st edition there was food to eat but there was more especially food for thought…

 

 

Marie-Agnès Lachèze