CANNES, France (A.W.)—French-Armenian filmmaker Serge Avedikian won the Best Short Film prize at the 63rd Cannes Film Festival this week.
- (L-R) Weekly editor Khatchig Mouradian, author Fethiye Cetin, and filmmaker Serge Avedikian in Istanbul on April 24, 2010.
The symbolism in Avedikian’s film, “Chiennes D’Historie” (English title, “Barking Island”), cannot be more powerful. The official synopsis reads: Constantinople 1910. The streets are overrun with stray dogs. The newly established government, influenced by a model of western society, uses European experts to choose a method of eradication before deciding, suddenly and alone, to massively deport the dogs to a deserted island away from the city.
To watch the trailer, click here.
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The awards, chosen by a jury headed by U.S. director Tim Burton, were presented on May 23. They are listed below.
Palme d’Or (Golden Palm): “Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives” by Apichatpong Weerasethakul (Thailand)
Grand Prize: “Of Gods and Men” by Xavier Beauvois (France)
Jury Prize: “A Screaming Man” by Mahamat-Saleh Haroun (Chad)
Best Director: Mathieu Amalric for “On Tour” (France)
Best Actor: Javier Bardem in “Biutiful” (Mexico) and Elio Germano in “La Nostra Vita” (Italy)
Best Actress: Juliette Binoche, “Certified Copy” (Iran)
Best Screenplay: Lee Chang-Dong, “Poetry” (Korea)
Camera d’Or (first-time director): “Ano Bisiesto” by Michael Rowe (Mexico)
Best Short Film: “Chienne d’Histoire” by Serge Avedikian (France)
Bravo Serge. I wonder if the jury knew what they were really watching. I hope so, because that would make the victory so much more meaningful.
Bravo, Mr. Avedikian! I just watched the trailer and found the animated drawings and music very evocative. We Armenians can relate to what these dogs must have experienced in their “deportation.” It is good for us to tell our story and advance our cause from many different angles. I assume this was your intent. I am looking forward to seeing the film.
Congratulations Mr. Avedikian.. Thank you so much for presenting the work of art and expressing a strong message through your film.. I hope the judges understood what they were watching..just like Arpi said..
Looking forward to more of your films…
Bravo…
Gayane
Hayirsiz Ada. That is what many of us Istanbullians above a certain age called the island mentioned here. Street dogs of Istanbul had attaracted the attention of various Westerneres visiting more than a century ago. Tehcir analogy is very meaningful.
What was your analogy of the film Murat..
I am curious to know….because i don’t know how to take your comment…
THank you
Gayane