Attracting entries from around the world, a series of judges sat through many screenings over the last week before making their deliberations and choosing a winner in each of the categories.
A large rise in audiences
Film-maker and director of the Festival, Bruce Webb, told OnTheWight,
“We saw a large rise in audiences this year going to see what are challenging films to get people to watch. The fact a German Romantic Comedy won the feature competition, and an Indian film won the Human Rights Short shows what a truly International and diverse festival the IOWFF is, and with most of the films World Premieres you cannot find this sort of programme on the Isle of Wight.
“We did see a decline in film makers attending the festival this year – and we are not sure why but it’s something we need to look at, as last year we were very busy with film makers attending, which not only helped the local economy, but gave the festival more of a buzz.”
OnTheWight judges
OnTheWight was once again proud to support the Isle of Wight Film Festival by sponsoring the Feature Film category.
Our thanks go to cultural reviewer and columnist, Jonathan Dodd, Chair of the Ventnor Film Society, Janet Fishleigh, and BAFTA-awarded film-maker, Andy Willsmore for all agreeing to take on the role of judges in the Feature Film category of the Festival.
The dedicated judges watched six feature length films over three days, and after balanced deliberation chose German romantic comedy, Three Hours by Boris Kunz as their overall favourite.
And the winners are …
Features weren’t the only films in the competition. Films in three other categories were awarded on Saturday night, with the Environmental shorts being awarded at a later stage.
- Whatever Pictures Best Isle of Wight Short – Kyle Abram – Kempy, Summers Ain’t What They Used To Be
- OnTheWight Best Feature Film – Boris Kunz Three House
- Whatever Pictures Best Drama Short – Jack King – Geezer
- The Amnesty International Best Human Rights Short – Satinder Kaur – The Last Killing
- Special mention for Drama Short – Rolf Heldal – Rift
Image: © Enzo Speight