Latest news with #ShortFilmPalmed'Or
The Citizen
15-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Short film about tow-truck drivers ‘Vultures' shines at Cannes Film Festival
A local short film, 'Vultures', has soared to international acclaim, earning a nomination for the Short Film Palme d'Or at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival. Written and directed by Dian Weys, a research fellow at the University of the Free State, the gripping tale has captivated audiences and judges alike with its powerful storytelling, stellar performances, and striking cinematography. A unique insight into the world of tow-truck drivers Speaking about the inspiration behind the film, Weys told Bloemfontein Courant: 'I am interested in stories that take place after violence and thus focus on how individuals respond in the situation.' His unique take on the world of tow-truck driving, and what happens right after a car accident, provided a gritty, grounded backdrop to explore human behaviour. The short film format was also a deliberate choice. 'It forces you to be succinct in your writing and economical in your filmmaking approach,' said Weys. The film's narrative centres on themes of self-preservation and the increasingly transactional nature of human relationships, and Weys hopes that it will open viewers' eyes. 'I hope the short film can encourage us to reflect on our responsibilities to others, especially those who are in need of help.' Screenplay six years in the making Being selected for the Official Short Film Competition at Cannes was 'an absolute dream come true' for the director, who said: 'I've always wanted to present a film in Cannes, so to do so with 'Vultures' with the best producers as well as our lead actor by my side was very special.' Creating the film was no small feat for Weys, who describes the writing process as a significant challenge. 'I wrote about twenty-five drafts of this fifteen-page screenplay over a six-year period,' he revealed. Funding proved to be another hurdle, with all local funding applications rejected before French producers Émilie Dubois and Anaïs Bertrand secured support from France's National Centre for Cinema and the Moving Image and ARTE France. Weys' collaboration with his cast and crew was instrumental in bringing 'Vultures' to life and having worked with most of the team on previous projects, including cinematographer Pierre de Villiers and production designer Bathoni Robinson, everyone benefited from a shared creative shorthand. The main roles, played by Edwin van der Walt, Jill Levenberg, Albert Pretorius, and Oscar Petersen, were written specifically for them, with the actors involved in the project for over five years before shooting began. Cannes nomination opens more doors for filmmaker Producer Le Roux Fourie, a long-time collaborator, played a pivotal role, with Vultures marking the first international co-production alongside Dubois and Bertrand. The success of the film has already opened new doors for Weys. The film's recognition at Cannes led to an invitation to apply for the Cannes Focus COPRO' programme, which supports filmmakers developing their first feature film. Weys' feature project, Bergies, was selected for the programme and won a writing residency in Bratislava, providing momentum for his next venture. Read original story on At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Time of India
25-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
German filmmaker Maren Ade appointed as President of Short Film Jury in Cannes Film Festival
German director, screenwriter, Maren Ade , will head as President of the short films and La Cinef Jury at the 78th Cannes Film Festival, reported Variety. The ' Toni Erdmann ' director-producer will be joined by a panel including American director-producer Reinaldo Marcus Green , French multi-hyphenate Camelia Jordana, Spanish industry veteran Jose Maria Prado, and Croatian filmmaker Nebojsa Slijepcevic, reported outlet. According to Variety, the jury will evaluate 11 shorts competing for the Short Film Palme d'Or and 16 student films vying for three La Cinef prizes. This year's Short Film Competition has stemmed from a 4,781 submission, featuring nine fiction and two animated shorts, with five helmed by female directors. The Short Film Palme d'Or will be presented during the festival's closing ceremony on May 24, while La Cinef winners will be announced at a dedicated ceremony in the Bunuel Theatre on May 22, followed by screenings of the winning films, reported Variety. Speaking of the Cannes Film Festival, the filmmaker Payal Kapadia was honoured by the French government in Mumbai earlier this week for her outstanding contributions to the world of film and the cultural ties between France and India, reported Variety. According to the publication, the Mumbai-based director received the prestigious Officier dans l' Ordre des Arts et des Lettres (Officer of the Order of Arts and Letters) award on Wednesday. The Consul General of France presented the award during a ceremony held at the French residence in Mumbai's upscale Peddar Road area. Stay updated with the latest Best Hindi Movies , Best Tamil Movies , Best Telugu Movies , Best english Movies , Best Malayalam Movies
