By Ogova Ondego
Published November 2, 2015
A documentary film director from Rwanda has won an international humanitarian award.
Eric Kabera shall be presented with the inaugural International Family Film Festival (IFFF)’s Humanitarian Award for his film, INTORE which, the 20th annual edition of the festival says ‘offers a powerful and rare look at how Rwanda survived its tragic past by regaining its identity through music, dance and the resilience of a new generation’ and describes it as ‘a story of triumph, survival, hope and a lesson in how to forgive and live; work has given the Rwandan culture a new dimension of identity and celebration’.
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Receiving the Friz Award for Excellence in Animation, an award that IFFF says ‘honours a career animation talent of the highest calibre and reputation in the Animation/CGI-SFX medium of the entertainment industry’ is Floyd Norman.
IFFF says the Friz Award is given ‘in memory of the famed Friz Freleng, the father of Warner Bros. animation and the man responsible for creating such iconic animated characters as Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Porky Pig and the rest of the Warner Bros. Looney Tunes gang’.
Previous recipients of the award include JG Quintel, Bill Farmer, Phil Roman, Charles M. Schulz, Chuck Jones, Joseph Barbera and Friz Freleng.
IFFF, which takes place November 6-8, 2015 at Raleigh Studios in Hollywood, California, USA and specialises in family-oriented stories, is set to screen more than 100 films from 17 countries and feature 31 screenplays competing for prizes in eight categories.
‘All films and screenplays’, IFFF says, ‘compete, celebrate and honour the importance of family values through the stories they tell’.
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IFFF, an initiative that not only “celebrates the belief that family stories are more powerful, insightful and entertaining than ever†but also “champions the spirit and talents of indie, studio and international inspired productions,†says it recognises outstanding achievement in Film & Screenwriting in Feature, Short and Student categories.
Chris Shoemaker, IFFF Director, says: “In creating this festival, we wanted to highlight and acknowledge the triumph of families and those who comprise families everywhere, to tell their stories as well as encourage and nurture current and future filmmakers. It’s an all-encompassing festival, commemorating the world of cinema and those who create it.”
Besides the awards and films, IFFF shall also host panel discussions and complementary events.
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