The Avignon Film Festival (created 1984), also known as the Avignon/New York Film Festival or Rencontres Cinématographiques Franco-Américain d'Avignon, took place every year in
Avignon,
France along with a twin film festival organised in
New York. It was last held in 2008.
History
Avignon Film Festival was created to promote French/American independent cinema through previews, retrospectives and round-tables.
An award ceremony encouraged young film directors to participate in the festival. The purpose was to bring together
independent filmmakers from the
United States,
France and other
European countries. Their mission was to encourage deeper understanding and appreciation for contemporary, thought-provoking
cinema by showcasing the work of innovative filmmakers.
Feature films,
short films and
documentaries were presented in
French,
English and other
European languages. Every French film was
subtitled in English, and
European films in English or French. Film directors, producers and
screenwriters could join the discussions about their work with the public.
In 1993 the
Harvard Film Archive invited the organisation to co-produce the first American edition of Rencontres Cinématographiques franco-américaines d'Avignon. In 1994, the founder, Jérôme Henry Rudes, launched the Avignon/New York Film Festival at the
Angelika Film Center in
Manhattan. The festivals were held in June and November. The term "Avignon Film Festival" was born in 2000 due to the extension of the program to
Europe.
Awards
Le Roger: awarded to the Best Feature film from France, the Best Feature film from the USA, the Best Short film from France and the Best Short film from the USA.
Filming Award: awarded to the three best
feature films (American, French and European).
Best Short - France: Samedi, dimanche et aussi lundi /
Eric Valette
Best Short - USA: City of Thieves / Jason Brandenberg
Separate Star Award: Générique / Xavier de Choudens
Vision Award: The Citizen / Oliver Bokelberg
Honorary Roger:
Vox Lumiere – Metropolis / Kevin Saunders Hayes (For his new score)
2001:
Best Feature - France: Origine contrôlée / Zakia Tahri & Ahmed Bouchaala
Best Feature - USA: How to Kill Your Neighbor's Dog / Michael Kalesniko
Best Short - France: Raconte / Guillaume Malandrin
Best Short - USA: Here / Brendan Donovan
Separate Star Award: Raconte / Guillaume Malandrin
Vision Award: The Photographer / Vanja Cernjul
Honorary Roger:
Jacqueline Bisset(In recognition of her 30-year acting career both in France and America),Vox Lumiere – The Hunchback of Notre Dame: Kevin Saunders Hayes (For his new score)