The 11th Annual Stockholm International Film Festival, which began on [ November 9th ] and finished up on [ November 19th, 2000 ] began its roll-call of winners by announcing that “Cloud Cover” was the official champion of the Festival’s newly-inaugurated, online iFestival. Now, the Fest-proper is celebrating the Class of 2000’s newest winners.
The very heavy Bronze Horse award for Best Film went to “Ali Zaoua” by Moroccan filmmaker Nabil Ayouch. “Ali,” which marks director Ayouch’s second feature film achievement, is the story of a young orphan boy and his friends. When a death results after a brutal street gang brawl, the children band together to give one of their own a proper funeral. Far from being morbid, “Ali Zaoua” is both funny and sad without preachiness.
And this year’s indie darling “Billy Elliot” pirouetted home with three fat awards, including Best First Feature and the E! Audience Award. The story centers on an 11-year-olds newfound love of ballet over boxing, and the secret he must hide from disapproving friends and family.
For more from Stockholm, including future events and updates, see the [ Stockholm Festival website. ]
