2015 Cinekid for Professionals Award Winners Unveiled

AMSTERDAM: Three prizes for the Cinekid for Professionals Awards were presented to projects selected for the Junior Co-Production Market 2015.

Bo (the Netherlands) received the Eurimages Co-Production Development Award, while Kaytek the Wizard (Poland, the Czech Republic) received the special mention. The Eurimages Co-Production Development Award is granted to the best film project in the Junior Co-Production Market, a two-day integrated market that allows financiers, broadcasters and producers to assess new projects throughout the cross-media, film and television sectors.

Of Bo, the jury stated, “The jury was impressed by the powerful presentation and [producer] Guusje van Deuren’s passion and enthusiasm. She had a clear grasp of her material, which is an original story. The project breaks down stereotypes about teenage girls in society by providing a positive depiction of changing roles, where the brother is dependent on his sister. We like the daring effort to set a love story in a kickboxing ring. With this award, in combination with the universal theme of the story, we would encourage co-production partners to get involved with the project.” 

The jury added, “The special mention goes to a project that uses important historical context to present a daring and very powerful contemporary message. It reminds us of the important values upheld by the great intellectual Koyzak who stood for human rights. We also want to encourage the producer who was incapable of disguising his devotion to the project!”

The Junior Co-Production Market Best Project Award was given to Tell Me More (Italy, the U.K.), and the special mention for that prize went to Mironins (Spain) for its “charm and inventiveness,” according to the jury citation. The Junior Co-Production Market Best Project Award is presented to projects based on their quality, innovation and international potential.

Meanwhile, the Cinekid Power to the Pixel prize was awarded to The Angel in the Clock (Mexico), and the project was automatically selected for the Cinekid Junior Co-Production Market.