2003 Edition
Organized by: Roman Museum of Nyon
Manager: Mr Christophe Goumand
Prize list
FESTIVAL GRAND PRIZE
"Sagalassos, the forgotten cityBelgium, 52', directed by Philippe Axell
This film presents a magnificent overall picture of archaeology, accessible to all, and in which every discipline can find its place. It highlights the multi-disciplinary nature of archaeology, clearly outlining its objectives, from discovery to interpretation to reconstruction, and focusing on the different aspects of man's past.
It highlights the value of long-term research, and it's particularly commendable that, to make this film, the archaeologists' work was filmed during each excavation campaign over 12 years.
The image is magnificent and the editing excellent. The computer-generated images are spectacular and blend in perfectly with the film. What's more, the film does an excellent job of demonstrating the excavation atmosphere, through the human relations and mutual respect between all team members, especially between the local workers and the foreign archaeologists on the mission.
It's an archaeology that cares about people today and in the future. It works for the long term, encouraging the sustainable development of an entire region.
AWARD FOR BEST LOW-BUDGET FILM :
"Scipio's Dream, death and power in ancient Rome", Italy, 50', directed by Adolfo Conti alias John Michael.
This film is a true work of authorship for the power and poetry of its narrative. It is constructed in a highly cinematographic manner. Its educational and historical interest is undeniable, as is the quality and style of the images.
Without knowing it, it's impossible to imagine that this is a low-budget film. We'd like to thank the author for showing us that there's no direct link between the amount of money invested in a film and its quality.
JURY PRIZE :
"The last days of Herculaneum", France, Italy, 52', directed by Maurice Ribière and Marco Visalberghi
This film uses fiction in a very thoughtful way, as scientific data intersects with fiction and fiction is controlled by scientific data.
This is an excellent work of popularization that uses scientific data with precision.
It's also a gripping reconstruction of the drama that unfolded in those days of August 79 at Herculaneum and Pompeii.
PEOPLE'S CHOICE AWARD :
"The last days of Herculaneum", France, Italy, 52', directed by Maurice Ribière and Marco Visalberghi
SPECIAL MENTIONS
"The forgotten men of the Valley of the KingsFrance, 52', directed by Jérôme Prieur
This award is given in recognition of the film's poetic and individualistic approach. It also recognizes the director's "scriptwriting" and cinematographic skills, which, through the constant and pleasing movement of the camera and the judicious use of sober but significant lighting, transport the viewer into the "little story" of the artisans behind some of the greatest masterpieces in the "great story" of Art and Archaeology.
The film, brilliant and unadorned, is a touchingly poetic tribute to Egyptian civilization.
"Bilâd Chinquît, the land of ChinguettiItaly, 59', Directed by Lucio and Anna Rosa
The award is given for the discovery of an unknown heritage. This film provides an opportunity to visit places that are virtually unknown.
It is simply edited, without spectacular action, without the use of computer-generated images, without great technical means, without a "Range Rover"; but with unforgettable images of the desert, camels, precious old books, men who live in the desert and ancient cities that, until today, were not archaeological subjects. As the desert gradually engulfs the houses, the film preserves the images.
The jury
Chairman of the jury:
- Mr Eric HuysecomProfessor, Department of Anthropology and Ecology, University of Geneva.
Members:
- Mr Thierry LuginbühlProfessor of Provincial Roman Archaeology, University of Lausanne.
- Mr Marc Azemadirector, prehistorian, Montpellier.
- Mr Kurt Denzerdirector, director of the Kiel Archaeological Film Festival, Christian Albrecht University Kiel.
- Mr Jean-Daniel Farineresearcher, Télévision suisse romande, Geneva.
