Rams (Hrútar) by Icelandic director Grímur Hákonarson won the main prize, the Golden Eye trophy, as best International Feature Film at the Zürich Film Festival (ZFF) last night along with a CHF 25,000 (ISK 3.3 million, USD 26,000, EUR 23,000) cash prize.
The jury, chaired by producer Elizabeth Karlsen from the UK, stated that the decision had been unanimous, that all members of the jury had fallen for the film, its human aspect, depth and humor. No frame had been wasted in a wonderful film, she concluded, ruv.is reports.
When accepting the award Grímur stated that it was a great recognition for himself and the film’s crew. He pointed out that in spite of the small size of the country’s film scene, Icelandic filmmakers have achieved great success at international film festival’s lately.
Grímur therefore dedicated the award to Icelandic filmmakers.
Rams has also won prizes at the film festivals in Cannes, Palic and Transilvania, and it’s Iceland’s contribution to the Foreign Language Film category at the next Oscars.
Recently, Sparrows (Þrestir) by Icelandic director Rúnar Rúnarsson was awarded at San Sebastian, while Baltasar Kormákur’s Everest opened the Venice Film Festival and Dagur Kári’s Fúsi took home the three awards from Tribeca.
ZFF focuses on the presentation and promotion of new director’s talent from around the world. The Golden Eye trophy is awarded in each of the three main categories by a separate international jury.
The other winners were Los Reyes del Pueblo que no Existe by Betzabé García from Mexico for International Documentary Film and Thank You for Bombing by Barbara Eder from Austria for Focus: Switzerland, Germany, Austria.
