Two Strangers Who Meet Five Times, written and directed by Marcus Marcou, was crowned the Gold Medal when the 21st Annual MANHATTAN SHORT Film Festival announced this year's winners on Monday. Made in the United Kingdom, Marcou's film is about two men who meet at key turning points over the course of their lives.
The initial conflict gives way to compassion and eventual friendship. Chuchotage directed by Barnabás Tóth received the Silver Medal, with the Bronze Medal going to Baghead directed by Alberto Corredor Marina. "From over 350 venues worldwide, we're amazed that only 3 votes separated 2nd and 3rd place," notes MANHATTAN SHORT Founding Director Nicholas Mason.
Made in Hungary, Chuchotage is about two interpreters in the hungarian booth who hilariously ie for the attention of one listener during a professional conference in Prague. Made in England, Baghead tells the story of a man who is haunted by grief. He asks questions only the recently deceased can answer.
The dead get their say in the hidden chamber of a mysterious pub. You may not like what you hear.
The Gold Medal for Best Actor went to Felix Grenie for his breakout performance in Fauve directed by Jérémy Comte.
Made in Canada, Fauve is a Sundance award-winning film about two boys playing in an abandoned surface mine. They take turns outdoing each other until the stakes are suddenly raised and it's no longer a game.
Congratulations to all of the films and to 10 year-old Felix Grenie on his Best Actor Win for Fauve!