JURY’S AWARDS

On the 20th of September 2019, after watching all the films of 24th Ladek Mountain Festival’s Film Competition, the Jurors:

Virginie Lacroix

Silvo Karo

Wojtek Kozakiewicz

Paweł Wysoczański

decided to award the following films:

WEIGHT OF WATER

directed by Michael Brown

Financial Award of 2000 euro was sponsored by the Local Entrepreneurs.

The jury unanimously decided on this film right at the beginning of the judging process. It is a real «coup de cœur» for all of us. The eye of Michael Brown – director and producer – highlights a powerful character of Erik Weihenmayer, a blind adventurer. An intimate immersion into a wild and committed adventure, kayaking the Grand Canyon where you can feel the real weight of water through a wonderful photography. An intense filming adventure that shows most largely how much it is important to be engaged in the present moment. A lesson in courage, resilience and humility, that we should all learn about.

HANSJÖRG AUER. NO TURNING BACK

directed by Damiano Levati

Financial Award of 2000 zł was sponsored by Polski Związek Alpinizmu.

Hansjorg’s portrait, from his childhood on a farm to his free solo of The Fish Route on Marmolada, is utterly convincing. Passion, irresistible pull, addiction, and his restless soul take him time and time again into a world which is utterly perplexing to peaceful souls.

SPECTRE EXPEDITION

directed by Leo Houlding, Alastair Lee

Financial Award of 500 euro was sponsored by The North Face.

Can you imagine going to the icy planet in a distant universe exploring completely unknown world? After watching this film, you don’t know if you really would like to go there. Jury appreciated realistic image of expedition to the end of the world and a portrait of a superhero missing his family.

THIS MOUNTAIN LIFE

directed by Grant Baldwin

Financial Award of 500 euro was sponsored by Agencja Wyprawowa Adventure 24.

Breathtaking landscapes, handpicked characters and moving story of a mother and daughter going across snowy wilderness of Northern America. Jury appreciated multilayered story, that through beautiful cinematography and unconventional narration shows a glimpse of a mountain life.

LA BARKLEY SANS PITIÉ

directed by Alexis Berg, Aurélien Delfosse

Financial Award of 500 euro was sponsored by Alpina Watches.

The protagonists of La Barkley Sans Pitié take up a challenge that, in the decades-long history of the competition, has been met by just 15 people. The killer run lasts 60 hours and not a second longer. The authors of the film took on this subject and made it into a masterpiece. La Barkley uses cinematographic means of expression in a masterly way — we have phenomenal camerawork, psychedelic sound and fantastic music, all of which transport the audience to Tennessee, to the very centre of the Barkley Marathons.

WIND. A DOCUMENTARY THRILLER

directed by Michał Bielawski

Financial Award of 2000 zł was sponsored by Anna Milewska-Zawada.

Authors of this film have achieved mastery in art of waiting. Waiting for a moment when you can see the nature in its full power – breaking trees and people as well. Jury appreciated sophisticated portraits of people affected by an invisible force. And Mrs. Teresa hugging trees is one in a kind.

VIACRUXIS

directed by Ignasi López Fàbregas

Financial Award of 2000 zł was sponsored by 5+ Szkoła Górska.

In just 11 minutes the authors of this brilliant film managed to show, and with great humour, the allure of big-wall climbing. The protagonists of this excellent animation are trying to conquer the summit, and all that is missing is the summit itself. This does not prevent them from enjoying the route though, and, most importantly, each other’s company. We will remember those two unshaven Basque climbers, speaking their weird language, for a long time.

The Jurors gave Special Mentions to 2 films:

LAND OF THE WIND

directed by Laura Belinky

THE TOUGH

directed by Marcin Polar

AUDIENCE CHOICE

The Audience also voted for the best films. The overall winner and the 2 runners-up are as follows:

1. LAST MOUNTAIN

directed by Dariusz Załuski

Financial Award of 1000 euro was sponsored by Poniatowski Technika Sceniczna.

2. SPECTRE EXPEDITION

directed by Leo Houlding, Alastair Lee

3. WEIGHT OF WATER

directed by Michael Brown

Congratulations to all the winners!
Thanks to the Jury and the Sponsors!

You can watch the Film Ceremony awards here:

https://www.facebook.com/PrzegladFilmowGorskich/videos/761514390965454/

fot. Lucyna Lewandowska

Kasia Biernacka, Film Program Director