Mati Kütt
Great Job!
Cultural Endowment of Estonia presented awards in February for creative activities in the field of audio-visual art in 2020. Due to the pandemic, the traditional gala evening was not held; awards were presented via a TV programme. By EFI
T
his year, Cultural Endowment decided to present the Lifetime’s Achievement Award to animation director Mati Kütt who has always held the arthouse flag high in Estonian animation. He is one of the best known animators in Estonia with a surrealist approach and uncompromising artist’s character. The jury has stated the following: “Throughout his career, Mati Kütt has never tried to find a comfortable and smooth path; instead, he has rather always searched for an abyss that he could walk down with courage. His films do not attempt to be liked by viewers; and therefore, the films are especially liked by those who agree on following the film into the unknown. Because who knows what will be waiting for them? Perhaps the underwater animation opera The Smoked Sprat Baking in the Sun in German? Mati Kütt’s artwork has been largely influenced by dreams, his films encourage the viewer to let go of everyday reality and to fantasize about the world
with less rules, more surprises and endless possibilities.” The main award for 2020 was presented to the feature film The Last Ones directed by Veiko Õunpuu for expanding upon socially important themes in an exquisite artistic form. The jury’s comment: “The film skilfully combines black humour and apocalyptic emotions. For the director it is the first time to make a film in a foreign country and in a foreign language, to work with actors from two different nations and according to someone else’s screenplay – and yet, Õunpuu has brilliantly managed the task. This has resulted in an artistically powerful story with a unique style that is supported by a strongly ethical artist’s position as well as by a concern for tomorrow.” The Best Debut Film award went to Rain, written and directed by Janno Jürgens.
The winner of the Best Actress award, Hennessi Schmidt.
The Best Male Actor award went to Indrek Ojari who performed a role in the same feature film. The Best Actoress award was given to Henessi Schmidt for her role in the feature film Where the Heart Is. The special award in the genre of documentaries went to Margit Lillak for the excellent social approach in directing a participatory documentary The Circle. The Best Experimental Film award was presented to Ülo Pikkov and his film The Tortoise and the Hare. The Best Camera Work award went to Meelis Veerments for his work in the historical spy thriller O2. The Best Young Filmmaker award was given to Raul Esko and Romet Esko. The Best Documentary award went to Jaan Tootsen and Joosep Marjus for directing the film Fred Jüssi. The Beauty of Being. The Best Artist award was divided between Otso Linnalaakso and Jaanus Vahtra for their contribution to The Last Ones. The Best Composer award was given to Misha Panfilov for creating the soundtrack for the feature film Rain. Also, numerous other awards were given for those working behind the scenes as well as those maintaining the progression of Estonian film. EF
Photo by Merily Malkus
4
ESTONIAN FILM
Photo Viktor Koshkin
NEWS
