A Family Affair wins SMHAFF jury prize

Film is "deeply sensitive," says Richard Warden.

by Jennie Kermode

A Family Affair
A Family Affair

The Scottish Mental Health Arts And Film Festival Grand Jury Prize for 2016 has been awarded to A Family Affair, it was revealed today. Director Richard Warden described the film, which chronicles one man's attempts to make sense of his family's past, as "deeply sensitive" and "one of most accomplished documentaries I've ever seen."

"I am extremely honoured: it means so much to me that the film doesn't only resonate with me but it resonates with, well, in fact, total strangers - with other people who might have similar experiences or similar stories," said director Tom Fassaert, who is looking forward to visiting Scotland to attend the festival.

The prize for best feature in the drama category went to Czech film David, which explores a troubled young man's attempt to become independent of his parents. Families were also a theme in Lima, which won Best Animation, and crISIS, winner of Best Short Drama, which tells the story of a father and son trying to cope with bereavement in Baghdad.

The rest of the awards were as follows:-

  • Best Short Documentary - One Foot In Reality
  • Best Youth Project - Talk It Out
  • Experimental Award - Shoulder The Lion
  • Human Rights Award - #MyEscape
  • Anti-Stigma Award - TRANSition
  • Voices Of Experience Award - I Wish I Was That Bird

Share this with others on...
News

Expanding the possible Fernanda Salgado on fantasy, reality, Jan Švankmajer and Ana, En Passant

A burning thing Sneha Mehta and Teddy Stern on falling in love with Mumbai, and making Getar Hero

Nothing is impossible Paul Rowley on moving to New York, the Pulse massacre, and Gays Against Guns

‘The only thing that makes a story universal is emotions’ Warsaw’s Industry panel discuss reaching audiences abroad

The only thing worth saying Chuko and Arie Esiri on adapting Mrs Dalloway and making Clarissa

European Film Academy shortlist announced 68 features vie for nomination

More news and features

We're bringing you all the latest news and reviews from the London Film Festival and Newfest.



We're looking forward to the Belfast Film Festival, Halloween Frightfest, the Cheltenham International Film Festival and the Leeds International Film Festival.



We've recently brought you coverage of the New York Film Festival, Grimmfest, Beyond Fest, the San Sebastian International Film Festival, Fantastic Fest, the Toronto International Film Festival and the Venice Film Festival.



Read our full for more.


Visit our festivals section.

Interact

Don't forget that you can follow us on YouTube for trailers of festival films and more. You can also find us on Mastodon, Instagram and Bluesky.


It's a busy time for festivals and here's the latest:


London Winners announced


Tallinn Black Nights UK co-production joins Works In Progress


Warsaw What Belongs To Others takes top prize


Tallinn Baltic Competition, Rebels With A Cause and Critics' Picks titles announced


Dinard I See Buildings Fall Like Lightning named Best Film