Greek film Alps, directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, was the official competition winner of the 59th Sydney Film Festival, and was the recipient of the $60,000 cash prize.
The 99 minute feature film is about a nurse, a paramedic, a gymnast and a coach who set up a company who offer a dark service. They are appointed by relatives, friends or colleagues of deceased people to stand in as the recently departed. The company, called Alps, is led by the paramedic who calls himself Mont Blanc. Although the Alps members operate under a discipline regime demanded by their leader, the nurse doesn’t. Lanthimos who directed the Oscar nominated film Dogtooth, is set for more recognition for his 2011 film. A deadpan ghost story, Lanthimos creates an absurd world from the inner sanctum of in genius imagination.
The Toram Gross Animation Award for the Best Australian Animated short film went to The Maker, written and directed by Christopher Kezelos, who received a cheque for $4000. Kezelos is a Greek Australian animator who currently lives in Los Angeles.