At the Oulu Int. Children’s Film Festival the jury decided to hand out the ECFA Award to TOO FAR AWAY. This film by Sarah Winkenstette (Germany) introduces us to Ben, who has to move from his village to a nearby city.
As a newcomer at school, Ben fails to fit in. His one pleasure, football, pales with the arrival of 12-year-old Tariq, a Syrian refugee and a better player than him. Until the two boys discover they have more in common than a passion for football.
Jury statement: ”This film tells about friendship, sharing experiences and a deeper understanding of the process of growing up. It is a story of two boys who have to cope with new situations. Through their friendship they learn about trust, the importance of communication and self-esteem. The film deals with important, contemporary themes like migration, refugees, global and local changes. The screenplay makes it easy for children to relate with the emotions and actions of the two main characters.”
Director Sarah Winkenstette was delighted about the international nomination: ”I am totally happy to receive a European Award because the themes of the movie go way beyond the German borders and are important issues across the entire Europe.”
The ECFA Jury were Lina Užkuraitytė (Int. Vilnius Film Festival for Children & Youth, Lithuania), Alla Räisänen (Northern Photographic Centre, Finland) and Axelle Munich (Ciné-Jeune de l’Aisne Festival, France) (from left to right in picture).
Read more about TOO FAR AWAY by Sarah Winkenstette in the upcoming ECFA Journal.