Middlebury New Filmmakers Festival has recently crowned winners for their AICEF Prize for Cross-Cultural Filmmaking. This unique award is shared with the Bali International Film Festival or Balinale, located in Indonesia.
What’s the AICEF Prize?
The AICEF Prize rewards filmmakers making their first or second feature films. A special attribute of their work? It strongly infuses cross-cultural themes. These themes may well be present in either the storyline or documentary genre. Each festival has the responsibility to choose one feature film to receive the award. The honored films get to be screened at one or both festivals!
Who’s Behind this Prize?
The golden opportunity awaits the winning filmmakers as their travel and festival expenses are provided through a grant. This grant is from none other than the American Indonesian Cultural and Educational Foundation or AICEF. This foundation is the namesake of the prize.
Who are the Winners?
The Bali International Film Festival awarded “Sculpting the Giant.” This film was directed by first-timers, Banu Wirandoko and Rheza Arden Wiguna. The film highlights an artist’s audacious 28-year journey to create an artwork more massive than the Statue of Liberty. Imagine that!
On the other hand, the Middlebury New Filmmakers Festival’s top choice was “New Wave”, a documentary charting the 1980s music scene. Elizabeth Ai, the director, brilliantly captures this period.
Mark Your Calendars!
“Sculpting the Giant” will be shown at the 10th Anniversary of the Middlebury New Filmmakers Festival, running from August 21-25. As for “New Wave”, you can catch it at Middlebury, and at the 18th annual Bali International Film Festival, planned from June 1-7, 2025.
What’s Unique about the Winning Films?
“Sculpting the Giant” is the depiction of Balinese sculptor Nyoman Nuarta’s endeavor to realize his dream of building one of the world’s largest statues. This tale is not just about art but also of human resilience and cultural pride. The Balinale Selection Committee was thrilled with the film’s authentic portrayal of Nuarta’s pursuit.
On the other hand, “New Wave” takes you back to a defining musical era. It’s innovative and thought-provoking, making it a must-watch.
A Sneak Peek
U.S. viewers can experience “Sculpting The Giant” at its premiere in Middlebury, set for Friday, August 23, 11:30 a.m. at Town Hall Theater. Director Rheza Arden Wiguna, with the film’s producer, Maulana Aziz, will grace the screening and participate in the post-show discussions.
“New Wave” will make its Vermont debut on the same day but at 2 p.m. Director Elizabeth Ai will be there for the screening and partake in the Q&A session afterward.
Final Thoughts
These wins are testaments to the power of cross-cultural storytelling in filmmaking. With the AICEF Prize in its fourth year, it has further enforced the camaraderie between the Balinale International Film Festival and the Middlebury New Filmmakers Festival. As Middlebury producer Lloyd Komesar shared, the Prize has significantly enriched their festival by promoting cultural exchange through film.
So, are you all set to immerse in these cultural film feasts?
