The Avignon Film Festival (created 1984), also known as the Avignon/New York Film Festival or Rencontres Cinématographiques Franco-Américain d'Avignon, took place every year in Avignon, France along with a twin film festival organised in New York. It was last held in 2008.
History
Avignon Film Festival was created to promote French/American independent cinema through previews, retrospectives and round-tables.
An award ceremony encouraged young film directors to participate in the festival. The purpose was to bring together independent filmmakers from the United States, France and other European countries. Their mission was to encourage deeper understanding and appreciation for contemporary, thought-provoking cinema by showcasing the work of innovative filmmakers. Feature films, short films and documentaries were presented in French, English and other European languages. Every French film was subtitled in English, and European films in English or French. Film directors, producers and screenwriters could join the discussions about their work with the public.
In 1993 the Harvard Film Archive invited the organisation to co-produce the first American edition of Rencontres Cinématographiques franco-américaines d'Avignon. In 1994, the founder, Jérôme Henry Rudes, launched the Avignon/New York Film Festival at the Angelika Film Center in Manhattan. The festivals were held in June and November. The term "Avignon Film Festival" was born in 2000 due to the extension of the program to Europe.
Awards
Le Roger: awarded to the Best Feature film from France, the Best Feature film from the USA, the Best Short film from France and the Best Short film from the USA.
Filming Award: awarded to the three best feature films (American, French and European).
Best Short - France: Samedi, dimanche et aussi lundi / Eric Valette
Best Short - USA: City of Thieves / Jason Brandenberg
Separate Star Award: Générique / Xavier de Choudens
Vision Award: The Citizen / Oliver Bokelberg
Honorary Roger: Vox Lumiere – Metropolis / Kevin Saunders Hayes (For his new score)
2001:
Best Feature - France: Origine contrôlée / Zakia Tahri & Ahmed Bouchaala
Best Feature - USA: How to Kill Your Neighbor's Dog / Michael Kalesniko
Best Short - France: Raconte / Guillaume Malandrin
Best Short - USA: Here / Brendan Donovan
Separate Star Award: Raconte / Guillaume Malandrin
Vision Award: The Photographer / Vanja Cernjul
Honorary Roger: Jacqueline Bisset(In recognition of her 30-year acting career both in France and America),Vox Lumiere – The Hunchback of Notre Dame: Kevin Saunders Hayes (For his new score)
