Nine promising projects of feature films were pitched on Monday, July 4 during Works in Development – Feature Launch – a project showcase and networking event organized in partnership with Karlovy Vary IFF.
Three awards altogether were given out to Feature Launch 2022.
KVIFF & MIDPOINT Development Award
The main award of 10,000 EUR was received by writer and director Sophie Vukovic and producer Eliza Jones from project My Best Friend´s Baby.
The jury consisting of Julia Sinkevych (JS Films, Ukrainian Film Academy) Danijel Hocevar (Vertigo) and Paul Ridd (Picturehouse Enterteinment) stated:
"Although the level of the projects in development was pretty high this year, the jury was, in the end, convinced by the clear vision of one of the creative teams. Their take on queer parenthood and culture clashes is specific yet universal, and, last but not least, it's fun! The KVIFF & MIDPOINT Development Award goes to the project MY BEST FRIEND'S BABY."
This joint financial award of the Karlovy Vary IFF and MIDPOINT is aimed to support emerging talents mainly from Central and Eastern Europe and help to further develop their feature film project.
connecting cottbus Award
The graduate project Dolphin, presented by producer Magdalena Sztorc and director Sonja Orlewicz-Zakrzewska, was granted the opportunity to attend the connecting cottbus co-production market in November 2022 in Germany.
"Congratulations to all of the exciting filmmakers that were part of MIDPOINT Feature Launch this year. We have chosen a project that talks about the struggle for personal happiness and self-fulfillment in a unique and quirky way, a struggle that is best faced with a little help from an aquatic friend."
Rotterdam Lab Scholarship Award
Magdalena Sztorc, the producer of Dolphin, was chosen to participate in the professional training program for producers, Rotterdam Lab, which will take place within International Film Festival Rotterdam in January 2023.
"The MIDPOINT projects represent a very inspiring new generation of filmmakers, writers and producers. Magdalena Sztorc demonstrated a collaborative spirit, thinking beyond borders. She stood out as a true creative producer who can support the artistic vision behind the project in a unique way. We look forward to welcome her to Rotterdam Lab."
Huge congratulations to all the winners of MIDPOINT Feature Launch 2022, the workshop continues today with the last day in Karlovy Vary.
Participants will then meet online in autumn for the last workshop focused on company development.
