The European Film Academy has opened it votes today for the People’s Choice Award 2008. This award is a very welcome chance for audiences to vote for what tickled their fancy this year instead of a panel of crusty judges. Previous winners include – Pedro Almodóvar’s Volver, Jean-Pierre Jeunet’s Amélie and Brit favourite The Full Monty.
The films nominated this year are…
Arn – Tempelriddaren (Arn – The Knight Templar)
Directed by Peter Flinth
Arn, the son of a Swedish nobleman is sent to the Holy Land to repent for a forbidden love.
Atonement
Directed by Joe Wright
Based on the Ian McEwan novel, Atonement tells the story of Briony Tallis who changes the lives of
those around her by accusing her sister’s lover of a crime he didn’t
commit.
Ben X
Directed by Nic Balthazar
An autistic teenager retreats into a fantasy world of online gaming to escape his everyday life.
Bienvenue Chez Les Ch’tis (Welcome to the Sticks)
Directed by Dany Boon
Phillippe is banished to a remote town in the far north of France after being caught trying to fiddle a transfer to the French Riviera for him and his wife.
Die Welle (The Waves)
Directed by Dennis Gansel
A high schoolteacher’s attempt to show what life is like under a dictatorship spirals horribly out of control.
El Orfanto (The Orphanage)
Directed by Juan Antonio Bayona
Laura brings her family back to her childhood home, an orphanage for the handicapped. Her son Simón starts to communicate with an invisible friend which quickly turns into something much more disturbing.
Ensemble c’est tout (Hunting and Gathering)
Directed by Claude Berri
Philibert lives a secluded life and meets another lonely soul in Camille. When Camille falls severely ill, Philibert welcomes her to stay with him, however not only does she have to learn to live with Philibert but also serial womaniser and up and coming chef Franck.
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
Directed by David Yates
The Wizard authorities target Harry and Dumbledore as a stern bureaucrat seizes power of Hogwarts.
Keinohrhasen (Rabbit Without Ears)
Directed by Til Schweiger
Ludo issentenced to 8 months in prison but is released on probation, whichincludes 300 hours working in a local daycare centre. Eddie Murphy unfortunately doesn’t star.
Mongol
Directed by Sergei Bodrov
Genghis Khan’s early days are recounted in this epic war tale.
[Rec]
Directed by Jaume Balagueró and Paco Plaza
A documentary crew and a team of firefighters investigate a distressed woman who is trapped in her house. The night unfolds into a series of events that none of them will ever forget.
Saturno Contro
Directed by Ferzan Ozpetek
The film focuses on a group of 30 and 40-somethings who are trying to make sense of their lives where certain values have disappeared.
Judging from previous winners the firm favourite would have to be The Orphanage, which seems to be running away with awards and rightfully earned critical acclaim. Modest budget [Rec] may cause a shocker and there are always a few fans of a certain wizard.
You can vote now at: www.peopleschoiceaward.org
The votes are open until 31st October 2008 and you might just be inwith a chance of winning tickets to attend the 21st European Film Awards on Saturday 6th December 2008 in Copenhagen.
