Michael Dwyeron film
Having collected several awards on the international festival circuit, Irish writer- director Darren Thornton added to his trophies when his 12-minute Frankiereceived the prize for best short film at the recent European Film Awards in Copenhagen.
Played by Ryan Andrews, Frankie is a 15-year-old boy preparing for fatherhood and determined to be the best dad ever. The film triumphed over the other 13 European shorts shortlisted for the prize in the voting by the 1,800 members of the academy, comprising directors, producers, actors and craft workers. Thornton wrote and directed the 2004 RTÉ series, Love Is the Drug.
Neapolitan Mafia thriller Gommorahswept the board in Copenhagen, winning for best film, director, actor, cinematography and screenplay.
Kristin Scott Thomas was named best actress for I've Loved You So Long. The Prix d'Excellence was given to Polish costume designer Magdalena Biedrzycka for Katyn.Czech director Helena Trestikova received the documentary award for Rene.
The European Discovery Award went to Steve McQueen for Hunger. Max Richter was voted best composer for Waltz with Bashir. The international critics' prize went to Abdellatif Kechiche for Couscous.
The winner of the People's Choice Award was Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.
