Taormina Film Festival 2011

The 57th Taormina Film Fest, Italy’s principal summer film event, took place from June 11 to 18, 2011 in a moment of great tension for the Mediterranean. Since it assumed a Mediterranean identity in 2007, the festival has become a focal point for film culture in the region. This year, it turned the spotlight on three North African countries – Tunisia, Algeria and Morocco – in the midst of enormous social change, whose filmmakers have been quick to respond on the cultural front.

‘Plank’ nabbed the Golden Tauro for best film plus best director for helmer Leila Kilani and a joint prize for the four lead actresses: Soufia Issami, Mouna Bahmad, Nouzha Akel and Sara Betioui, Variety reported on Monday.

The special jury prize went to the animated French pic “The Rabbi’s Cat,” directed by Joann Sfar, from the jury consisting of director Patrice Leconte, Egyptian actress Yousra and Italian actress Maya Sansa.

In the Beyond the Mediterranean section, judged by a public jury, the award went to the Dutch film “Black Butterfly” directed by Paula van der Oest.

Source: Taormina Film Festival