International Radio Drama Festival
Herne Bay, Feb 20-24, 2017
IRDF AWARDS 2017
WINNERS: LONGER DRAMA
BEAUX JEUNES MONSTRES
Le Collectif Wow
The Belgian Atelier du Creation Radiophonique’s play Beaux Jeunes Monstres / Young Beautiful Monsters, directed by Florent Barat & Sebastien Schmitz, was a conclusive winner in the feature length category. The play offers a view of the world from the perspective of mental impairment and does so in unsentimental language and without gruelling emotion, but with the utmost sensitivity and humour. So convincing is, it that from the single hour’s listening, we understand the remarkable world concealed behind each inarticulate sound, proffered with great authenticity by the actors.
ATLAS DER ABGELEGENEN INSELN
Swiss Radio and TV”
Second place was awarded to Atlas of Remote Islands - a Swiss radio adaptation of a stage performance (dir.Thom Luz). The work was created in the non-radio-acoustic space of an immense staircase. The exactness of recording and accompanying production values; acting, sound design and live music are delivered with a precision which conveys the intensity of a very powerful script, based on the book by the same name.
UNTERWASSER
Saarlandischer Rundfunk – Germany
Under Wasser / Drowning (s), “a play for young people” was awarded third place. It was directed by Anouschka Trocker and produced by Saarlandischer Rundfunk – Germany. The story of an teenager who - thanks to his pc and internet skills – becomes almost an idol to many of his peers but almost causes catastrophy in the real world, speaks convincingly to young (and older) listeners – and creates imaginative plots and environments.
SHORT DRAMA:
JEG TROR
Soundplay Denmark
A work of minimalist precision, “I Believe” (Jeg Tror), directed by Christian Eiming was the overwhelmingly choice as winner in the short drama caegory. Its mirror-like, growing micro-story leads the listener through a metamorphosis of perception, as experienced by two close people (a patient and relative) in hospital. The simple narrative, highly imaginative sound design and, above all, the intensity of the plot makes this radio drama a leader in the short form category.
DUONA
Saulius Kovalkas
Bread (Duona) by Lithuanian independent director Saulius Kovalskas, was awarded second place in the short-form category. An archetypal story with a dark atmosphere, and quality production are the strengths of this intense micro-horro; the poetics of which are reminiscent of Robert Frost.
VCERIK
Czech Radio
Third Place in this Year’s Short form category went to The Party (Vecírek) directed by Petr Vodicka. It is a comic elaboration of a Macbeth type plot, enhanced by superb direction and excellent acting.
AUDIENCE AWARD
DER BALLON
Rundfunk Berlin Brandenburg (Germany)
WINGS
New Zealand Radio
PEDDLING TO THE MEDDLING
New Zealand Radio
