“An Accidental Life” wins the Mendi Film Bilbao Bizkaia 2022 Grand Prix
The film “An Accidental Life” has won the BBK Mendi Film Bilbao Bizkaia Grand Prix. Directed by Henna Taylor, the play revolves around the life of Quinn Brett, a climber who -on October 11, 2017- suffered a traumatic accident while climbing on El Capitan, Yosemite. Amazingly, she survived to be able to tell the story, but at the same time she had to face the irreparable consequences of the accident, leaving her a paraplegic. The two have been in Bilbao these past few days, presenting the film, and in addition to the Jury’s verdict, they have received the warmth and recognition of the Mendi Film viewers.
total 16 prizes have been awarded at the Gala held on December 18, 2022 in the BBK Room. 13 of the 56 films that have been screened in the official section are on the list of winners of this edition, the 15th of Mendi Film. The total amount of the prizes is 25,200 euros.
Winners of the 15th edition of BBK Mendi Film Bilbao-Bizkaia
BIG PRIZE. “An Accidental Life”.
The film is exceptional in the way it tells a story about overcoming incredible challenges, regaining joy, and embracing things in life that most of us take for granted.
The director finds the balance in telling through the lights and shadows of the protagonist’s story, thanks to her intimate and confidential gaze.
BEST DIRECTORS. “From the shadow to the light” by Sebastién & Davina Montaz-Rosset.
A thoughtful choice from the directors’ point of view captures strong feelings of extreme mountaineering, building effectively while addressing the told story.
BEST SCREENPLAY. “Not only”.
The mountains bare dangers and can cause traumatic experiences. The film emphasizes how important it is to find ways to overcome trauma and marks a precious new chapter in mountaineering.
BEST PHOTOGRAPHY. “Ephemeral”.
The film underlines the essence of cinematography, the correct position of the camera that converges with the right moment when shooting and choosing when to do it. The difficulty of filming despite the adverse conditions produces brilliant sequences as a result.
JURY AWARD. “This is Beth.”
In the world of climbing, leanness and physical dexterity are linked to the concept of perfection. Beth breaks this taboo by restoring the pure joy of climbing.
EITB AWARD FOR THE BEST FILM IN BASQUE. “Agur artzai”.
For the director’s ability to capture in a poetic, delicate and minimalist way the concept of the passage of time and the record of what disappears.
BEST ORIGINAL SOUNDTRACK AWARD. “Creation Theory” Griff Washburn and Goth Babe.
The film is a remarkable example of how images and music live together; the soundtrack is the pulse of this production.
BEST MOUNTAINEERING FILM. “From l’ombre to the light”.
This film gives us the unique possibility to share the climber’s ascent and go further. His torrent of thoughts plunges us into a deep journey into the light, passing through fear, despair and claustrophobia.
BEST CLIMBING FILM. “Alpine Trilogy (Doggystyle)”.
The film creates an entertaining and humorous story from a seemingly light-hearted point of view that records the achievements of two great climbers who travel in a more sustainable and “musical” way.
BEST CULTURE AND NATURE FILM. “Pasang: in the shadow of Everest”.
Packed with a wealth of testimonials and archival footage, this moving film brings us closer to the revolutionary life of Pasang Lhamu Sherpa, who continues to inspire generations.
BEST SPORTS AND ADVENTURE FILM. “Tòfol Castanyer: The Infinite Corridor”.
Generosity, humility, hard work and continuous effort are the engines behind the construction of the identity and story of a great athlete, told in a close and effective way.
BEST SHORT FILM. “Happiness”.
With beautiful cinematography, the film teaches us the importance of protecting nature in parallel to a particular and referential story of a woman.
SPECIAL MENTION OF THE JURY. “Egolandia”.
The meticulous work on stop-motion animation, the music and the ironic way of showing ego in the world of mountaineering make this film remarkable.
SPECIAL MENTION OF THE JURY. “wild waters”.
The film hides a treasure under its remarkable cinematography: the story of a family of adventure lovers who explore the world as a way of life.
YOUTH AWARD FOR BEST SHORT FILM
This short film shows the last vestiges of a rather traditional practice, such as
is the grazing carried out in the Gorbeia, from the nostalgia of the
pastor, but also from the young (although also melancholic) look of the author and
story narrator. Covering topics such as the life not only of the protagonist, but also
also of the pastor’s own job, of the “artzai”, and of this world that little by little seems to come to an end.
It is, possibly, the complementation of both points of view, together with the closeness of the author towards the subject, which makes “Agur Artzai” a well-rounded work, scripted and pampered aesthetics. Julen Zubiete’s vision captures in a sincere, but above all empathetic way, the
topic that he addresses, something that he manages to enhance with the delicate use of the camera. Blueprints
paused, with controlled dilation management.
As film students and above all as people, “Agur Artzai” will accompany us
for a long time. ECPV young jury team.
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