Big night for short films

By John Hill on September 2, 2008 9:57 AM |

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Click here for photographs of the awards night. Or browse The Wharf's round-up of the festival's UK and International Short Films, Documentaries, Animation and Music Videos

WESTFERRY director Robb Ellender was among the big winners at this year's Canary Wharf Film Festival.

Robb's short film Illusion Dwellers picked up the Best Documentary award as the second year event wrapped up with a ceremony in Canary Wharf's East Wintergarden.

The former animation student interviewed homeless people in London for his award-winning piece, and even spent a couple of days on the street himself.

This year's four-day festival showcased a remarkable range of films at the East Wintergarden, Museum in Docklands and Cineworld West India Quay. Iranian animator Reza Dolatabadi won Best Animation for his expertly-detailed short Khoda, while Mark Locke scooped Best Music Video for his work on UNKLE's Hold My Hand.

Leon Chambers' affecting drama Stolen Youth was given the nod as Best Short UK film, while the international short film award went to Andy Feldman's La Desgracia Llega En Sobres Papel Madera.

Belgian black comedy E Finita La Commedia was the most popular film with this year's audience, walking away with the People's Choice award.

The festival was sponsored by ROK Motion and Canary Wharf Group, in association with The Wharf, Talent Circle, Moviescope magazine and Waitrose.

For more coverage of this year's Canary Wharf Film Festival, see The Wharf on Thursday September 4.