Ken Wardrop and his Feature Documentary 'His and Hers' Wins the SDGI Distribution Showcase
Ken Wardrop and his stunning feature documentary His and Hers has been announced as the winner of the Directors Finders Series, providing this acclaimed Irish filmmaker with the opportunity to showcase his feature at the Directors Guild of America Theatre in LA in August. The showcase will take place in front of an invited audience of American distributors, filmmakers, and key industry personnel, with the aim of securing a US distribution deal for the film.Selected by an international panel of experts His and Hers is a beautifully observed and innovative documentary that combines observation and imagination to illustrate a universal love story. Produced by Andrew Freedman and Venom Films with funding from the Irish Film Board, he film explores woman's relationship with man by visiting moments from the lives of 70 female characters. Shot in the hallways, living rooms and kitchens of the Irish Midlands, the story moves sequentially from young to old to deliver a unique and touching insight into sharing life's journey.
The initiative, conceived by the Directors Guild of America and facilitated by the Screen Directors Guild of Ireland, presents an Irish director with an opportunity to showcase their film and to have direct access to decision makers in the film distribution process in the US. The awards spotlight works of fiction, documentary or drama feature submissions from Irish directors who have not secured U.S distribution for their films.
Ken Wardrop has been described as one of Ireland's freshest creative talents. His authentic filmmaking voice has led to many original short cinematic works. With a strong emphasis on the aesthetic and a delicate humanity, Ken's art has garnered much international attention, with screenings at some of the most prestigious festivals including Sundance, Locarno, Cannes and Oberhausen. His films have received over thirty international awards including a European Film Academy Award for his short film Undressing My Mother in 2005. His and Hers is Ken's debut feature film.
"It is an overwhelming honour for me to be presented with this incredible opportunity - I'm incredibly grateful to the panel of judges for giving my film such a stamp of approval, and I'm so excited about presenting the film at the Director's Guild of America theatre on Sunset Boulevard," commented Ken Wardrop on hearing of being selected.
Martin Cullen TD, Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism said: "I would like to congratulate Ken Wardrop on receiving this year's Directors Series Award for his feature documentary His and Hers. His selection by an international panel from a highly competitive field of entries is indicative of his remarkable creative ability. This award is highly prestigious and brings with it a fantastic personal opportunity for Ken to have work presented and showcased in Los Angeles. I wish Ken every success in the US this summer and I also congratulate the Screen Directors Guild of Ireland - its Board and Staff - led by Chairman, Ciaran Donnelly on their direct involvement in this exciting key initiative for rising Irish filmmakers."
This year, SDGI will launch Ken Wardrop and his film His and Hers at a special Industry Awards Ceremony on July 16th in Dublin in The Morrison Hotel, to precede the L.A Screening Event in August. This event will be will be officially opened by the Minister for Arts, Sports & Tourism, Martin Cullen TD & will be co-hosted by internationally acclaimed directors Jim Sheridan & Neil Jordan.
Previous winners of the Directors Finders Series have gone on to make a significant impact on the international film stage, with last year's winner Tomm Moore's The Secret of Kells winning numerous awards and providing the filmmaker with opportunities to develop key relationships with studios and distributors worldwide.
This award is supported by the Irish Film Board, the Directors Guild of America, Culture Ireland, American Airlines, Paulaner and The Morrison Hotel.