Alex Cox on Derek Jarman “…they are films that still have the power to intrigue and fascinate. They are bold assaults on ‘decent’ film-making; molotovs hurled at the dull beige skein of naturalism that enfolds and suffocates us now.” – The Guardian G2, 19 February 2004.
Film London and More4, in partnership with the Serpentine Gallery, announce the first Jarman Award, an annual prize inspired by one of Britain’s most innovative, esteemed and controversial artists of the late 20th century, Derek Jarman.
Celebrating the spirit of experimentation, imagination and inspiration in the work of UK artist film-makers, The Jarman Award recognises individual artist film-makers whose risk-taking work resists boundaries and conventional definition - work that encompasses innovation, excellence and vision. The purpose of the award is open-ended – an investment in the career of an individual enabling a period of experimentation without pressure. The award will shine a light on artist film-makers who are to our times what Jarman was to his.
The winning artist will receive £20,000, co-sponsored by Film London and More4, in partnership with the Serpentine Gallery along with a commission of four short films from 3 Minute Wonder, Channel 4’s documentary shorts strand to be aired in Autumn 2008. Three awards of £1,000 each will be received by the other shortlisted artists.
The four artists shortlisted will be profiled on the Channel 4 website and in selected screenings and talks prior to the announcement of the award. The award will be presented in April 2008 at the Serpentine Gallery.
To launch the inaugural year of the award Film London and More4 have invested in Derek, a major new feature length biopic directed by artist Isaac Julien. Following its selection for showing at the 2008 Sundance and Berlin Film Festivals, Derek makes its UK premiere on Tuesday 19 February as the centre piece of More4's Jarman Season. Jarman was one of Britain’s most innovative, esteemed and controversial artists of the late 20th century and arguably the single most crucial figure of British independent cinema from the 70s through to the 90s. Films such as Sabastiane (1976) and Caravaggio (1986) - both of which will be shown on More4 during this season - epitomised Jarman's own era.
This Derek Jarman season is a timely re-appraisal of the film-maker's work and is broadcast in collaboration with London's Serpentine Gallery and Film London. Four days after Derek makes its debut on More4, it will be shown as the central part of a major new Jarman exhibition at the Serpentine from February 23rd, curated by Julien. Concluding the collaborative nature of the Jarman season is the launch of the Film London and More4 Jarman Award, in partnership with the Serpentine Gallery. This is to be an annual prize inspired by Jarman.
The Jarman Award is run and managed by the Film London Artists' Moving Image Network.
For further information please contact Tommy Welensky: tommy.welensky@filmlondon.org.uk
Tilda Swinton’s letter of remembrance to Derek Jarman, which was commissioned by Vertigo magazine and features as the main narration of Isaac Julian’s Derek can be read in full via the Vertigo website.
|
|
|
