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| INTERNATIONAL FILM CRITICS PRIZE AWARDED TO IN MY FATHER'S DEN 20 September 2004 The New Zealand movie In My Father's Den has won the 'FIPRESCI Prize' ' the prestigious International Critics Prize at the Toronto Film Festival in Canada. The Prize was awarded to director Brad McGann's film last night at the Festival Awards ceremony for its emotional maturity, striking performances and visual grace' said the FIPRESCI Jury in an official statement. FIPRESCI is the Fédération Internationale de la Presse Cinématographique (the International Federation of Film Critics), with a jury comprised of film critics from America, Australia and Canada. This moody strongly atmospheric drama reinforces the strength of contemporary New Zealand film making' said Noah Cowan, Co-Director of the Festival. The film 'introduces a major new directorial talent'. Brad McGann wrote and directed In My Father's Den which is based on the novel by Maurice Gee. "It's fantastic; its a real honour to receive the prize not just for myself but for everyone who has been involved in making the film - more than 50 people. It's a credit to my actors, the fantastic crew and the wonderful assistance of the New Zealand Film Commission and UKFC who supported this independent project" said McGann. The Festival only offers three international awards - the International Critics Prize, the Discovery Award and the AGF Peoples Choice Award (the latter was won by Whale Rider in 2002). With 328 films from 60 countries un-spooling over 10 days, the 29th Toronto International Film Festivals 2004 line up has been hailed as one of the finest in years. "Quantity was matched by quality" wrote Allan Hunter in Screen International. In My Father's Den Producer Trevor Haysom was in Toronto to accept the prize last night at the Awards Ceremony. Producer Trevor Haysom and young star Emily Barclay were in Toronto to introduce the film to audiences - along with the editor Chris Plummer, cinematographer Stuart Dryburgh and NZ Film executive, Kathleen Drumm. The UK producer Dixie Linder and executive producer Sue Bruce-Smith were also at the Festival. "The film received a standing ovation from a packed audience at its premiere screening" said Drumm. "It's a film that both emotionally engages and demands thought, and its wonderful that it can provoke those responses on the other side of the world". In My Father's Den has already received considerable critical acclaim since its premiere at the opening night of the Sydney Film Festival in June. "Artfully played and depicted with acute sensitivity" wrote Russell Edwards in Variety. "A packed house was gripped by NZ director-writer Brad McGann's assured debut feature" wrote Frank Hatherley in Screen International. "A triumph" wrote Garry Maddox in the Sydney Morning Herald. "Not only is it one of the best films to hail from this part of the world, but it is also one of the best films I have ever seen" wrote Lawrie Zion in The Australian. In My Father's Den will be released in New Zealand by Hoyts Distribution ( on behalf of Icon) on 7 October 2004 and in Australia through Icon Films on October 28. A New Zealand-UK co-production, the film is produced by T.H.E. Film's Trevor Haysom and Little Bird's Dixie Linder and is financed by the New Zealand Film Commission, NZ On Air, Visionview and the UK Film Council. For further information please contact: Elizabeth Trotman, Hoyts Distribution DDI: +(64)
9 306 7525 Kathleen Drumm, NZ Film Commission DDI: +
(64) 4 382 7685
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