Today it was announced that Belgian director Bouli Lanners’ “Eldorado” has won the Europa Cinemas Label (http://www.europa-cinemas.org/en/index.php) as Best European film in the Directors’ Fortnight section in Cannes. Eruopa Cinemas is a network that provides financial support for cinemas that commit themselves to playing non domestic European films. This marks the sixth year the Label has been awarded in the section.
“Eldorado” will now receive the support of the Europa Cinemas exhibitors who commit themselves to extend the length of its run on screen and additional promotion across the network.
The Jury issued the following statement about the film, “This Belgian road movie manages to combine a great sense of humour with a darker side to the story. ELDORADO really has the potential to attract a wide audience across Europe, who will identify with the characters and their emotions. An absence of sentimentality, remarkable cinematography and clever use of music help drive the film.”
Sold internationally by Films Distribution, “El Dorado“ stars Bouli Lanners, Fabrice Adde and Philippe Nahon. Written and directed by Bouli Lanners, the film is produced by Jacques-Henri Bronckart. The film follows Yvan, a quick-tempered, 40-year-old vintage car dealer, surprises young Elie trying to burgle him. But he doesn’t beat him up. Instead, he develops a strange affection for him and takes him home to his parents in his old Chevrolet. It’s the start of an odd journey by two ne’er-do-wells through a magnificent but no less flipped-out country.