The Lithuanian Viktoras Radzevicius received his country’s first Award for Cinematography , named “The Oak” for his work on the film Vortex directed by Gytis Luksas, reports the Eastern European sponsored web site filmneweurope.com. This will be an annual award
The Award was given at the 15th annual Vilnius International Film Festival which sent a new record with 54,000 admissions from March 18th to April 2nd. There was a strong showing of films from Central and Eastern Europe and the two finalists for best cinematography were chosen from twelve nominated films created in 2009.The other finalist was Rowlandas Leonavicius for his filming of “Low Lights”.
The ceremony held in the beautiful St Kotryna Church in Vilnius was organised by the Lithuanian Association of Cinematographers(
www.lac.lt ) and the Vilnius International film festival.
The Chairman of the LAC Rimvydas Leipus said that as in many societies such prizes are the judgement of a distinguished jury. This one comprised Lithuanian director, Sarunas Bartas, the cinematographers, Audrius Kemezys, Kornelijus Matuzevicius , Jonas Tomasevicius and film critic Zivile Pipinyte.
The Lifetime Achievement Award honoured Algimantas Mockus for his distinguished work over two decades many shot in partnership with directors Arunas Zebriunas and Gytis Kuksas. The Cinematographers’ honour for distinguished technical work was given to the film mechanic Antanas Jucys.
http://www.imago.org/index.php?new=228
