John Carney's Irish based musical ‘Once’ has scooped the Best International Film award at the 14th Raindance Film Festival, in London (25 September – 7 October).
The awards were presented by festival founder Elliot Grove and festival producer Jesse Vile on the closing night of the festival, which this year received more than 15,000 admissions.
The film also received a special jury mention at the 18th British Film Festival which took place in Dinard, France from the 4th-7th October. The jury president, French actress Josiane Balasko, said she was surprised that ‘Once’ film did not have a Gallic distributor yet.
"You can follow the story very easily and it is very moving, and I am sure it will find a large public in France," said Balasko.
The modern day musical, written and directed by ‘Bachelor’s Walk’ helmer John Carney, stars The Frames’ frontman Glen Hansard and actress Marketa Irglova. The film, set on the streets of Dublin, tells the story of a busker and an immigrant who fall in love over an eventful week, as they write, rehearse and record a number of songs.
‘Once’ was produced and financed by Samson Films with the assistance of the Irish Film Board and RTE. Producer on ‘Once’ was Martina Niland, with executive producer David Collins.
