Jonthan Asser and Anthony Chen Win at the BFI LFF Awards

Anthony Chen’s Camera d’Or winning debut ILO ILO continued its stellar festival run over the weekend, claming this year's Sutherland Award for Best First Feature at the BFI London Film Festival Awards.

Jury president Elizabeth Karlsen commented on the win –

The startlingly assured direction and screenwriting of the winning film surprised us all...the imaginative and innovative voice of this filmmaker elevated the film technically and narratively...

The film, which chronicles the relationship between a family of three and their newly arrived Filipino maid, was recently submitted by Singapore as its Foreign Language entry in next year’s Oscars.

Jonathan Asser, writer of STARRED UP, was also celebrating after taking home the award for Best British Newcomer. Not only his first feature but his first ever screenplay, Jonathan's experiences as a prison therapist informed this remarkably honest and unapolagetic script about a 19 year old 'starred up' to an adult prison ahead of time becuase of his extreme violent behaviour.

Jury President Amanda Posey said -

Starred Up is an original story told with an individual and authentic voice, at once moving, provocative and always gripping ...The whole jury felt Jonathan Asser brought a fresh, resonant and surprising perspective to a classic conflict.

To watch highlights from the evening visit here.