The Marionette Unit wins its first award!

on Sep 15 in Directing, The Marionette Unit by azhursaleem

Images ’10 – Festival des Arts Visuels de Vevey

The Marionette Unit has been awarded its first prize: the 5e Grand Prix Européen des Premiers Films.

This was a development award for filmmakers who have graduated from a recognised film school, to help reach the goals of making their first film. Originally intended as recognition of the short film, we used the development money to produce the trailer as a proof-of-concept to gain more funding – again for the short film.

Since the trailer went online last year and interest has grown in the film, we shifted our attention into making the The Marionette Unit as a feature. The festival organisers for Images ’10 were magnanimous enough to continue their support of The Marionette Unit as a feature film and subsequently we picked up this fantastic award in Switzerland, a beautifully rendered cast of an old roloflex camera.

• About me

  I studied at the London Film School and have been freelance since graduating. Strongly passionate about film and currently working on several projects that are both thought-provoking and commercial.

  Recent awards include 5e Grand Prix Européen des Premiers Films from Vevey Images Festival and a Young Director Award nomination at the Cannes Golden Lions.

• Testimonials

  Az is not only an incredible creative force, he is also one of the most pleasant and level-headed people I've had the chance to work with. His focus and wonderful imagination is always coupled with a great sense of humour and passion for what he is doing. I wouldn't hesitate to work with Az again on another project. — Natalie Higashi, Producer —

  Working for Azhur was like drinking an ice cold lemonade on a hot summers day, it couldn't be more refreshing. He is both one of the most creative and fun persons I have ever worked with and I would go miles to be next to him again on another shoot. — Øystein Essèn Lundstrøm, Cinematographer —

  Azhur conceived and directed the 50th anniversary trailer for the London Film School, delivering a highly creative, ambitious and professionally produced film. — Kate Hughes, Head of Marketing, The London Film School —

  I hired Azhur to be a director for my past film slate in 2010. He is also working with me and my Production company for our upcoming 2011/2012 slate. He is an intelligent and creative director, he gets the job done on brief, he also adds in some approachable and human qualities to his films. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend him for any future work. — James Boyle, Producer, Park Road Pictures —

  I have been fortunate enough to collaborate with Azhur on several film projects. He is full of ideas and creative energy, which never fail to inspire and motivate those working with him. As a director he is always open to ideas and suggestions yet able to maintain a clear vision of the project as a whole. Calm under pressure and real team player. Highly recommended! — Matthew Cooke, Cinematographer —

  Azhur is a dedicated and imaginative director who is not afraid to listen to ideas from others that can enhance his creative vision. It has been my privilege to collaborate with him on a number of writing projects and consider him my "go to" person to visualise my concepts. — Paul Adams, Writer —

  Azhur Saleem was a student at The London Film School from January 2004 and graduated 2007 with an MA in Filmmaking. He was always totally committed and a credit to himself and the School at all times. He is a very talented young man who always gives the best of himself both professionally and socially. An asset on any film crew. — Chrissy Bright, London Film School —

  Az is a fantastically creative and highly motivated individual. Whatever he is working on, you can bet it's going to be great. — Aviv Katz, Designer —

  Az is amazing to work with, calm, organised and focused on the idea he is working on. Always a pleasure to have film-makers who work to a certain level of quality and respect for the crew and the project, and he keeps doing more. — Tony Ukpo, Writer/Director —

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