Erica Starling takes home Best Arts Documentary Award at Griersons
Date Posted: November 7, 2018
Erica Starling Productions’ Leonora Carrington – The Lost Surrealist took home the Best Arts Documentary Award at the prestigious Grierson Awards on Monday evening. Hosted by Strictly Come Dancing star and comedian, Susan Calman, the 2018 awards were presented at a star-studded event on the Southbank.
The feature length documentary tells the story of British surrealist Leonora Carrington who was a key part of the surrealist movement during its heyday in Paris and yet, until recently, remained a virtual unknown in the country of her birth. This film explores her dramatic evolution from British debutante to artist in exile, living out her days in Mexico City, and takes us on a journey into her darkly strange and cinematic world. It was developed and produced with Lottery funding from Arts Council of Northern Ireland via Northern Ireland Screen.
James Quinn, Jury Chair: “We were unanimous in our praise for the winner of this category. The film’s creative approach gave it the edge over other entries, connecting the subject’s biography and inner life to the subject’s art in a surefooted way. We also admired the film for telling a new story about a neglected artist.”
Chairman of The Grierson Trust, Lorraine Heggessey said: “If there is a uniting single essence that stands out in our 2018 winners, it’s the intimate. Many of these beautifully-crafted films tell personal stories about communities, families and individuals. They penetrate broad headlines and complex issues through the intimacy of stories that illuminate our humanity with compassion. I’m delighted to celebrate this work and offer sincere congratulations to all the winners.”
