BBC Four World Cinema Awards shortlist revealed

BBC Four have announced the shortlist of nominations for their forthcoming World Cinema Awards.
Viewers and experts nominated their six favourite foreign language films from more than 120 titles released between November 1 2002 and October 31 2003.
Host of the award programme, Jonathan Ross, said: "This is a long overdue award, which has nothing to do with dickie bows and Gucci bags and everything to do with celebrating dynamic, innovative movies."
Two animations have made it to the shortlist of six, 'Belleville Rendezvous' and 'Spirited Away'.
Ross said: "I think it's great that there are two full-length animations on the shortlist.
"Both are tremendous at creating their own fantastic worlds and both are proof - if it's still needed - that animation isn't simply kid's stuff."
Speaking about the importance of recognising foreign language films, Anthony Minghella, BFI Chairman, offered his support for the BBC Four World Cinema Awards. He said: "Supporting distinctive and personal films that fall outside the domain of commercial cinema is a fundamental part of the BFI's role and a great personal passion of mine.
"When films such as 'City of God' and 'Etre et Avoir' enjoy significant box office success, it proves that UK audiences are open to global voices on the screen.
"A great film pulls you into its world and you forget, in seconds, issues of language and subtitles. In the process audiences are rewarded with unique bulletins from other cultures, other ways of seeing.
"This new award is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate cinema without frontiers."
A jury of directors and stars from the film world will select the best foreign language film from the shortlist. There will also be an Audience Award voted for by the viewers at home.
The films nominated are: 'Belleville Rendez-Vous' (Director Sylvain Chomet, France/Belgium/Canada); 'City of God' (Director Fernando Meirelles, Brazil/ France/USA); 'Etre et Avoir' (Director Nicolas Philibert, France); 'Good Bye Lenin!' (Director Wolfgang Becker, Germany); 'Spirited Away' (Director Hayao Miyazaki, USA/Japan); and 'The Man Without a Past' (Director Aki Kaurismäki, Finland/Germany/France).
The winner will be announced on BBC Four on Saturday January 24 2004.
(GB)