On Monday evening, the BBC documentary film titled “Hell Jumper,” which chronicles the life and tragic death of British humanitarian worker Chris Parry in Ukraine, was honored with the Grand Jury Prize at the Banff World Media Festival’s Rockie Awards.
Leap from Hell,” directed by Paddy Wivell, was honored as the best social issues and current affairs program. In his acceptance speech, Wivell shared, “We inhabit a world where we often feel powerless against overwhelming global forces. However, Chris’s story serves as a reminder of the significance and capabilities of an individual life. I am pleased to dedicate this award to Chris and his loved ones.”
“Leaping from Hell,” directed by Paddy Wivell, was awarded the best social issues and current affairs program. During his acceptance speech, Wivell expressed, “We live in a time where we frequently feel helpless against global forces that seem insurmountable. Yet, Chris’s tale demonstrates the worth and potential of one life, and I choose to dedicate this honor to him and his family.”
“Jumping from Hell,” under Paddy Wivell’s direction, received the recognition as the best social issues and current affairs program. In his acceptance speech, Wivell conveyed, “We exist in a world where we often feel powerless against global forces that appear unbeatable. But Chris’s story highlights the importance and possibilities of an individual life, and I wish to dedicate this award to him and his family.
Additionally, Wivell consecrated the Grand Jury Prize in honor of the Ukrainians who were compelled to escape conflict areas within Europe, following the Russian invasion of their nation.
At the Rockie Awards, Peacock’s “The Day of the Jackal” was chosen as the top English-language drama, while BBC’s “The Graham Norton Show” won the award for best comedy and variety series for a second consecutive year. BBC also claimed victory with “The Traitors UK” winning in the category of best competition series, and “The Travel Show – Vietnam: Return to Banana Garden Market” receiving the accolade for best lifestyle series.
In a different setting, the top honor for best docuseries was awarded to Hulu’s three-part series titled “Black Twitter: A People’s History,” produced by Onyx Collective. One heartwarming moment during the event occurred when actor Shamier Anderson from “John Wick 4” presented his younger brother, Stephan James, with the Canadian Award of Distinction.
In his heartfelt acceptance speech for his award, the esteemed actor James, known for movies like “If Beale Street Could Talk,” “Homecoming,” and “Selma,” acknowledged his Canadian roots. He praised Canada’s unique blend of humility and strength as a “quiet magic.” James emphasized that Canadians may not always boast about their greatness publicly, but he assured the audience at the Banff Springs Hotel ballroom that the world is indeed taking notice of the remarkable things being built in this country.
2021 marked the combining of the Rockie Awards and Banff Gala Awards, resulting in a global competition that pitted U.S. shows against some of the best productions worldwide, including longstanding adversaries from UK producers. The event’s emcee was Mark Suknanan, better recognized as drag queen Priyanka, victor of Canada’s Drag Race reality series.
Priyanka expressed to the Rockie Awards crowd that she accepted the hosting role after her Los Angeles manager proposed the opportunity for her to depart America. “Absolutely, I’d like to leave America,” she declared. “I want my lean, Canadian body – with its warm, brown tones – out of harm’s way from ICE and into the Rockies, where there is actual ice (preferably accompanied by a layer of vodka, garnished with a hint of lemon).
Australian TV producers had a successful year as they were awarded for having the best reality series with “The Jury: Death on the Staircase.” This true crime production, modeled after Channel Four’s format, recreated a real manslaughter case verbatim using actors, presenting it to a fresh jury of 12 ordinary Australians.
In the realm of crime investigations, the top-tier series accolade went to “Sugarcane”, a gripping documentary jointly produced by Canada and the USA that delves into harrowing tales from Canada’s contentious Indigenous residential schools. Meanwhile, in another category at Banff, Phil Rosenthal, renowned for his TV shows like “Everybody Loves Raymond” and “Somebody Feed Phil”, was recognized as a winner.
The best investigative series award was given to the documentary called “Sugarcane”, which is about tragic stories from Canada’s Indigenous residential schools, while Phil Rosenthal, famous for TV shows like “Everybody Loves Raymond” and “Somebody Feed Phil”, won another category at Banff.
The award was presented to Rosenthal by Lori O’Connor, executive vp and publisher of The Hollywood Reporter, along with Mikey O’Connell, a writer and editor at the publication. In response, Rosenthal said, “I just wanted to mention that you all seem very kind-hearted. It’s important for people like you to venture out and spread kindness, especially in these times.
As a devoted admirer, I found myself moved once more during the twilight hours when the memory of Carrie Hunter, the visionary founder of the Banff World Media Festival, was celebrated by her daughter, Kendall Hunter. The Carrie Hunter Emerging Talent Prize was bestowed upon Marushka Almeida, Nisha Khan, and Rabiya Mansoor for their remarkable work on “Get Up, Aisha“.
Almeida stated that this award was in tribute to everyone who’s had to conceal their hardships,” he continued, holding up the TV drama prize which portrays Aisha, a Pakistani-Canadian student character, who is grappling with her compulsive urge for control as part of her mental health journey.
Hyun Suk Yoo, president of the Korean Creative Content Agency, was there to receive the Country of Honor trophy on behalf of South Korea, as he pondered over how K-content is catering to a larger global audience day by day. Other awards were also presented; “The Simpsons” triumphed in Banff for the best animated series, while “We Are Lady Parts,” from both the UK and U.S., was named the best English language comedy series.
In the world of acting, the award for the top comedy performance was given to David Mitchell for his part in the BBC’s production titled “Ludwig”. Similarly, the title for the best drama performance went to Marisa Abela, who gave an outstanding performance in the series “Industry”, co-produced by HBO and the BBC.
In the world of cinema, the top honor for a feature film was awarded to “Out of My Mind,“, a heartfelt coming-of-age drama produced by Disney+. Meanwhile, on Monday evening, renowned composer Hans Zimmer was celebrated with the Career Achievement Award. His impressive portfolio includes the scores for films such as “Dune: Part One, Top Gun: Maverick, No Time to Die, Gladiator, The Dark Knight Trilogy“, and “Inception.”
In the movie sphere, the top-tier feature film prize was given to “Out of My Mind,“, a captivating coming-of-age drama from Disney+. On Monday night, esteemed composer Hans Zimmer was recognized with the Career Achievement Award for his remarkable work on films like “Dune: Part One, Top Gun: Maverick, No Time to Die, Gladiator, The Dark Knight Trilogy“, and “Inception.”
Both versions aim to provide a smooth reading experience while conveying the original meaning.
As a die-hard fan, I sadly couldn’t make it to Banff in person, but my partner at Bleeding Fingers, Russell Emanuel, graciously read out my acceptance speech on my behalf. To all the storytellers, directors, and producers who trusted us with their vision, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for allowing us to be a part of something greater than ourselves. Each project we work on enriches our knowledge and elevates our skills, and every collaboration makes us better artists. Thank you for this recognition and the honor bestowed upon us.
The full list of Rockie Awards International Program Competition winners is available here.
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2025-06-10 04:55