Blur Films Becomes First Spanish Production Company to Win Film Craft Grand Prix

James Rouse’s spot “Hope”, for the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), won the Grand Prix for best direction in the Film Craft category, making Blur Films the first Spanish production company ever, to bring home this award.  It also picked up a Gold Lion for its script, which aims to highlight the devastation caused to health workers targeted in war torn conflict zones. 

"Hope" is a global campaign, produced by Blur and written by Spain based agency Mrs. Rushmore, with James Rouse directing, and Alexander Melman assisting as DOP.  

Shot in Beirut Lebanon, the heart-breaking film aims to provide the world with visibility of the number of violent attacks suffered by thousands of people in conflict zones, and the devastation these attacks leave behind to health workers and hospitals.  The film tells the story of Raya, a critically wounded little girl being rushed to hospital by her father.  We see her father trying desperately to keep her alive during the journey, only to discover the hospital no longer exists because it has been blown up. 

The most important thing for the ICRC is to make this cause more visible, make people understand that it is a reality, and educate not only those who have the responsibility within a war zone to promote change, but the wider population too. 

Blur Films are humbled by this award, and feel proud to see the Spanish production industry being recognised globally for their skill.  It feels especially poignant for Blur Films, who have been established in Spain for 15 years, because it is such a worthy and important cause.  This award adds to James Rouse’s collection of 150 awards in international festivals of film and cinema.  

The Silver Lion was awarded to Lorena Medina’s entertaining and beautifully executed spot for Mattel, produced in partnership with Lola MullenLowe.  The film celebrates the joy of playing Pictionary in a clever and engaging way, bringing to life an interesting insight that “Pictionary is like karaoke; when people get it right it’s a lot less fun than when people get it wrong”.