A "behind-the-scenes" look at an animator as he struggles with his character, Will Anderson's comedic documentary short The Making of Longbird won both the Award for Best Film in the British Short Film Competition and the McLaren Award for New British Animation at the Edinburgh International Film Festival.
Made in both color and black and white, the 15-minute film was released last year by the Edinburgh College of Art. The EIFF's award ceremony was held Saturday afternoon.
The Making of Longbird had won many other awards, including best graduation film at the Annecy International Animation Festival and Scottish Short Film Award at the Glasgow Short Film Festival.
An animator and designer as well as a director, Anderson grew up in the Scottish Highlands. Graduating in animation from the Edinburgh College of Art last year, he's now an Edinburgh resident.
Director Penny Woolcock was given the Michael Powell Award for Best British Feature Film for One Mile Away, which also received its world premiere at the festival. The jury panel described One Mile Away as "a brave and honest film" and "a singular achievement."
Woolcock thanked the panel, announcing that "if you are brave and you persevere you can get somewhere." Cast member Shabba added, "I'm gobsmacked. Thanks for everything!"
Andrea Riseborough and Bríd Brennan jointly won Awards for Best Performance in a British Feature Film for their performances in James Marsh's Shadow Dancer, which had its United Kingdom premiere at the festival.
The Award for Best Film in the International Feature Competition was presented to director Mao Mao for Here, Then.
The Award for Best Film in the International Short Film Competition went to Dinosaur Eggs in the Living Room by Rafael Urban of Brazil.
The inaugural Student Critics Award was given to Sleepless Night, directed by Jang Kun-Jae. The newly-formed jury praised the "young filmmaker with a refined talent. He has created a simple yet compelling story of modern romance in which the unremarkable becomes remarkable."
