The FFF-funded films Toni Erdmann by Maren Ade and Elle by Paul Verhoeven were awarded by the International Cinephile Society.
For the first time ever, at the 14th International Cinephile Society Awards, top honors were given out to a woman director.
Best picture, director, non-English language film and original screenplay all went to Maren Ade for her darkly comic masterwork, Toni Erdmann. Peter Simonischek also won best actor for his hilarious and poignant turn in the title role. The FFF-funded tale of corporate angst finds Ines (lead actress runner-up Sandra Hüller) a high-powered, high-stress consultant trying desperately to fend off her lonely fathers incursions, as he sinks his (fake) teeth into her life and wont let go.
Paul Verhoevens deliberately provocative Elle took runner-up in picture, director and non-English language film, while garnering wins for adapted screenplay, editing, and best actress the incomparable Isabelle Huppert, who elevates Verhoevens stylish potboiler to rarefied heights with her warped yet mesmerizing character.
The International Cinephile Society was formed in 2003 and is made up of around 100 journalists, film scholars and other industry professionals.