Atom Egoyan honored by Chlotrudis Society for Independent Film

PanARMENIAN.Net - On March 18, the Chlotrudis Society for Independent Film honored director Atom Egoyan during its 18th Annual Chlotrudis Awards Ceremony at the historic Brattle Theatre in Harvard Square.

Egoyan was honored with a special Chlotrudis Hall of Fame Award for his achievements as a filmmaker and was accompanied by his wife, actress Arsinée Khanjian, The Armenian Mirror-Spectator reported.

The Chlotrudis Society is a Boston- based non-profit group that teaches people to view film actively, experience the world through independent film and engage in discussion. The group works with film festivals, local art-houses and theatres, production companies, directors and actors to bring creative, quality films to the attention of audiences and film- love.

Interspersed throughout the program was the awarding of Trudy awards given in numerous categories including Best Actress (to Tracy Wright for “Trigger”), Best Actor (Michael Shannon for “Take Shelter”) and Best Movie (“The Artist”). Membership votes determine the winners of each year’s awards.

In acknowledging the talents of honoree Egoyan, the program booklet stated, “Atom Egoyan has been exploring the hows and whys of truth, identity, memory, fidelity and loss, through the medium of film for over three decades. After garnering several Chlotrudis nominations, including a Best Movie and Best Director nod for ‘The Sweet Hereafter”’ in 1998, Atom was honored with a special directing award by the society. Often heralded for his unique visual style, his later films, ‘Where the Truth Lies’ and ‘Chloe,’ have received Chlotrudis nods for Best Visual Design and Best Cinematography respectively. Atom’s films tackle difficult subjects, and ‘Ararat,’ one his most epic films, showed up on several Chlotrudis members’ top films of the year lists for 2002.”

In presenting the award and introducing Egoyan as a favorite filmmaker, Colford discussed the filmmaker’s achievements, creative filmmaking and themes of heritage, family and storytelling experienced in his films. “Ararat” is “both epic and intimate at the same time,” and “Chloe” had “astonishing visual style,” he declared. A short clip from “The Sweet Hereafter” was viewed and shortly after an excited Egoyan jumped onto the stage to receive his Trudy award. In accepting his award, a bubbling Egoyan said, “this award feels true…” He also expressed appreciation to the tribute made to Canadian filmmakers and their creative community.