Winter in Wartime awarded in Rome
During the Rome International Film Festival (October 15 – 23, 2009) the Dutch feature Winter in Wartime by Martin Koolhoven has been awarded the Silver Marc’Aurelio Award for Best Film in the category 12 years and older. A jury of 35 members in the age of 14 to 18 decided to give the prize to Winter in Wartime, which is also this year’s Academy Award Entry from the Netherlands in the category Best Foreign Language Film.
Winter in Wartime is directed by Martin Koolhoven and produced by Isabella Films (Els Vandevorst, The South) and Fu Works (San Fu Maltha, Black Book).
In the Netherlands the film had a dream release, reaching the status of a Golden Film, for welcoming its 100.000 visitor, within 9 days since its theatrical release. The film had a Box Office of more than €332.000,- in the first weekend and has recently been sold to Great Britain, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand.
During the Netherlands Film Festival the film received three Golden Calves for Best Male Lead (Martijn Lakemeier), Best Supporting Actor (Raymond Thiry) and Best Production Design (Floris Vos). Finally, Winter in Wartime has been selected as the Dutch representative for the European Film Awards, the European equivalent of the Oscars, of which the nominations will be announced early November.
The story of Winter in Wartime takes place during the last cold winter of the Second World War in the Netherlands. Suddenly 14-year-old Michiel becomes responsible for the care of a British pilot. This turns out to be more dangerous than he could ever imagine.





