Here’s Johnny Wins Two Grierson Awards!

18 December 2008

A film by Animal Monday featuring animated sequences from Karrot wins Best Documentary on the Arts and Bloomberg Best Newcomer.

(UPDATE : Aired on More 4, 17th February 2009, and available to watch now on 4 on Demand)

Newcomers Animal Monday broke by the mould by taking an unprecedented two awards for their first film HERE'S JOHNNY. Co-directors Adam Lavis, William Hood and Katrina Mansoor were crowned as both Bloomberg Best Newcomer and Best Arts Documentary -†the film captures the surreal world of renowned graphic artist Johnny Hicklenton who is battling against the disease Multiple Sclerosis. Living in an increasing state of immobility and frustration, Johnny escapes the confines of his front room through his artwork.Through the expression of his brilliant and sometimes troubled imagination, the viewer learns about the disease from which he cannot escape. Karrot Animation’s Tim O’Sullivan vividly translated Johnny’s artwork into animation throughout the film.

Marilyn Gaunt, Chairman of the Bloomberg Best Newcomer judging panel commented: "The directors of HERE'S JOHNNY exhibited huge commitment, to a difficult subject, over a number of years. The authorship, innovative style and the intimacy they developed with the central character made for compelling viewing. Not an easy film to make, it was a really intelligent attempt to make some new currency for documentary. The film's approach gave us a unique insight into a devastating disease and the profound way it affects both the individual and his loved ones.