The indie comedy by 'Iron Man' helmer grabs Best Narrative, while 'Keep On Keepin' On' is named Best Documentary.
- Apr 28, 2014
AceShowbiz - The 13th annual Tribeca Film Festival closed in New York on Sunday, April 27 by announcing winners for Audience Awards. Indie comedy "Chef (2014)" written and directed by Jon Favreau won the Best Narrative, while "Keep on Keepin' On" co-produced by Quincy Jones won the Best Documentary. The winners received a cash prize of $25,000 each.
In "Chef", Favreau plays the main character who was fired from his job after having a heated argument with his employer (Dustin Hoffman) and getting involved in a Twitter war with a food critic (Oliver Platt). With no job prospects, he returns to his hometown of Miami and builds a food business of his own. It will be released by Open Road on May 9 in the U.S.
"These films happen to share the common theme of following one's dreams, the challenging journey to achieve them, and how it cannot be done without true friendship, family and support," said Genna Terranova, Director of Programming, Tribeca Film Festival. "We are pleased that both films captured the hearts of the NY audiences as they had our own."
Favreau was absent from the event, so castmate Bobby Cannavale accepted the prize on his behalf. "Thank you! Jonathan had to fly back to LA and promote the film," Cannavale said. "Jon wanted me to tell you he's a native New Yorker and is really proud to have his movie in this festival. He made it for no money - it's a true independent film. ... Thank you, thank you very much and for voting for us."
Meanwhile, RADiUS-TWC has just closed a deal for worldwide rights and remake rights for "Keep On". It's a documentary of a blind piano prodigy mentored by jazz legend Clark Terry whose pupils included big stars like Miles Davis and Quincy Jones. Its director Alan Hicks was previously picked by a panel of juries that included Heather Graham and Michael Stuhlbarg as Best New Documentary Director.
"I was just honored to get into the Festival in the first place," Hicks gushed. "Never would have imagined coming away with the audience award and the Best New Director award. I'm just stoked! I don't have any other words in my vocab, I'm just stoked! ... This warm response to the film is such an honor and I'm so happy to get Clark's story out to the world the way that we have. Clark will be so happy."
