Sandy Powell to Present Jarman Award; Molly Shannon Joins X-Cetra

By Elena Vasquez

Sandy Powell will present this year’s Film London Jarman Award on November 24 and serve as the event’s guest of honor. The Oscar-winning costume designer holds three Academy Awards for Best Costume Design.

What does the Jarman Award recognize?

Film London established the award in 2008 to honor Derek Jarman and celebrate U.K.-based artist-filmmakers in the film industry. Powell frequently collaborated with Jarman, who also mentored her. Their shared films include Caravaggio and Edward II.

Four nominees compete for this year’s award:

• Sadia Pineda Hameed
• Ilona Sagar
• Rhea Storr
• Alia Syed

Powell’s link to Jarman spans mentorship and repeated collaboration, while her wider credits reach four additional directors and three films that brought her the Academy’s costume-design prize.

The pairing places a three-time Oscar winner beside the director who mentored her.

Which collaborators and films shaped Powell’s record?

Powell has also worked with Martin Scorsese, Neil Jordan, Todd Haynes and Yorgos Lanthimos. Her Academy Awards for Best Costume Design came for Shakespeare in Love, The Aviator and The Young Victoria.

Across these credits, Powell has combined four directorial collaborations, three Academy Awards and additional work on Cinderella, The Wolf of Wall Street and Mary Poppins Returns.

Powell brings three Academy Awards and a direct connection to the award’s namesake.

Why did Film London choose Powell?

Adrian Wootton, OBE, chief executive of Film London, said: “Sandy’s remarkable career speaks to a truly remarkable talent. From her days collaborating with Derek Jarman on films like ‘Caravaggio’ and ‘Edward II’ to the peerless design she has brought to a staggering array of modern classics, her work is bold, beautiful and boundlessly creative.”

Wootton added: “She has long been vocal in her support of Derek’s cultural legacy, and, as such, I don’t think we could ask for a more fitting guest of honor for this year’s Film London Jarman Award.”

Film London’s chief executive says Powell has actively backed Jarman’s cultural legacy.

What does Summer 2000: The X-Cetra Story document?

Film News in Brief carries a second item, dated Tuesday, October 20, on Summer 2000: The X-Cetra Story, with Molly Shannon joining the production before the film’s Los Angeles premiere at AFI Fest on October 24.

The documentary follows a group of friends who reunite when the album they made as pre-teens becomes a cult online hit 20 years later.

The 20-year span turns a teenage recording into an internet phenomenon and brings its makers back together.

Who will Shannon interview after the screening?

After the Oct. 24 screening, the Emmy-nominated actress and bestselling author will moderate a Q&A with:

• Ayden Mayeri — director, writer and producer
• Barry Rothbart — writer, producer and cinematographer
• Rachael Fung — producer
• Janet Kariuki, Mary Washburn, Jessica Hall and Robin O’Brien — subjects

The panel pairs three members of the filmmaking team with four people whose experiences the documentary follows, linking the film’s makers with its subjects.

Shannon said: “I was so deeply moved by this beautiful film and its reminder of how easy it is to lose track of that free-spirited, dreaming little girl inside all of us.”

“It’s a wonderful reminder to keep making room for the things that bring us joy, no matter how much time has passed. I’m so excited to be part of this project and to help share X-Cetra’s story with audiences.”

Shannon joins as executive producer and will guide the post-screening conversation herself.

Where does the documentary screen next?

• SXSW — world premiere and Documentary Feature Jury Award
• Sydney Film Festival
• Melbourne International Film Festival
• Bentonville Film Festival
• AFI Fest — Los Angeles premiere on Oct. 24
• DOC NYC — next scheduled screening

The film has reached four named festivals, counting its SXSW world premiere and jury win, with AFI Fest on Oct. 24 and DOC NYC still ahead.

The Oct. 24 Los Angeles premiere comes before the documentary’s next screening at DOC NYC.