The winning films all display an ability to not just give us information but to also create an emotional experience. Among the short documentary films, we want to make Special Mention of Sergio Oskman's NOTES ON THE OTHER for its clever mixture of fact and fiction. It stood out for its elegant exploration of those decisive moments that define our identity.

The Prize for Best Short Documentary goes to Jay Rosenblatt's THE DARKNESS OF DAY. Using carefully chosen footage from old, abandoned films, Rosenblatt draws us into the dark world of those who lose their love of life. The film treats a difficult topic with empathy and respect. It helps us understand what it feels like to approach that ultimate darkness that marks the end.

Turning to the Feature and Medium Length International Documentaries, we saw many, many superb films. Most of them deserve special recognition but our job was to chose only one or two for this award.

We decided to recognize two very different films because each of them is a near perfect example of a familiar form.

THE MOST DANGEROUS MAN IN AMERICA combines lively interviews with historical footage to tell a powerful story. What does it feel like to abandon a great career, close friends, and real power to stand up for a vital principle? Daniel Ellsberg decides he must expose government lies about its war in Vietnam and tell the truth. He defies rules and leaks the Pentagon Papers to the press. Major newspapers take serious risks and print the Papers. The film celebrates integrity and courage, honesty and justice. Its story is as imporant now as it was then.

The co-winner, LA DANSE, LE BALLET DE L'OPERA DE PARIS, also explores what it means to make enormous sacrifices for what you believe in. The film shows us the almost obsessive pursuit of excellence by a company of superb dancers. Fred Wiseman turns his quiet observations into poetry. He opens a window on the tremendous dedication that goes into seemingly effortless performances of great beauty.

Together these two films demonstrate the enormous depth and great vitality of the contemporary documentary. They have the power to inspire all of us.

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