4/3/2010: GEORGE MILLER HONOURED BY FRANCE

In recognition of his impressive body of work spanning three decades, Dr George Miller was this week decorated with the ‘Order of Arts and Letters (Ordre des Arts et des Lettres) by His Excellency, Michel Filhol, the Ambassador of France to Australia, acting on behalf of Frédéric Mitterand, the French Minister of Culture and Communication.

Director Dr George Miller (left) and director Jean-Pierre Jeunet (right) at the opening of the 2010 French Film Festival in Sydney on Tuesday March 2, 2010. (Jamie Williams Photography)

The prestigious ‘Order of France’ was established over 50 years ago to recognize those who have made significant contributions to the arts. With the majority of recipients being French citizens, Dr. Miller joints an elite group of artists outside of France who have been similarly honoured, including Martin Scorsese, Clint Eastwood, Robert Redford, Meryl Streep and Steven Spielberg.

The award was presented to Miller on March 2 at the National Arts School in Darlinghurst, Sydney, during the opening night celebrations for the 21st French Film Festival touring Australia throughout March.

Jean Pierre Jeunet, director of the opening night film, Micmacs, was also present, prior to the film’s premiere. Another Festival guest is Philippe Lioret, director of the critically acclaimed drama Welcome, starring Vincent Lindon and newcomer Firat Ayverdi. Lioret will be touring Sydney and Melbourne mid-March to present Welcome and participate in Q & A sessions with Festival patrons. Welcome is screening courtesy of Palace Films, and will be released commercially on April 1.