The stop-motion animated fantasy film Coraline has been awarded with the 5 kilo Bronze Horse as "Best Film of 2009" at the Stockholm Film Festival Junior on April 25. The Junior Group, the festival's own jury consisting of kids and youth, described the winning entry as "a different, thrilling and slightly scary film that mixes imagination with reality. The main character sets out on a journey that teaches you to remember what you have got". Director Henry Selick sent a video greeting to the festival, thanking them for the award.

Coraline, based on a novella by critically acclaimed author Neil Gaiman, is the first animated feature to be originally filmed in 3-D. The film stars Dakota Fanning as the voice of Coraline, a young girl who walks through a secret door in her new home and discovers an alternate version of her life. On the surface, this parallel reality is eerily similar to her real life - only much better. But when this wondrously off-kilter, fantastical adventure turns dangerous and her counterfeit parents try to keep her forever, Coraline must count on her resourcefulness, determination and bravery to get back home. Opening in the US in February 2009, Coraline made nearly $17 million during its opening weekend and has to date grossed more than $80 million worldwide.

The Stockholm Film Festival Junior, held for the 10th year, is the only film festival in Stockholm for kids from 6 to 16. During April 20-25, fifteen films were screened in competition along with the newest Swedish and international short films. In addition, kids were able to submit their own film to a national "1 minute film" competition for kids 6-16 years, make a film at the workshop or become a VJ in The Remix.

Visit the official Coraline web site

Read more about Coraline on our web site