Sir Alan Parker, director (UK)
An incredibly talented cartoonist, specialist in the technical traits of the job, gifted storyteller, capable of putting out messages with direct and honest messages – sudden dramatic turns, bright characteristics, fatal clashes and frequently interrupted scenes of explanative dialogue. He has always had sympathy for the outcasts. Despite his permanent passion towards controversial topics (e.g. conditions in Turkish prisons in Midnight Express, which is nominated for an Oscar), Parker prefers to mainly work within the frameworks of traditional genres. His tendency to rely on the intuitive, rather than the intellectual is the reason why his films often resist the complex, in favour of the impulsive here and now effect. In 1982 he reaches new heights with his film Pink Floyd: The Wall. His next film Birdie (1984) also receives great honours and brings Alan Parker the Jury’s Grand Prix Award at Cannes.
Alan Parker was awarded the Sofia Municipality award for outstanding achievements in world cinema in 2006.