FISM 2003 - DAY SIX

Saturday, July 26. 2003

This morning people saw lectures by Mahka Tendo on manipulation, Jon Allen on close up and stand up, and Boris Wild on close up.

At 11.00 am we moved into the Alexander Hall for the Award Ceremony, and the winners were...

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THE WINNERS

Manipulation
1 - Norbert Ferré - France
2 - Eun-Gyeol Lee - Korea Republic
3 - Kenji Minemura - Japan

General Magic
1 - Pat Perry & Archibald - Switzerland
2 - Simon Pierro - Germany
3 (tie) - Danny Cole - USA
3 (tie) - Mirko - Argentino

Illusions
1- Not Awarded
2 - Prince of Illusions - The Netherlands
3 - Dr Marrax - Germany

Mental Magic
1 - Not Awarded
2 - Aaron - Belgium
3 - Chris Joker - Germany

Card Magic
1 - Mago Migue - Spain
2 (tie) - Gregory Wilson - USA
2 (tie) - Inaki - Argentina
3 - Etienne - United Kingdom

Close-Up
1 - Jason Latimer - USA
2 (tie) - Nicholas Einhorn - United Kingdom
2 (tie) - Shawn Farquhar - Canada
3 - Ferenc Galambos - Hungary

Parlour Magic
1 - Not Awarded
2 (tie) - Ken Bardowicks - Germany
2 (tie) - Chris Joker - Germany
3 - Robert Jagerhorn - Finland

Prizes for Invention presented to:
Jason Latimer - USA - for his clear cups and balls.
Jan Ditgen - Germany - for his book test.
Arsene Lupin - Poland - for his block trick.

Prize for Comedy Presentation
The Great Nardini - Scotland

Most Original Act
Pat Perry & Archibald - Switzerland

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Due to the new judging process, in order to award the two Grand Prix titles (close up and Stage) the first place winners in each category would perform again on the Final Gala and compete for the Grand Prix prizes. Due to his very high score, Eun-Gyeol Lee was also added to the final competition.

(Ali Bongo & Tim Ellis causing trouble on the Jury).

After lunch, people again chose between lectures from David Williamson, Richard Sanders, Jay Sankey, a workshop on magic into gold, or they attended the General Asembly of FISM. Many chose to take this last opportunity to spend up big at the dealers.

At 4.30 pm it was time for the MagicSports final show, with celebrity judges Mike Caveney, Stan Allen, Bob Sheets, Gene Anderson, Magic Christian, and Max Maven. There were some fantastic games as Tim, Sean and Gaston played against Thomas, Topas and Ben, but the final Make-A-Trick performed by Sean and Gaston was so good it forced the other team to come out and surrender (well, they'd had exactly the same idea for their Make-A-Trick).

At 6.00pm the decision on where the next FISM would be held was made. It was announced that the next FISM would be in Stockholm, Sweden in 2006 and many people (including us) rushed the booth to sign up and register.

The final Gala Show was hosted by Ronald Moray and Sylvia Schuyer. Mago Migue and Jason Latimer performed their acts on stage, with the jury as their audience and the images shown on the theatres video screens. Competing for the Stage Grand Prix were Pat Perry & Archibald (whose act really suffered on the second viewing as all of the surprises were gone), Eun-Gyeol Lee (who gave a better showing than in the competition), and Norbert Ferré (who wasn't quite as sharp as he was during the competition). The second half of the show was presented by Hans Klok. Beautiful laser effects, spectacular illusions, lots of dancers, and Hans.

Finally the winners were announced:

The Grand Prix Winners were:

Grand Prix - Stage
Norbert Ferré - France

Grand Prix - Close Up
Jason Latimer - USA

There was A LOT of celebrating and partying went on until the early hours. It was sad to see FISM 2003 come to an end, but to be honest, I think most people will need three years of rest before they are ready for the next one. It really was a truly magical week and a much needed recharge and inspiration.

If you missed out this time, sign up for FISM 2006 before it sells out (http://www.fism.com/) and we'll see you there!

Article © Magic Unlimited 2003