The award-winning documentary"Abel Raises Cain"

    The prestigious Aarhus Film Festival in Denmark (April 26-30, 2007) attracted filmmakers from around the world. “Abel Raises Cain,” produced, written, directed and edited by Jenny Abel and Jeff Hockett was entered in competition as a Danish Premiere.            
     At the April 30th Award Ceremony, the judges issued this unanimous statement:  “Abel Raises Cain” is a film you fall in love with right from the beginning.  It is a personal portrait of a rebel with a cause. Alan Abel’s daughter, Jenny, presents her father from an amused and compassionate perspective, with his pointed commentary on society. We have decided to give the prize for Best Documentary to the delightful film, “Abel Raises Cain.”
     Alan Abel, along with fellow prankster Paul Hiatt, represented the filmmakers and accepted a magnificently sculptured solid glass trophy by artist Mats Jonasson.  An overflow crowd of 400 responded with a standing ovation as Abel thanked everyone on the festival staff, including a cleaning lady who happened by.
     He then added: “Quite frankly I am disappointed in receiving only a glass trophy. Oprah Winfrey gives away cars to strangers!  You open a bank account and receive a TV or toaster. What is the value of this glass object? Is there an appraiser out there? How about a pawn shop in Copenhagen? Will this prize make a good doorstop? What is its purpose, besides sitting on the mantle?  I’m really flabbergasted. But delighted too for Jenny and Jeff. The documentary is a magnificent embarrassment to me.  Maybe I’ll do one called ‘Daughter Dearest.’  Meantime, I’ll leave you with one final complaint. The manufacturers of small bicycle seats in Denmark must be in collusion with the makers of Preparation H.”
     The audience stood up and applauded again for media prankster Alan Abel. He concluded this appearance with an additional hour of Q. and A. in the theatre courtyard.