Bermuda International Film Festival’s Prospero Award has been given a new look.

The lifetime achievement award, which in the past was made from bronze by local artist Diane Tetlow, was recently unveiled made with Bermuda cedar by local craftsman Milton Hill.

BIFF’s Jean Flath said the board opted to change the look of the award considering the weight and cost of the bronze. They also realised it might be time for a new approach by encorporating a traditional Bermuda material into its design.

“BIFF is a non profit festival that supports both local and international independent film makers and we felt it was important to support a local artist and do something truly Bermudian,” Mrs Flath said. “Our Event Director Deshay Caines referred us to Milton Hill who is a true artisan and did a wonderful job.”

The 2014 Prospero Award recently honoured the life and work of Author Rankin, considered one of the fathers of stop start animation, who had a highly successful career as a producer and creative artist.

His works include Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer in 1964; and the 1977 cartoon animation of The Hobbit, among many others.

“Since the 1950s Arthur chose to make Bermuda his home and was an avid supporter of the arts and BIFF. In short he was a very deserving candidate for a lifetime achievement award,” Mrs Flath said.

Mr Rankin passed away earlier this year at his home at Harrington Sound, Bermuda, at age 89, following a brief illness.

His wife Olga Rankin was on hand to receive the award at last month’s film festival.