“Freddie Mercury: Great Pretender” documentary wins Rose d'Or Award

PanARMENIAN.Net - The legend and legacy of Freddie Mercury, the former frontman of global rock act Queen who died of AIDS-related pneumonia in 1991, continues to captivate viewers and listeners alike, The Hollywood Reporter said.

Freddie Mercury: The Great Pretender, a film from Eagle Rock Entertainment for the BBC, picked up a best arts program plaudit at this year's Rose d'Or Awards.

The feature-length film documents Mercury's life with a concentration on his attempt to forge a solo career outside of Queen.

Held in Brussels last week, the 52nd edition of the awards, established to celebrate television programs from around the world, presented the award to the film's director Rhys Thomas.

Over forty countries participate, submitting nominees in each of the award's six categories.

Thomas, an expert on the group and the filmmaker behind the 2011 BBC documentary Queen: Days of Our Lives, used archive footage including rare interviews, live performances and personal material to draw out a portrait of the artist that is often quite different from his flamboyant public persona.

Thomas described winning the Rose d'Or "for what was essentially a lifelong dream and hobby" as "thrilling."

"This really was a labor of love for me, I wanted to make a documentary that captured Freddie's humor as well as his talent and achievements," Thomas said.

"From the reaction from fellow fans and now recognition from BAFTA and The Rose d'Or, it seems I have done something right. Thanks Freddie!"