18 Nov 2024 On the Screen (MD2024/4)

Venice (Italy) 2024

The 13th INTERFILM Award for Promoting Interreligious Dialogue has gone to Quiet Life directed by Alexandros Avranas (France, Germany, Sweden, Greece, Estonia, Finland).

Motivation: “Quiet Life” is not always quiet at all. A family is seeking asylum, which is unfortunately denied. The rejection results in a mysterious coma for the two children – the so called “child resignation syndrome”. This incredibly dense film is clearly structured, the actors’ performances are deeply touching and stressful at the same time, and confront us with the hypocrisy of a so called human, but indeed a bureaucracy as cold as ice. By choosing this film we encourage people to think about human dignity, strengthen solidarity with asylum seekers, and promote our awareness for all kinds of rejection.

Members of the 2024 Jury: Ingrid Glatz, Switzerland; Stefan Haupt, Switzerland; Naomi Evelyn Hondrea, Italy/Romania; Jes Nysten, Denmark (President of the Jury); Barbara Schantz-Derboven, Germany.

Locarno (Switzerland) 2024

At the 77th Film Festival Locarno (7-17 August 2024), the Ecumenical Jury, appointed by INTERFILM and SIGNIS, awarded its Prize, endowed with 10.000 CHF by the Reformed Churches and the Catholic Church in Switzerland, to Akiplėša (Toxic) directed by Saulė Bliuvaitė (Lithuania, 2024).

Motivation: This is a story of broken families, teenage friendships, and the hope for a better tomorrow. The film shows the contrast between youthful dreams full of hope and excitement and a real world that exploits those adolescent ideals for its benefit. It raises important questions such as how to choose the right path to follow, how to distinguish between truth and lies in human relationships, and how to say no to manipulation and abuse, especially when you do not yet have life experiences. What does today’s society offer young people?

In addition, the Jury awarded a Commendation to Mond (Moon) directed by Kurdwin Ayub (Austria, 2024).

Motivation: There are always defeats in life but it is important to get up and start over again. This film provides a societal contrast and also a strong commonality between a young European female trainer and her new pupils, three Jordanian sisters. The feeling of being trapped and of fighting for freedom can occur in both the East and the West.

Members of the 2024 Jury: Douglas Fahleson (President of the Jury, Ireland); Maria Teresa Téramo (Argentina); Anita Uzulniece (Latvia). Dirk von Jutrczenka (Germany)

Miskolc (Hungary) 2024

At the 20th Cinefest – International Film Festival Miskolc (6-14 September 2024), the Ecumenical Jury, appointed by INTERFILM and SIGNIS, awarded its Prize to Elskling (Loveable) directed by Lilja Ingolfsdottir (Norway, 2024).

Motivation: This family drama begins as an enchantment, but a few years later the family gradually cracks, and the mother, Maria, through whom the problems arrive, doesn’t understand why. She clashes with her husband, children and her mother. Everyone is guilty. We follow her in a painful path from her guilt and fears to her attempt at self-knowledge and the realization of unconscious patterns in herself.

After a long personal journey and with the help of a psychologist, resilience comes and she discovers the possibility of faith, hope and love in her life. Loveable also addresses the themes of equality and femininity. The film’s fragmented narrative is in perfect harmony with its themes. The playful use of montage and the non-linear storytelling makes it not only a deep human study, but also a remarkable piece of contemporary cinema.

Members of the 2024 Jury: Jacqueline Barbaccia (France); Philippe Cabrol (France); Pál Gerlai (Hungary, President of the Jury); Balász Szövényi-Lux (Hungary).

Chemnitz (Germany) 2024

At the 29th International Film Festival for Children and Young Audience SCHLiNGEL, 25 September to 3 October 2024, the Ecumenical Jury, appointed by INTERFILM and SIGNIS, awarded its Prize to Hajjan directed by Abu Bakr Shawky (Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, 2023).

Motivation: This film left us speechless: The impressive landscape images, the poetry of the language, the emotionality of the music and the masterful use of light paired with the captivating story about the young orphan Matar were overwhelming. The Bedouin Matar stands out for his sense of justice and his high ethical standards in a merciless environment full of vanity and injustice. The absolute prioritisation of the welfare of his companion, the camel Hofira, and the appreciation of his family history characterise the actions of this excellent jockey. No money in the world, no prospect of victories and successes interest him, but only the peaceful, respectful coexistence with Hofira, for whom he himself would give his life. At the same time, we were able to immerse ourselves in a culture that is completely foreign to us and learn about its values, family structures and traditions.

In addition, the jury awarded a Commendation to La Petite et le Vieux (Blue Sky Jo) (still below) directed by Patrice Sauvé (Canada, 2024).

Motivation: This film takes us on a journey into the world of the 80s in French-speaking Canada. Tough economic constraints, failed dreams and broken family relationships determine people’s reality. Nevertheless, compassion finds its way: the old man who protects the main character Jo like an angel. Her job colleague, who helps without expecting anything in return. And the young Jo herself, who is constantly confronted with the shortcomings of adulthood as she grows up. But she is never discouraged from looking for the good in people for her own small happiness and helping selflessly. This is a good example to follow.

Members of the 2024 Jury: Mathieu Cunnac (France); Stefan Hassels (Germany); Beáta Kézi (Hungary, President of the Jury); Michelle Isabel Stark (Germany).

Warsaw (Poland) 2024

At the 40th Warsaw International Film Festival 11-20 October 2024, the Ecumenical Jury, appointed by INTERFILM and SIGNIS, awarded its Prize for a film in the International Competition to Oro amargo (Bitter Gold) (still right) directed by Juan Francisco Olea (Chile Mexico, Uruguay, Germany, 2024).

Motivation: Still keep the hope, even if it is hopeless! Sometimes the worst tragedies can become opportunities for profound transformations. Carola, a young woman in North Chile, decides to take her life in her hands, and fight against the patriarchal structures and brutal laws of the jungle. Like a resurrection, she descends to the depths of hell to emerge stronger and increase a self-empowerment which become the key to a new life. Through magnificent landscapes and a tense drama, the director allows us to perceive that in the face of the impossible, hope remains.

In addition, the Ecumenical Jury awarded a Commendation to Nakon ljeta (My Late Summer) directed by Denis Tanović (Croatia, Bosnia, Romania, Slovenia, Serbia, 2024).

Motivation: It’s a celebration of life where the Oscar winning director, Danis Tanović, invites everyone to enjoy the Croatian flair by colours, music, nature and fabulous people. Both entertaining and poignantly scripted, the film centres on Maja who travels to a remote island determined to get answers to questions about her past – and to get a piece of the inheritance she feels is rightfully hers. While her personal mission takes longer than expected, the charming island, its eccentric inhabitants and an unexpected romance help her focus on her identity and ambitions and rethink her life.

Members of the 2024 Jury: Anna Woźniak-Kot (Poland); Jean-Luc Gadreau (France); Marianna Kavka (Ukraine/Germany).