Venice, Italy – This year’s 81st Venice Film Festival has concluded with a stunning showcase of international talent and storytelling as it hosted both feature-length and short films from around the globe. The Orizzonti Jury, led by renowned director Debra Granik and including distinguished members Ali Asgari, Soudade Kaadan, Christos Nikou, Tuva Novotny, Gábor Reisz, and Valia Santella, adjudicated a vibrant competition of 19 feature-length films and 13 short films.
In a significant win that highlights the depth of Eastern European cinema, the Orizzonti Award for Best Film was presented to “Anul Nou Care N-A Fost (The New Year That Never Came)” directed by Bogdan Mureșanu, a collaborative production between Romania and Serbia. This poignant film tackles themes of historical significance and personal upheaval, standing out in a competitive field.
U.S. filmmaker Sarah Friedland received the Orizzonti Award for Best Director for her film, “Familiar Touch.” The film skillfully explores intimate and complex familial relationships, marking a significant moment in Friedland’s career. The remarkable roles portrayed in “Familiar Touch” also led Kathleen Chalfant to take home the Orizzonti Award for Best Actress for her compelling performance.
Adding to the diversity of accolades, the Special Orizzonti Jury Prize was awarded to Turkish filmmaker Murat Fıratoğlu for his film “Hemme’nin Öldüğü Günlerden Biri (One of Those Days When Hemme Dies).” The film provides a unique narrative experience, deeply entrenched in its local context yet resonant on a universal level.
In a notable recognition of male acting talent, Francesco Gheghi was honored with the Orizzonti Award for Best Actor for his role in the Italian film “Familia,” directed by Francesco Costabile. The film’s powerful narrative and Gheghi’s execution offer a stirring look into the intricacies of familial ties and personal identity.
For its compelling narrative weaved with intriguing dialogues and cultural introspections, the Orizzonti Award for Best Screenplay was bestowed upon Scandar Copti for “Happy Holidays,” a multinational project involving Palestine, Germany, France, Italy, and Qatar. This screenplay is a testament to the power of collaborative storytelling crossing geographical and cultural boundaries.
In the shorts category, Canadian director Arshia Shakiba claimed the Orizzonti Award for Best Short Film with “Who Loves the Sun,” a detailed exploration of personal and thematic elements that capture the complexities of human relationships and personal growth.
Moreover, the film “René Va Alla Guerra” by Italian filmmakers Luca Ferri, Morgan Menegazzo, and Mariachiara Pernisa received a special nod with a nomination for the European Film Awards 2024. This recognition places the film among Europe’s finest for the coming year, marking it as a work worthy of broader attention.
The 81st Venice Film Festival not only celebrated these individual triumphs but also underscored the festival’s commitment to fostering an environment where diverse cinematic voices can flourish. As these filmmakers return to their respective homes, they carry with them the recognition and accolades that testify to the enduring power and universal language of film.
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