Cluj-Napoca, Romania — The 24th edition of the Transilvania International Film Festival concluded on Saturday night at the National Theatre, celebrating a diverse spectrum of cinematic achievements. British director Mahdi Fleifel was awarded the festival’s prestigious Transilvania Trophy, which comes with a cash prize of 10,000 euros, for his film To a Land Unknown.
The poignant drama portrays the struggles of two Palestinian refugees living in Athens, navigating a life filled with minor scams while clinging to the hope of a brighter future in Germany. Fleifel reflected on the film’s decade-long journey to production and emphasized the broader context of the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict, stating, "The problem in Palestine is not the Palestinians; it’s the occupation—and that must end."
German filmmaker Noaz Deshe received the Best Directing Award of 3,500 euros for his work on Xoftex, while the Special Jury Prize, valued at 1,500 euros, went to Julian Castronovo for Debut (or, Objects of the Field of Debris as Currently Catalogued).
The festival also recognized numerous other standout films and performances. The Best Performance Award, offering 1,000 euros, was awarded to Ghjuvanna Benedetti for her role in The Kingdom, directed by Julien Colonna. Additionally, the What’s Up, Doc? Award, which carries a prize of 2,000 euros, went to Saturn, directed by Daniel Tornero.
Awards continued with notable mentions including the Romanian Days: Best Feature Film, awarded to Bogdan Mureșanu’s The New Year That Never Came, alongside the Romanian Days Award for Best Debut, which went to Andra MacMasters for Bright Future.
In a celebration of young talent, the Youth Award was presented to Slovenian film Little Trouble Girls by Urška Djukić, while the Ecumenical Jury Award recognized Bernhard Wenger’s Peacock. The FIPRESCI Award for a film from the Romanian Film Days section was given to Merman, directed by Ana Lungu.
The festival honored seasoned figures in the film industry with lifetime achievement awards for directors Béla Tarr and actress Emila Dobrin. Additionally, the Excellency Awards conferred upon director Andrei Ujica and actor Florin Piersic highlighted standout contributions to cinema.
A variety of special mentions and awards celebrated short films, emerging producers, and significant cinematic contributions in the local context. The festival’s successful run concluded with accolades recognizing the importance of filmmaking in fostering cultural dialogue and addressing pressing social issues.
This year’s event further established the Transilvania International Film Festival as a key platform for independent filmmakers and a crucial space for conversations on contemporary topics through cinema.
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