Jerusalem, Israel – The Jerusalem Film Festival concluded with the captivating drama “The Story of Souleymane,” directed by Boris Lojkine, seizing the prestigious title of Best International Film. This film, previously recognized with the Cannes Un Certain Regard Jury Prize, delves into the life of a young man in Paris, who, while working as a food delivery cyclist, meticulously prepares for his asylum application interview.
Romanian filmmaker Emanuel Parvu earned the Best Director Award for his compelling narrative “Three Kilometers to the End of the World.” Parvu’s film, set in the conservative Danube Delta wetlands, tells the harrowing tale of a young gay man facing brutal assault upon returning to his village for the summer.
Michel Franco, Guy Nattiv, and Maria Choustova, who comprised the International Feature competition jury, also acknowledged Hu Guan’s film “Black Dog” with a Special Mention for its insightful storytelling.
In the First Feature Competition, “Santosh,” a poignant rape drama by UK-Indian director Sandhya Suri, was honored as the Best Film, while Antoine Chevrollier’s “Block Pass” received a Special Mention for its strong debut.
Yousef Abo Madegem’s “Eid,” a drama exploring unrequited love and cultural obligations, stood out in the Israeli Feature Film Competition, winning the accolade for Best Film. The narrative centers on a young playwright who covertly scripts a play about his own childhood sexual assault, with the support of a married woman in Paris who he secretly loves, all while an arranged marriage looms back home.
Another notable award, Best Israeli First Feature, went to Tom Nesher’s “Come Closer”, a story that intricately portrays human relationships and personal growth amidst life’s trials.
The festival not only highlighted dramatic narratives but also showcased notable documentaries and other genres. For instance, “Ghost Trail” won the Cummings Award for Best Feature Film in the Spirit of Freedom Competition, and “The Invasion,” directed by Sergei Loznitsa, claimed the MKR Award for Best Documentary. In a tribute to Chantal Akerman’s legacy, Alexander Horwath’s “Henry Fonda for President” earned the Chantal Akerman Prize.
Further recognizing Israeli talent, the festival’s Haggiag Award for Best Israeli Feature went to “Eid”. Tom Nesher’s “Come Closer” further received the GWFF Award for Best Israeli First Feature.
Additional individual accolades were given to impressive performances and scripts. Maya Kenig’s compelling writing for “The Milky Way” earned her the Anat Pirchi Award for Best Screenplay. In the acting categories, Lia Elalouf was named Best Actress for her role in “Come Closer”, while Shadi Mar’i received Best Actor for his performance in “Eid”.
The festival also gave a nod to ensemble performances, awarding “Youthful Grace” for its stellar cast and “Highway 65,” directed by Maya Dreifuss, earning a Special Mention, adding to the diversity and richness of the films celebrated this year.
The Jerusalem Film Festival continues to be a vital platform for both emerging and established filmmakers to showcase their work on an international stage, bringing a plethora of cultural narratives and artistic expressions to the forefront of global cinema. This year’s array of winners from diverse backgrounds reflects the festival’s commitment to fostering a deeper understanding of various societal issues through the lens of film.