Thessaloniki, Greece – The 65th Thessaloniki International Film Festival, a prestigious gathering celebrating global cinema, concluded its run from October 31 to November 10 with a dazzling awards ceremony. The festival’s top honor, the “Theo Angelopoulos” Golden Alexander for Best Feature Film, was bestowed on Scandar Copti’s “Happy Holidays,” a film lauded for its intricate portrayal of societal divides framed through gender, class, and national perspectives.
Garnering the Silver Alexander for Best Direction, Leonardo Van Dijl’s “Julie Keeps Quiet” successfully captured audience attention. The film exposes the silent struggles of a teenage tennis player who finds her voice amidst trauma and loss. This poignant narrative also secured the Human Values Award from the Hellenic Parliament.
Among other highlights, “Vittoria” by Alessandro Cassigoli and Casey Kauffman received the Golden Alexander in the Meet the Neighbours+ competition. This particular film, exploring the delicate theme of adoption, was celebrated for its innovative and emotive storytelling, which deeply resonated with both the jury and the viewers.
In performance awards, actors were recognized for their compelling portrayals. Mahmood Bakri won Best Actor for his role in “To a Land Unknown,” a complex tale of estrangement and identity. Best Actress honors went to Joana Santos for her role in “On Falling,” illustrating the taxing world of professional mountain biking.
The festival’s commitment to showcasing diverse narratives was further evident in the “Film Forward” competition, where Matthew Rankin’s “Universal Language” clinched the Golden Alexander for its unique blend of humor and historical elements across varied times and cultures. Noaz Deshe’s “Xoftex,” depicting the vibrant and chaotic life in a refugee camp, was awarded the Silver Alexander.
Beyond narrative features, the festival also honored documentaries and immersive cinema, affirming its dedication to a broad spectrum of creative expressions. The jury awarded special mentions to works that brought innovation and authenticity to the fore, reflecting the festival’s support for artworks that push conventional boundaries.
As the event wrapped up, audiences and critics alike left with a richer appreciation of international cinema’s power to explore, question, and bind diverse human experiences. The full list of winners underscores the festival’s global reach, featuring films and talents from across continents, each bringing their unique cultures and stories to the cinematic forefront.
Despite the festival’s conclusion, the discussions it sparked about the future of filmmaking, the evolving narrative techniques, and the roles of gender and class in cinema remain ongoing, proving the enduring impact of such international gatherings in the world of film.
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