PALM SPRINGS, Calif. — The Palm Springs International Film Festival, in its 36th year, has awarded top honors to the film “I’m Still Here,” directed by Brazilian filmmaker Walter Salles. The film, which highlights the harrowing impact of dictatorship through a mother’s struggle to protect her family, claimed the FIPRESCI Prize from among 35 entries looking to compete in the Oscars’ International Feature Film category.
A group of distinguished international film critics praised “I’m Still Here” for its honest and meticulous portrayal of an authoritarian regime’s encroachment on personal freedoms. They specifically noted the film’s ability to convey intense themes without melodramatic portrayal, focusing instead on authentically capturing historical events.
In other awards, Zoe Saldaña was named Best Actress in an International Feature Film for her role in “Emilia Pérez,” a musical comedy directed by Jacques Audiard. Saldaña’s performance was recognized for her dynamic and multifaceted portrayal of a complex, morally ambiguous character who, despite not being the lead, commanded the narrative with the significant impact of her role.
The festival’s FIPRESCI Prize for Best Actor went to Mo Chara, Móglaí Bap, and DJ Provái for their performances in the Irish film “Kneecap.” The trio, making their acting debuts as musicians, were celebrated for bringing a raw, powerful energy and authenticity to their portrayals, propelling forward discussions on cultural identity through their cinematic debut.
Additionally, the documentary “No Other Land,” directed by a collective of Palestinian and Israeli filmmakers, clinched the Best Documentary Award. The documentary delves into the lives of Palestinian villagers in the West Bank who live under constant threat from both the Israel Defense Forces and Israeli settlers. This critically acclaimed work has accumulated over four dozen global awards and was recently honored at New York’s Cinema Eye Honors.
Other notable mentions included the New Voices New Visions Award going to “The New Year That Never Came” from Romanian director Bogdan Mureșanu. This choice was lauded by the festival’s jurors for Mureșanu’s masterful storytelling and dark comedic examination of the fallout from the Ceausescu dictatorship.
Mexican directors Astrid Rondero and Fernanda Valadez’s “Sujo” received the Ibero-American Award for its poignant depiction of a young boy’s life amidst violence and poverty. The film was praised for its deliberate pacing, atmospheric cinematography, and the emotional depth of its young performers.
The Desert Views Award was given to “Checkpoint Zoo,” a film documenting the heart-wrenching efforts of a group of volunteers in Ukraine during the early days of the Russian invasion to rescue zoo animals via social media, bringing global attention and inspiring community unity.
High school students recognized “Tatami,” a collaborative film production from Georgia, Israel, and Iran, with the Young Cineastes Award. This film was singled out for its powerful storytelling and innovative visuals that capably translate the intensity of political decisions on individual lives.
In bridging cultural gaps, “Souleymane’s Story” from France won the Bridging the Borders Award, with a special mention going to “Happy Holidays,” a collaborative project from several nations including Palestine, Germany, France, Italy, and Qatar.
With such diversity in storytelling and representation from around the globe, the Palm Springs International Film Festival continues to showcase the power of film as a medium for exploring complex social issues and celebrating artistic expression. The festival has announced its plans to return next year from June 24-30, ensuring another opportunity to highlight unique and impactful films from across the world.
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