Triumph in the Wild: Czechoslovak Documentary ‘Better Go Mad in the Wild’ Clinches Grand Prix at Karlovy Vary Film Festival

Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic — The Karlovy Vary International Film Festival concluded its 59th edition on July 12, highlighting compelling cinematic narratives from around the globe. The festival’s top honor, the Grand Prix Crystal Globe, was awarded to the Czech-Slovak documentary Better Go Mad in the Wild, directed by Miro Remo. This film, loosely adapted from the book by Ales Palan and Jan Sibik, explores the lives of twin brothers as they investigate the possibility of living entirely in one place. The film’s whimsical nature and exploration of personal authenticity earned it accolades from the … Read more

Cannes Lions Controversy: Inside the Jury Room with Ndeye Diagne After DM9’s Creative Data Grand Prix Withdrawal

CANNES, France — Ndeye Diagne, chief growth officer at Kantar France, was one of the jurors awarded the Creative Data Grand Prix at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity. However, that recognition shifted dramatically when the honor was rescinded due to accusations of AI manipulation in the entry from DM9. Diagne, part of a 10-member jury, initially celebrated the Grand Prix bestowed upon the “Efficient Way to Pay” campaign created for Whirlpool’s Consul brand. The experience was a career highlight for her, but subsequent revelations about the campaign’s legitimacy led her to reflect on … Read more

Cannes Critics’ Week Honors Ratchapoom Boonbunchachoke’s Quirky Comedy-Drama ‘A Useful Ghost’ with Grand Prix

CANNES, France — Ratchapoom Boonbunchachoke has made a significant mark at the Cannes Film Festival with his debut feature film, A Useful Ghost, which has won the prestigious Grand Prix in the Critics’ Week sidebar. The award was selected by a jury chaired by filmmaker Rodrigo Sorogoyen, alongside jurors Jihane Bougrine, Josée Deshaies, Yulina Evina Bhara, and actor Daniel Kaluuya. Set against the vibrant backdrop of Thailand, A Useful Ghost tells the poignant story of a man grappling with the devastating loss of his wife, who succumbed to dust pollution. In a surreal twist, he … Read more

Clarisa Navas’ ‘The Prince of Nanawa’ Wins Grand Prix at Visions du Réel, Showcasing a Decade of Dedication and Cultural Celebration

Nyon, Switzerland – The celebrated Swiss documentary festival, Visions du Réel, concluded its latest iteration by awarding its top prize to “The Prince of Nanawa” by Argentine filmmaker Clarisa Navas. The documentary triumphed in the International Feature Film Competition, receiving the Grand Prix and a cash prize of 20,000 CHF ($24,000). Meanwhile, Iranian filmmaker Bani Koshnoudi’s “The Vanishing Point” clinched the top Burning Lights Competition honor, rewarded with 10,000 CHF ($12,000). “The Prince of Nanawa” captures the story of Ángel, a dynamic young boy with a profound connection to his Guarani heritage in Paraguay. Navas, … Read more