Rotterdam

Igor Bezinović’s ‘Fiume o morte!’ Triumphs with Tiger Award at Rotterdam Film Festival, Echoing Contemporary Nationalism Themes

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Rotterdam, Netherlands—At the International Film Festival Rotterdam on Friday, Croatian director Igor Bezinović’s film “Fiume o morte!” claimed the prestigious Tiger Award, taking home €40,000. This hybrid documentary delves into the storied past of Gabriele D’Annunzio, an Italian poet and army officer who occupied the city of Fiume in 1919, blending dramatic reenactments with documentary aspects to explore complex historical narratives. The film’s timeliness and relevance were highlighted by the jury amidst what they described as a resurgence of ultra-nationalism in Europe. They commended the film for addressing the past not just as history, but … Read more

Igor Bezinović’s ‘Fiume O Morte!’ Clinches Prestigious Tiger Award at 2025 International Film Festival Rotterdam

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Rotterdam, Netherlands – “Fiume O Morte!” a compelling docu-drama by Croatian director Igor Bezinović, clinched the prestigious Tiger Award at the 2025 International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR). This film stood out among a host of nominations to secure a €40,000 prize, establishing Bezinović as a leading voice in the contemporary cinema landscape. The festival celebrated emerging filmmakers, further emphasizing its commitment to innovative storytelling in film. The winning film, a production collaboration among Croatia, Italy, and Slovenia, delves into the complex history of Rijeka, formerly known as Fiume. Using a hybrid of documentary and dramatic … Read more

Japanese and Iranian Films Take Top Honors at International Film Festival Rotterdam

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Rotterdam, Netherlands – Japanese actor and director Toshihiko Tanaka’s film “Rei” and Iranian filmmaker Oktay Baraheni’s “The Old Bachelor” emerged as the top winners at the International Film Festival Rotterdam. Tanaka’s “Rei” took home the prestigious €40,000 ($43,000) Tiger Award in the main competition, while Baraheni’s “The Old Bachelor” won the €30,000 ($32,000) VPRO Big Screen Award 2024. “Rei” tells the story of a woman in Tokyo struggling to find meaning in her life until she encounters a deaf landscape photographer living in the mountains of Hokkaido. The jury, consisting of Marco Müller, Ena Sendijarević, … Read more

Tanaka Toshihiko’s Debut Film ‘Rei’ Wins Top Prize at International Film Festival Rotterdam

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Rotterdam, Netherlands – Tanaka Toshihiko’s film “Rei” took home the prestigious Tiger Award at the International Film Festival Rotterdam. The film, which marks Toshihiko’s directorial debut, follows the story of a young woman living in Tokyo who encounters a deaf photographer in the mountains of Hokkaido. Toshihiko not only directed the film but also produced, edited, and acted in it. He was praised by the jury for his collaborative approach and his ability to create a loose and unbounded environment on set. In addition to “Rei,” two other films received Special Jury Awards. Midhun Murali’s … Read more