This year’s Cannes Film Festival featured a surprising hit in the Un Certain Regard section. Jordan Firstman’s debut film, “Club Kid,” won over audiences, grabbing attention with a whopping $17 million acquisition by A24. Despite the praise, Firstman went home without any awards. Variety’s chief critic, Guy Lodge, described it as “a sweet, surprisingly old-fashioned heartwarmer.”
The focus shifted to Sandra Wollner’s “Everytime,” which took the top honors. The film tells a poignant story of grief connecting a mother, daughter, and a teenage boy. When accepting her award, Wollner expressed her desire to embrace the strange and odd ideas that often get cast aside in filmmaking. Her heartfelt speech resonated with many creators in the audience.
This year also marked a milestone with Abinash Bikram Shah’s “Elephants in the Fog” becoming the first Nepali film featured in Un Certain Regard. Critics applaud it for exploring the difficult realities of trans acceptance in South Asia. Meanwhile, Louis Clichy’s animated film “Iron Boy” also stood out, being picked up by Sony Pictures Classics.
The creative spirit didn’t stop there. The team behind “Elephants in the Fog” brought a lively energy to the stage, dancing jubilantly. Shah reminded everyone of cinema’s power to highlight important stories, stating, “you have made the invisible visible,” in reference to their achievement at the festival.
Another highlight was the performances in Valentina Maurel’s “Forever Your Maternal Animal,” which awarded Best Actress to its leading trio. Maurel hopes her film signals a broader recognition of Latin American filmmakers at major festivals, particularly for women.
Bradley Fiomona Dembeasset won Best Actor for his role in “Congo Boy.” During his acceptance speech, he passionately declared, “I am a young Congolese! I am a refugee! I am a star!” His words echoed the struggles and triumphs many face today.
The Un Certain Regard jury, led by French actress Leila Bekhti, included notable filmmakers and artists who brought their diverse perspectives to the table.
Here’s a quick recap of the winners:
- Prix Un Certain Regard: “Everytime” by Sandra Wollner
- Jury Prize: “Elephants in the Fog” by Abinash Bikram Shah
- Special Jury Prize: “Iron Boy” by Louis Clichy
- Best Actress: Daniela Marín Navarro, Marina de Tavira, and Mariangel Villegas in “Forever Your Maternal Animal”
- Best Actor: Bradley Fiomona Dembeasset for “Congo Boy”
Cannes continues to be a platform for powerful storytelling, highlighting diverse narratives that mirror our society. You can explore more about the festival’s impact and its past winners on Variety.
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Cannes Film Festival,Un Certain Regard
