While many explicitly religious films fall short because of too earnest proselytising or alienating aspects of piety, LA NEUVAINE succeeds in presenting simple faith with respect, acknowledging how difficult it is to believe in God in a secular world and in the aftermath of tragedy. When a young man making a pilgrimage of prayer for his dying grandmother encounters a doctor paralyzed by anguish, the interaction leads not to miracles or conversion but to kindness and deep possibilities for hope.
58th Locarno International Film Festival
03.08.2005 to 13.08.2005
Locarno
Die Ökumenische Jury Locarno 2005 (© Fotofestival/Pedrazzini)
Locarno 2005 was particularly important for INTERFILM. The organization, founded in Paris in 1955, celebrated its 50th anniversary there at an ecumenical matinée. At the beginning, German theologian Julia Helmke spoke about the history of INTERFILM, which she researched and presented in her dissertation (Kirche, Film und Festivals - Geschichte sowie Bewertungskriterien evangelischer und ökumenische Juryarbeit in den Jahren 1948 bis 1988). Afterwards, representatives of the church film commitment, led by INTERFILM President Hans Hodel, discussed the dialogue between church and film. In addition INTERFILM published a book on its history (Kirche und Film im Dialog - Church and Film in Dialogue. Fifty Years INTERFILM - Fifty Years INTERFILM 1955-2005; digital version available under DOWNLOADS).
At the end of the festival the Ecumenical Jury awarded its Prize for the best film in the competition to "La neuvaine" by Bernard Émond from Canada. With a Commendation the jury also highlighted the film "Fratricide" by Yilmaz Arslan, who also won a Silver Leopard.
The Golden Leopard went to "Nine Lives" by Rodrigo García from the USA, and a Special Prize by the international festival jury was awarded to the French competition entry "Un couple parfait" by Nobuhiro Suwa. The Fipresci Jury of the Association of International Film Critics gave their award to "A Perfect Day" (Mia yperohi mera) by Joana Hadjithomas and Khalil Joreige, a French-Lebanese-German co-production.
Awards
The Novena
Directed by:
2005
Fratricide
Directed by:
2005
FRATRICIDE provocatively confronts the burning European question of refugees. The setting is Germany, the people the Kurds. Yilmaz Arslan combines a complex plot about two brothers with scenes of visceral violence as well as a tender picture of caring friendship. His film is both an accusation against racism and neglect and a plea for common humanity and decency.
