Cannes Film Festival Prize of the Ecumenical Jury
Radiance
Hikari
Naomi Kawase
"Misako, a young woman who provides audio-description, renders films more accessible for blind people. It is through poetry that this masterpiece allows us to pay more attention, to watch and listen to the world around us. The film allows for new conversations and inspires a broadening of the mind to understand others better. Hikari explores the responsibility, resilience, hope, and the possibility, even for those in the dark, to see the light."
Winner
It's Only the End of the World
Juste la fin du monde
Xavier Dolan
What cannot be said by words can be communicated by the face, rendered transcendental by Xavier Dolan's filming. In what is not said, the screams and the looks, we find the history of a family where love is unspoken and where people yell not to reveal what is essential. Upon his return Louis, the prodigal son who came to announce his impending death, chooses instead to inspire love and hope to his relatives.
Winner
Timbuktu
Abderrahmane Sissako
This film tells the story of the life and dignified resistance of men and women in Timbuktu who seek to live according to their culture and traditions while at the same time integrating modern communication media. The film is a strong yet nuanced denunciation of an extremist interpretation of religion. The Ecumenical Jury Prize honours the film's high artistic achievement and its humour and restraint. While offering a critique of intolerance, the film draws attention to the humanity inherent in each person.
Winner
The Past
Le passé
Asghar Farhadi
How do we take responsibility for our past mistakes? In a thriller style, the director shows the daily life of a stepfamily, where everyone's secrets and the complex relationships gradually disentangle. A dense, deep and engaging film that illustrates this verse: "The truth will make you free" (John, 8:32)
Winner
The Hunt
Jagten
Thomas Vinterberg
In "The Hunt", Lucas, an inherently good man becomes the target of a community torn apart by lies, manipulation and betrayal ; where he continually fights for his lost friendship's, forgiveness and reputation. Thomas Vinterberg's direction gives us a strong statement: showing us a new way of looking at modern society where men and children are concerned; things are not always what they seem!
Winner
This Must Be the Place
Paolo Sorrentino
Through the story of Cheyenne, a fallen and aching rock star, Paolo SORRENTINO proposes to follow the inner voyage and odyssey of a man searching for his Jewish roots, maturity, reconciliation and hope. A classic drama of great richness and elaborate aesthetics, the film gracefully opens deep and serious paths of reflection.
Winner
Of Gods and Men
Des hommes et des dieux
Xavier Beauvois
This movie of great artistic value benefits from a remarkable group of actors and follows the daily rhytm of work and liturgy. It depicts the sacrifice of the monks of Tibhirine (Algeria 1996) choosing to maintain their peaceful presence despite surrounding violence. The deep humanity of the monks, their respect for Islam and their generosity towards their village neighbours make the reason for our choice.
Winner
Looking for Eric
Ken Loach
For its great artistic quality and its humoristic, optimistic and humanist approach of the crisis faced by contemporary society. The film portrays values that are often under fire today such as friendship, solidarity, the importance of family and dialogue towards oneself and the other. Which the mythical Cantona summarizes in one sentence : "The best action I remember is not a goal but an assist".
Winner
Adoration
Atom Egoyan
Simon, an adolescent with a complex family history, attempts to create his identity while overcoming cultural stereotypes. His invented personal story, which he presents to his class, explodes in Internet forums. He must contend both emotionally and intellectually with the issues raised. Using a poetic cinematography, the director presents traditional and contemporary symbols and objects to invite us to re-evaluate existing clichés about the Other or that which is foreign in our own culture and religion.
Winner
The Edge of Heaven
Auf der anderen Seite
Fatih Akin
In a very accomplished way, this film tells the story of crossed destinies, in Germany and Turkey, of men and women from different origins. It sensibly reflects the painful complexity of the loss of one's bearings and relationships, as well as the richness of encounters, crossings and living together and getting these two different worlds united. Other major issues deal with filiation, sacrifice and reconciliation.
Winner
Year
Nominations
