“On Becoming a Guinea Fowl” won the Golden Eye Award at the Zurich Film Festival.
Jury chair Lee Daniels – joined by Suhaila Yacob, Jo Willems, Sophie Deraspe and Ewa Boscinska – praised director Rungano Nyoni and her second film “The Miracle” about past traumas that finally come to the surface when a family prepares for their uncle’s funeral: “We think it’s… “You’re going to take over Hollywood.”
“From the first shot of this film, we were thrust into a stunningly shot world, full of stunning music, brilliant sound design and acting that left us all breathless,” he added, describing it as a surreal and dramatic comedy full of surprises. About the lies we tell ourselves.”
After the film’s premiere at the Cannes Film Festival. diverseJay Lodge of Newyon Film described Newyon’s film as “darkly stunning” and “at once bold and poised”.
Festival director Christian Jung said diverse: “It’s a very original and surprising film with a strong female voice. We’re thrilled that the jury shares our passion and can’t wait to see her third film.”
A Brief History of a Family by Jianji Lin received a special mention.
“I started out in independent cinema and I feel like I’m done watching these brave new voices, who dare to bare their souls. It’s been humbling and selfish, and it’s a reminder for me to keep doing the same thing,” Daniels added, describing Lin’s film as “very quiet.” “.
In the documentary competition, Shiori Ito’s film “Black Box Diaries,” which documents her investigation and case of sexual assault in Japan, was the winner. He also convinced the viewers who awarded him the Audience Award.
“Over the course of several years, we see her fight her country’s regressive sexual assault laws, police corruption, and warnings from her family. To find justice for herself and for all abused women in Japan and around the world,” revealed jury chair Kevin Macdonald, Franziska Sonder, Vincent Kellner, and Anna Hintz. , and Ben Bernhard, on how Shiori Ito is in awe of his resilience, openness, and courage in the face of weakness.
“Thanks to its careful editing, it emerges as a sensitive yet provocative story. This film has the potential to change systemic violence against women around the world.
Special mention was given to “The Sabbath Queen” by Sandy Dubowski — “about a gay man from a family of 38 generations of Orthodox rabbis, who shows us that even the most homogeneous cultural traditions can be challenged” — and “Crawling in the Dark.” Directed by Kinshuk Surjan.
“We honestly couldn’t choose between this film and the eventual winner of the competition. Our hearts broke for the Indian village women who lost their husbands to suicide, but also melted as they found joy in female companionship and shaping their own destinies in a misogynistic world.”
Other winners included, among others, “Les Courageux” by Jasmine Gordon, which received the ZFF Critics Prize and the Film Prize of the Zurich Churches, and “Leeuwin”, which was noted by the children’s jury.
During this year’s edition, female voices were particularly loud – as also evidenced by the celebrity guests, from Pamela Anderson to Kate Winslet, who came to promote “Lee,” the film about Lee Miller.
“It’s important for their stories to be told,” said Youngen, who was “particularly proud of the Pamela Anderson award.” She received the Golden Eye award at the festival.
“She gives a career-redefining performance in The Last Showgirl, and I really hope we get to see more of her in auteur films. I wouldn’t be surprised if she gets an Oscar nomination for her performance.”
Jungen also praised the Swiss drama “The Frida Case” by Maria Brendel, which was inspired by the true story of a seamstress accused of killing her child in 1904.
“When I received applause for 8 minutes, I was very happy and relieved. The film shows how civil society called for judicial reform that gives women equal rights. It is a very strong Swiss film with international potential.”
You can find the full list of awards here:
Feature Film Competition
“On Becoming a Guinea Fowl,” dir. Rungano Nyoni
Special mention
“A Brief History of the Family,” Dr. Jianji Lin
Documentary Film Competition
“Black Box Memoirs”, Dr. Shiori Ito
Special mention
“Queen of Saturday” dir. Sandy Dubowski
Extra special mention
“Crawling in the Dark” dir. Kinshuk Surjan
ZFF Critics Award
“The Brave”, ed. Jasmine Gordon
Special mention:
“E.1027 – Eileen Gray and the House by the Sea,” dir. Beatrice Menger and Christoph Schwab
ZFF Jury Prize for Children
“Lioness” Deer. Raymond Grimberg
ZFF Award for Children’s Audience
“Die Heinzels – New hats, new mission,” dir. Ot von Munschau Buhl
Film Award for the Churches of Zurich
“courageous”
Best international film music
Ahmed Soroko
Audience Award
“Black Box Diaries”
Golden Icon Award
Kate Winslet
Golden Eye Award
Jude Law
Golden Eye Award
Pamela Anderson
Golden Eye Award
Alicia Vikander
Salute to…the award
Edward Berger
Lifetime Achievement Award
Emil Steinberger
Career Achievement Award
Howard Shore
Game changing award
Rouge Sutherland