As a film enthusiast who has traversed the silver screen landscapes of the world for decades, I can confidently say that this year’s Zurich Film Festival has been a breathtaking journey into the heart of storytelling and cinematic brilliance. The Golden Eye Award rightfully went to Rungano Nyoni for her miraculous film “On Becoming a Guinea Fowl.” This young director’s work is darkly transfixing, at once intrepidly daring and rigorously poised. I can see why Lee Daniels believes she’ll take over Hollywood!
“On Becoming a Guinea Fowl” has been awarded the Golden Eye at Zurich Film Festival.
The president of the jury, Lee Daniels (alongside Souheila Yacoub, Jo Willems, Sophie Deraspe and Ewa Puszczyńska) lauded director Rungano Nyoni for her “extraordinary” second film that explores past wounds as a family prepares for an uncle’s funeral. They expressed their belief that she is poised to make waves in Hollywood.
Right from the opening scene, this movie immerses you in a visually stunning universe, backed by amazing music, exceptional sound effects, and acting that left us all awestruck,” he continued, describing it as a dreamlike, humorous drama brimming with unexpected twists, centered around the deceptions we practice on ourselves.
After its debut at the Cannes Film Festival, film critic Guy Lodge from EbMaster described Nyoni’s movie as both “compellingly captivating in a dark way” and “bravely audacious yet meticulously balanced.
Festival director, Christian Jungen, shared with EbMaster: “This is an exceptionally unique and captivating movie from a powerful female filmmaker. We’re overjoyed that the jury agrees with us, and we eagerly anticipate seeing her next work.
Jianjie Lin’s “A Brief History of a Family” got a Special Mention.
Daniels shared that he began his career in independent films, and it’s a profound experience for him to witness these bold new talents, courageously baring their souls. It’s been a humbling moment for him, and on a personal level, it serves as a reminder for him to keep following the same path. Daniels referred to Lin’s film as “powerfully quiet.
In the Documentary Competition, Shiori Itō’s entry titled “Black Box Diaries” emerged as the victor. This powerful documentary chronicling her personal journey through an investigation into her own sexual assault case in Japan, not only secured the top prize but also garnered the Audience Award due to its compelling portrayal.
Over multiple years, she battled against the reversed sexual assault regulations in her nation, the corrupt police force, and cautions from her own family. Her pursuit of justice not only for herself but for all mistreated women in Japan and globally left us amazed. The jury president, Kevin Macdonald, Franziska Sonder, Vincent Kelner, Anna Hints, and Ben Bernhard were moved by Shiori Itō’s resilience, her willingness to be open, and her courage to show vulnerability.
Through meticulous editing, it unfolds as both tender and suspenseful narrative. This movie carries the potential to challenge and diminish global instances of violence against women.
Distinction was given to “Sabbath Queen” by Sandi DuBowski – “A film about a gay man from a lineage of 38 generations of orthodox Rabbis, demonstrating that even deeply entrenched cultural practices can be questioned” – and “Marching in the Dark,” directed by Kinshuk Surjan.
They found it incredibly difficult to choose between this movie and the one that eventually won the competition. They felt deeply for the women from the Indian village who had tragically lost their husbands to suicide, yet they were touched by their ability to find happiness in each other’s company and assert control over their lives despite a world dominated by misogyny,” they expressed.
In addition to other honorees were “Les Courageux” by Jasmin Gordon, recognized with both the ZFF Critics’ Award and the Film Prize of the Churches of Zurich, as well as “Leeuwin,” which garnered attention from the Kids Jury.
At this year’s event, the influence of women seemed particularly strong – a point underscored not only by the female-led conversations but also by the prominent female celebrities in attendance, such as Pamela Anderson and Kate Winslet, who graced us with their presence to support “Lee,” a film about Lee Miller.
Jungen emphasized the significance of sharing these individuals’ narratives,” she explained, expressing particular pride in the accolade bestowed upon Pamela Anderson. At the festival, she received the Golden Eye Award.
In ‘The Last Showgirl,’ she delivers a career-altering act that leaves me eager for her to appear in director’s films. It wouldn’t shock me at all if she earned an Academy Award nomination for her role.
Additionally, Jungen acknowledged the Swiss drama “The Trial of Frieda,” penned by Maria Braendle, which is inspired by a real-life event from 1904 involving a seamstress standing trial for the alleged murder of her child.
Upon receiving an 8-minute long standing ovation, I felt extremely joyful and relieved. This movie portrays the struggle of civil society fighting for a judicial reform that ensures women’s equality. It’s a powerful Swiss production that has the ability to resonate globally.
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 a Family,” dir. Jianjie Lin
Documentary Competition
“Black Box Diaries,” dir. Shiori Itō
Special Mention
“Sabbath Queen,” dir. Sandi DuBowski
Extra Special Mention
“Marching in the Dark,” dir. Kinshuk Surjan
ZFF Critics’ Award
“Les Courageux,” dir. Jasmin Gordon
Notable Recognition: “E.1027 – The Seaside House of Eileen Gray,” directed by Beatrice Minger and Christoph Schaub
ZFF for Kids Jury Award
“Leeuwin,” dir. Raymond Grimberge
ZFF for Kids Audience Award
“Die Heinzels – Neue Mutzen, Neue Mission,” dir. Ute Von Münchow-Pohl
Film Prize of the Churches of Zurich
“Les Courageux”
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
A Tribute To … Award
Edward Berger
Lifetime Achievement Award
Emil Steinberger
Career Achievement Award
Howard Shore
Game Changer Award
Roeg Sutherland
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2024-10-12 23:17