Film Fest Gent concludes with awards
The 53rd edition of the Film Fest Gent - International Film Festival of Ghent concluded on Saturday, October 17, with the announcement of its awards, marking the end of a week-long celebration of international cinema.Marine Atlan wins top honor
French filmmaker Marine Atlan won the Grand Prix for her first feature film, La Gradiva, which was also awarded the Grand Prix of the Critics' Week at Cannes last May, highlighting its critical acclaim and artistic merit.Jury praises film's authenticity
The jury described La Gradiva as a "brilliant interpretation of the experience of contemporary youth," noting its "deep authenticity" in portraying friendships, sexuality, desires, confusion, and fears, which resonated strongly with the panel.Film's release dates announced
La Gradiva will be released in France on Wednesday, October 21, by Tandem Films, and in Belgian theaters on October 28 by Cinéart, offering audiences the chance to experience the film on the big screen soon after the festival.Special Mention for Belgian documentary
A Special Mention was awarded to the Belgian documentary Jean by Jolke Van Aerde, described by the jury as "a new voice that we definitely want to hear again," indicating the film's potential and impact on the audience.Georges Delerue Award goes to Alain Gomis
The Georges Delerue Award, recognizing a film with an outstanding soundtrack, was given to Franco-Senegalese filmmaker Alain Gomis for his film Dao, discovered last February at the Berlinale, celebrating its musical and cultural richness.Jury praises film's cultural resonance
The jury stated that Dao "best represented this feeling, a love letter to freedom and jazz, like a portal between different cultures and different realities, traversed by extraordinary tracks that guide the viewer throughout the journey," emphasizing its emotional and artistic depth.Young Jury Prize awarded to Sandra Wollner
The Young Jury Prize, awarded by five young cinephiles aged 18 to 26, went to Everytime by Austrian director Sandra Wollner, who had previously won the Un Certain Regard Prize at Cannes, showing the film's appeal to younger audiences and critics alike.Jo Röpcke Award honors Angelo Tijssens
The Jo Röpcke Award, celebrating a Flemish cinema personality, was awarded to screenwriter Angelo Tijssens, known for his work on Coward by Lukas Dhont and Dust by Anke Blonde, both discovered in Competition at Berlin, acknowledging his significant contributions to Flemish cinema.Honorary Joseph Plateau Award to Danny Boyle
The Honorary Joseph Plateau Award went to British filmmaker Danny Boyle, recognizing his contributions to cinema and his influence on the international film community.
