As the Cannes Film Festival winds down, the first of the weekend’s awards were handed out Thursday night by the Critics’ Week sidebar, with Makala taking the top prize.
The film, directed by Emmanuel Gras, earned the Nespresso? Grand Prize, which includes a €15,000 prize. The film, set in Congo, follows a young peasant who dreams of a better future for his loved ones. Set out on dangerous and exhausting roads in order to trade the fruit of his work, he discovers the value of his effort and the price to pay for his dreams.
Seven films competed in the Critics’ Week section, which focuses on discovering new talent.
Gabriel and the Mountain (Gabriel e a montanha), directed by Fellipe Gamarano Barbosa, earned the France 4? Visionary Award??, which is given to a first or second feature film for its outstanding creativity and innovation.
The Leica Cine Discovery Prize for short films? ?went to Los Desheredados, helmed by Laura Ferres.
Several awards also are given out by partner organizations. The Gan Foundation Award for Distribution???, a prize to help distribute a first or second feature film in France, went to to Version Originale Condor, French distributor for Gabriel and the Mountain (Gabriel e a montanha), directed by Fellipe Gamarano Barbosa. The SACD ?Award???? that supports new writers went to Léa Mysius, who wrote Ava.
The Best Fireworks Ever (Najpi?kniejsze fajerwerki ever) by Aleksandra Terpi?ska took the Canal+ Award for short films. ?????
The top prizes for the main selection of the Cannes Film Festival will be awarded Sunday night during the closing ceremony at the Palais des Festivals.
