Between Two Dawns bags the Best International Award at Piff 2022

We have been impressed by Selman’s film, a powerful testament to the importance of pursuing the truth and taking accountability, regardless of the consequences. Where are the stakes of a rich family when human life could be worth nothing for them? There is a hope within this family in the action of a good person that has to confront his moral dilemmas to retain the family position no matter the cost or do justice and act following the consequences of an unfortunate accident. This film is designed to stir conflict to the viewer and act with total naturalism to our eyes, an honest effort to bring the audience to a stage where you have to choose what you think is the best to do.

Director Peter Kerekes bagged the BEST INTERNATIONAL FILM DIRECTOR award for his Film 107 MOTHERS . The film manages to display the situation of mothers with children in prison in Ukraine for 6 years, using real actors to tell this story. The director shakes the audience with first hand stories of these women prisoners, executed with a blend of close to the bond realism and formal refinement. An incredible blend of documentary and narrative filmmaking full of authenticity and sympathy between mothers and prison staff.

Human Spirit Award went to the film HOUSE ARREST for its director Aleksey GERMAN Jr. “For this award, we have taken into consideration the execution of the film and how difficult it is to make this film in a country such as Russia, where art is under strict surveillance. This is the story of a teacher persecuted by the Russian state for a crime he didn’t commit. In Russia, the price of having principles can be high indeed and the director took a difficult journey to tell a story about corruption and violence and how harshly people are treated in Russia. The use of natural elements such as wind, rain, smoking, etc, in a claustrophobic environment and visuals make a wonderful tapestry of suppression that is worthy of the human spirit award”.

SPECIAL JURY AWARD WENT TO TWO FILMS

MAYA VANDERBEQUE for her acting in the movie PLAYGROUND – NORA . How are the complexities of being a child in a school playground? This is what Maya explain to us with her authentic acting. Despite her young age, her sincere acting is impressive. She managed to bring out a difficult character with her facial expressions and gestures. She knew how to carry out the intensity of her emotions with a remarkable realism. She loves the camera and the camera loves her.

Director Gabor Fabricius for his film ERASING FRANK, a film about the importance of freedom under an oppressive regime. In an environment with no freedom, colours of life fade, life loses meaning, society deteriorates and people turn sick. The heads of those who have a voice and make a sound for living are broken forever. In accordance with this narrative, the movie succeeded in creating a suffocating atmosphere. The use of black and white colour of the film supports this atmosphere of no freedom. The director managed to direct very difficult scenes with very successful performances. Words of freedom are always louder, even when a regime tries to cut it off. A movie that deserves a special jury award.