Awards Announced at the 83rd Venice Film Festival
Egyptian director May el-Toukhy's film Kvinde Ukendt won the Golden Lion, while NAZA, which documents the massacre in Gaza, was awarded the Special Jury Prize.
The winners of the 83rd International Venice Film Festival held in Italy have been announced. The grand prize, the Golden Lion, went to May el-Toukhy's film Kvinde Ukendt, while the documentary NAZA, which documents Israel's civilian massacre in Gaza, won the Special Jury Prize.
The Golden Lion Goes to Kvinde Ukendt
The festival's grand prize, the Golden Lion, was won by the film Kvinde Ukendt, directed by Egyptian-origin Danish director May el-Toukhy.
The film focuses on the secret of a young maid who marries her wealthy and much older boss after World War II.
Special Jury Prize for the Documentary NAZA
The film NAZA, which documents Israel's civilian massacre in Gaza, was deemed worthy of the Special Jury Prize at the festival.
The production, which received a 25-minute standing ovation at its premiere, was directed by Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor.
Harsh Criticism and Call from the Director
Yuval Abraham, upon receiving the award, stated that a smear campaign was being conducted against their films in Israel and that children were being killed.
Abraham emphasized that Europeans and Americans should watch this film and called for putting pressure on governments.
Other Awards and Names in Venice
The Silver Lion for best director was won by Ilya Khrzhanovsky for his film Dau.
John Malkovich won best actor, and Mathilde Arcel won best actress.
Threat of Revocation of Citizenship
Israeli Culture Minister Miki Zohar threatened to strip NAZA directors Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor of their citizenship.
Zohar claimed that it was shocking for the documentary to win an award at the festival.