Cinema without moral reproach triumphs in Venice: Jarmusch's silent film takes the prize
In a stirring display at the Venice Film Festival, two directors made a significant impact, with US filmmaker Jim Jarmusch and Tunisian director Kaouther Ben Hania capturing the spotlight.
Jarmusch, known for his thought-provoking films, was awarded the Golden Lion for Best Film for his latest work, "Father Mother Sister Brother." His acceptance was marked by a statement, as he wore a pin that read "Enough" on his lapel, echoing a similar gesture made by Ben Hania.
Meanwhile, Ben Hania's film, "The Voice of Hind Rajab," won the Grand Jury Prize. This docudrama, based on real events in January 2024, tells the heart-wrenching story of a Palestinian girl killed in Gaza. The central element of the film is an alleged audio recording of Rajab begging for help for about three hours.
The film has sparked intense emotions, with some viewers crying as they leave the cinema and the longest standing ovations of the festival. In her speech during the award ceremony, Ben Hania accused the Israeli government of committing genocide.
Ben Hania, too, wore a pin that read "Enough" in reference to the ongoing Gaza conflict. Her film suggests that Rajab and parts of her family were killed by Israeli forces, a claim denied by Israel's military.
Jarmusch, when asked about showing his film in Israel, stated that he would not if Israeli government money was involved. On the other hand, "The Voice of Hind Rajab" does not address Hamas and other terrorist attacks in Israel that triggered the Gaza war.
Alexander Payne, the jury president, praised both films, stating that "The Voice of Hind Rajab" moved the jury the most and that several films brought them to tears. Payne also won the directing prize for his film, "The Smashing Machine."
"Father Mother Sister Brother," Jarmusch's winning film, explores complex family relationships and uses gestures, glances, and pauses to reveal the intricate dynamics between family members. The film features an impressive cast, including Cate Blanchett, Tom Waits, Adam Driver, Charlotte Rampling, and Vicky Krieps, among others.
Indya Moore, a cast member of "Father Mother Sister Brother," noted that Jarmusch's stories do not feature heroes or anti-heroes, but rather "just people." Benny Safdie, the director of "The Smashing Machine," emphasized the importance of empathy in storytelling.
After the premiere of "The Voice of Hind Rajab," people in the cinema waved Palestinian flags, adding to the emotional impact of the film. The Venice Film Festival has undoubtedly seen some powerful and moving cinema this year, with Ben Hania and Jarmusch leading the charge.
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