UN SIMPLE ACCIDENT by Jafar Panahi - Palme d'or - Press conference of the winners © Victor Boyko/Getty Images
Meet the 78th Festival de Cannes winners
Following the awards ceremony, the winners of the 78th edition spoke to journalists to share their thoughts and answer some questions. Here are some highlights from their conversations.
Jafar Panahi, Palme d’or for Un simple accident
For a filmmaker, every award is a delight. A lot of work has gone into winning this award. At one point, I had so many different images running through my mind. I was thinking about all the faces of my friends who were in prison with me. At that time, we were in prison, but the Iranian people were out on the streets fighting for freedom. Right then, I told myself that I was glad for them.
Joachim Trier, Grand Prix for Affeksjonsverdi (Sentimental Value)
I grew up with a film camera in my hand. I am the third generation of filmmakers, following in my grandfather’s and father’s footsteps. We mustn’t lose our inner child. I try to find a cinematic approach through the eyes of a child.
Mascha Schilinski, Joint Jury Prize winner for Sound of Falling (In die Sonne schauen)
Working with the team, it was important to be precise, but we didn’t lose sight of the main message. We had to recreate those moments in time, and it worked thanks to the villagers who welcomed us and the actors.
Oliver Laxe, Joint Jury Prize winner for Sirât
I really like the word “radical,” which means “root” in Latin. That was the aim. How do you draw viewers into the film? How do you ensure that the film shakes them to their very core? I believe that cinema is one of the last places where we can still participate in ceremonies, rites of passage.
Jean-Pierre Dardenne and Luc Dardenne, Award for Best Screenplay for Jeunes Mères
Luc: Shelters for mothers are a genuine public service, one that needs to be defended right now.
Jean-Pierre: In this world of violence, maybe it’s a good thing to focus on those who are dealing with it every day.
Kleber Mendonça Filho, Award for Best Director for O Agente Secreto (The Secret Agent)
The reception I have received is not something that can be created artificially. There are over sixty people from the team here. It has been an incredible week, and I am delighted that the film will be seen in Brazil. I’m so pleased for Wagner but sad that he’s not here. Brazil is a deeply divided country, and I hope this film can speak to everyone.
Bi Gan, Jury’s Special Award for KUANG YE SHI DAI (Resurrection)
I think that cinema is just one of the threads that I weave into my film, but with all the turmoil in the world today it’s important for a film about cinema to win an award.
Nadia Melliti, Best Performance by an Actress, La Petite Dernière
The search for identity is unique to each of us; we all experience it in our own lives. From a very young age, I was searching for independence and had a passion for soccer, but it’s a pretty male-dominated sport with way more men involved. Very quickly, I felt like I was taking on this fight, which made me identify with the character really strongly, and I felt like Fatima’s story was one that I knew very well.
Wagner Moura, Best Performance by an Actor, O Agente Secreto (The Secret Agent) (by telephone)
I would so love to be there with you. I’m all alone in London with my glass of wine, but I’m truly delighted. I never imagined that I would win this award. It recognizes the work I’ve been doing for a number of years. I’m proud because this film shows Brazilian culture.
Tawfeek Barhom, Palme d’or – Short Film for I’m Glad You’re Dead Now
This award is dedicated to peace in Palestine. Let’s stop spreading hatred. Before we are victims, we are human beings. There are incredible, kind, gentle Palestinians. Unfortunately, propaganda is reaching mind-boggling proportions. I want to present a different viewpoint of the Palestinian people.
Adnan Al Rajeev, Special Mention from the Short Films Jury for Ali
This film is dedicated to people who are oppressed and forced to stay silent. We talk about raising our voices, speaking out loud and clear, which is something that’s crucial for everyone. I dedicate Ali to everyone who is silenced. This is a plea we are making for people to make their voices heard.
Akinola Davies Jr, Caméra d’or Special Mention for My Father’s Shadow
Children have a degree of innocence that allows them to see the world more objectively. They don’t have any political prejudices. The film itself is based on my own memories of childhood.
Hasan Hadi, Caméra d’or Prize for The President’s Cake
In Iraq, we are a newly-emerging industry, but there are many artists who are currently coming to the fore. I am highly optimistic about the future of Iraqi cinema.
