FIFOG 2023 – AWARDS

EXPLORING FILM THROUGH DREAMS

The 18th Geneva International Oriental Film Festival (FIFOG) took place from June 12th to June 18th, 2023, at the Maison des arts du Grütli and the Crowned Eagle in Geneva. This year’s edition, themed around Dreams, presented 43 films and featured the participation of over twenty international talents, attracting a substantial audience.

Various debates, in the presence of film directors and actors, have contributed to deepening the theme of Dreams. Sometimes wonderful, sometimes nightmarish, dreams are a common denominator in many works of Oriental cinema. As some have pointed out, making a film is already a dream in itself. Participants in the debates have discussed the need to encourage everyone to believe in their dreams, no matter how wild they may be.

Several special screenings and receptions have punctuated the festival: an Iranian evening, a screening of Kosovo and Albanian films, a Tunisian evening, an Armenian evening, and a special screening of Bangladeshi films. These screenings and receptions have led to privileged intercultural exchanges in a friendly atmosphere. In Geneva schools, a hundred of students have watched short films in class and participated in the School Jury. The works of three artists exhibiting at the Maison des arts du Grütli have completed the festival’s program.

After a week filled with emotions and encounters, the festival concluded with a Jury deliberation session, followed by the announcement of the Awards:

AWARDS

INTERNATIONAL FEATURE FILM COMPETITION

The Jury, composed of Kazim Öz, Yasmine Char, Firouz Pillet, and Ibaa Hamli, praised the high quality of the films and had the pleasure of awarding the following prizes:

THE LAST QUEEN directed by Damien Ounouri and Adila Bendimerad

“We wanted to award the originality of the historical approach to an unknown period, the refined aesthetics, and the excellent direction of the actors.”

AMERIKATSI directed by Michael A. Goorjian

“Through this award, we wanted to recognize the poetic and light-hearted approach with which this film addresses a heavy period in history.”

DREAM’S GATE directed by Negin Ahmadi

“Through this award, we wanted to recognize the audacity of the director who followed female fighters in their daily lives, emphasizing their empowered choices, far from victimization.”

Best Male Performance Award

Raed Mohsen in the film THE LAST POSTMEN directed by Saad Al Essamy.

“We would like to highlight the authenticity and uniqueness of Raed Mohsen’s natural performance that captivates us in his story.”

Best Female Performance Award

Adila Bendimerad in the film THE LAST QUEEN directed by Damien Ounouri and Adila Bendimerad

“We congratulate Adila Bendimaad for her highly credible interpretation and her accuracy in all registers.”

AWARDS

INTERNATIONAL SHORT FILM COMPETITION

The Jury, composed of Akila Dahache, Elaheh Nobakht, and Nicolas Pallay, praised the high quality of the films and is pleased to award the following prizes:

SPLIT ENDS directed by Alireza Kazemipour

“The film addresses a serious theme in a subtle manner, with humor and intelligence. We wanted to recognize the magnificent natural performances of the actors and the quality of the dialogue and direction.”

MIXED (DARHAM) directed by Mina Sadat Hosseini

“The director captures the significance of harassment in Iranian society through a specific situation. It is an important message to showcase the daily struggle of women for their dignity.”

LA FILLE DU VENT directe by Dana Karim

“It is a deeply touching and profoundly human film, with a touch of melancholy, poetry, and humor. A story that restores dignity to people during wartime.”

AWARDS

SCHOOL COMPETITION

The School Jury, composed of a hundred students from public schools in Geneva, had the pleasure of awarding the prizes:

TOUTES LES NUITS directed by par Latifa Said

SUR LA TOMBE DE MON PÈRE directed by Jawahine Zentar