The 23rd Cyprus Film Days International Festival closed on April 12th with the Best Film Award in the International Selection going to the French-Italian-Georgian co-production, April.
Directed by Déa Kulumbegashvili, April is about an obstetrician-gynaecologist working in a small hospital in Georgia. When a baby dies during childbirth her professional and moral reputation is called into question. Rumours accuse her of performing illegal abortions.
“The film is a powerful reflection on loss, morality, and the silent devastation caused by social judgment, particularly on women,” the jury said afterwards. “Through powerful direction, long, contemplative takes, understated storytelling and unforgettable images, it depicts a world where compassion and controversy collide.”
Presented in the same competition, Khaled Mansour’s Seeking Haven for Mr. Rambo (Egypt) won the Special Jury Award. Special Mentions were given to David Jovanović’s Sun Never Again (Serbia) and Christos Massalas’ Killerwood (Greece).
In the national competition, Smaragda – I Got Thick Skin and I Can’t Jump by Emilios Avraam won the award for Best Cypriot Film. The film’s lead actress also received the award for Best Performance.
Sources: FNE, Cyprus Film Days
