With the award ceremony, the 12th Belgrade International Film Festival of people with disabilities came to an end

October 20 2021

The Grand Prix of the 12th Bosifest went to the documentary film "A HOUSE / UNE MAISON" by the French director Judith Auffray

A house take us to a very special place in a quite unusual way, and then focuses on the housemates - it allows us to meet individual characters as they go about their daily routine. Over time, their difficult-to-understand gestures become familiar and close to us. Directing decisions are simple, as well as the camera style, but what gives us assurance is the clarity of approach and the narrative structure. The second act formally introduces new elements that make the storyline more complex - records from another time appear, but the author at this stage allows us to form the meaning and connections ourselves. The third act is showing us another perspective: now we learn about protagonists and their autism from members of their family and their stories. All these different layers are managing, through an extraordinary endevour, to build a very complex and emotional insight into the lives of autistic people. Therefore, a House confirms its unique place in today's world, through which the author is leading us in an unobtrusive, creative and thoughtful way.

The award for the best director went to the film " VICTOR" by the Belgian director Christophe Hermans

The film follows a rebellious teenager on his journey to adulthood by becoming independent through an identifiable coming-of-age film format. Still, what makes this story quite specific is the fact that the protagonist is visually impaired and on the verge of blindness. At first glance, Victor gives the impression of an ordinary young man, and even his rebellion seems natural to his age and environment dynamics. But a careful observation reveals many layers of this human drama, in which the heroes keep their emotions tucked away, because that is the way they fight and express their love. The director patiently follows all phases and steps of life that many would overlook as insufficiently attractive, but it is precisely these nuances and specific tiny differences in Victor's life that gradually build a deep lack of a sense of belonging, despite of all the personal efforts. In an equally subtle way, director builds the character of Victor's mother. While under his watchful eye, without any interference, her firm appearance dissipates revealing the profound maternal anxiety and care. The ending of the film creates a universal image of a man doomed to constant struggle and wandering in the labyrinth of an uncertain future.

The award for the best-case scenario went to the Iranian film "INVISIBLE LINES" by Mehdi Rakhshanija.

There are no boundaries in art. Invisible lines is a precisely guided portrait of an extraordinary artist born with a physical disability, who dedicated his life to his vocation - painting. Born in a small Iranian village, his talent manages to overcome the fate of physical restraint and take him far beyond the customary and artistic practices of his country, all the way to Scotland - where he developed his skills. This film speaks of perseverance, creative process, the importance of support, the artist's strong connection to his background, constant learning and imparting the knowledge - but, above all, of the beauty of artistic expression and the power of creative impulse that exceeds all the limitations.

Special mention went to the Italian film "CRAZY WHEELS / MEGLIO UN GIORNO" directed by Elena Rebeca Carini, Ilaria Giangrande

This is a film that surprises and breaks the rules, just like its protagonist - a young man from Italy named Mimi who suffers from a severe degenerative disease. From the borderline situation of an incredibly fragile body, his superiority is clearly demonstrated by the fantastic energy of his bohemian spirit, combined with the will to live! You will not come accross a gentle compassion in this film, and it may even seem that the author lacks feelings for the protagonist. But, that is exactly where his courage and sincerity can be seen - the film follows its hero every step of the way, because just like Mimi, challenges need to be faced head-on and without fear! To the very end, this becomes a special and rounded portrait of a very unusual man and an ode to his love of life, despite the incredibly difficult circumstances and all the challenges.

The awards, at the closing of the Festival on October 20, at the Yugoslav Film Archive Museum, were given by jury members Ivan Ikic and Stefan Ivancic.

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, authors of the awared films have addressed the audience via video links.

Awards were received by:

On behalf of the director Mehdi Rakhshanija, the best-case scenario award for the Iranian film INVISIBLE LINES, was received by the director of Iranian Cultural Center in Belgrade, Mr. Mohamad Tagi Bahtijari.

Grand Prix for the best film awarded to the film "A HOUSE/UNE MAISON" by the French director Judith Auffray, the best director award for the Belgian film “Victor” by the director Christophe Hermans and the special mention for the film "CRAZY WHEELS/MEGLIO UN GIORNO" directed by Elena Rebeca Carini and Ilaria Giangrande will be delivered to their authors.

Bosifest's Director, Darko Ivić, expressed his satisfaction over a successfully held festival, despite all the challenges due to Covid-19. He thanked all the participants responsible for the realization of the Festival.

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