The French documentary Sur l’Adamant has won the Golden Bear for best film at the Berlin International Film Festival. The award for best leading actor went to 9-year-old SofÃa Otero for her role in 20,000 especies de abejas.
In Sur l’Adamant, the viewer is taken on a ship that sails on the Seine in Paris and serves as a day care center for adults with a mental disorder. Filming took place on the ship for three years.
Director Nicolas Philibert said at the award ceremony that he has tried to change the image people have of mental illness with his film. He wants to show viewers “what unites us beyond our differences”. Philibert says he was deeply moved by the jury’s decision to award the prize to a documentary and not to a work of fiction.
Child actress Otero won the Silver Bear for her portrayal of a transgender child in the Spanish drama film 20,000 especies de abejas. The jury praised the way in which she conveys a lot of emotions and yet manages to remain simple.
Opening Zelensky
During the 73rd edition of the film festival, considered one of the most prestigious in the world, Ukrainian President Zelensky gave a video address. He called on filmmakers and artists to show their support for Ukraine. He also plays a prominent role in the film Superpower, which is about the war in Ukraine and premiered in Berlin. Zelensky himself was an actor and comedian before entering politics.
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