Venice Film Festival President Alexander Payne defends the decisions made regarding the winners
In the heart of the Italian Riviera, the Venice Film Festival unfolded a night of surprises and controversies. The event, presided over by renowned filmmaker Alexander Payne, saw a diverse jury of international talents, including Cristian Mungiu, Maura Delpero, Zhao Tso, and Fernanda Torres, among others, deliberate over the best films of the year.
One of the most anticipated films of the night was Park Chan-wook's "No Other Choice," which had been a hot favourite due to its gripping narrative and Lee Byung-hun's powerful performance. However, it was Jim Jarmusch's "Father Mother Sister Brother" that took the Golden Lion, a decision that was seen as vindication for Jarmusch's decision to withdraw from Cannes.
The win for Jarmusch's film sparked rumours that Fernanda Torres, an Oscar-nominated actress and jury member, threatened to quit due to the decision not to award Kaouther Ben Hania's "The Voice of Hind Rajab" the Golden Lion. However, Payne denied these rumours during the press conference, stating that he values the integrity of the jury's decision-making process.
"The Voice of Hind Rajab" did not leave empty-handed, as it won the Silver Lion Grand Jury Prize. The film, which garnered a record-breaking 23-minute, 40-second ovation, had many expecting it to win the main award.
Another film that caught the jury's attention was Ildikó Enyedi's "Silent Friend," which was another hot favourite at the festival. Valeria Bruni Tedeschi's performance in "Duse" also received strong praise.
Mohammad Rasoulof, an Iranian filmmaker and member of the jury, was a notable presence at the event. His inclusion in the jury marked a significant moment for Iranian cinema, given the country's complex relationship with filmmaking.
In the midst of the excitement and controversy, Payne expressed his regret over the absence of "No Other Choice" in the final selection of films. He also expressed skepticism about believing everything read online, emphasising the importance of the jury's deliberations.
As the Venice Film Festival came to a close, it left many questions unanswered and anticipation for next year's event. The 2022 edition served as a reminder of the power of cinema to provoke, inspire, and unite, despite the controversies that sometimes arise.
