Directed by Vanja Kaludjercic, the Rotterdam Film Festival finished on Sunday, giving all the awards to the receptive films shown there. The reaction from the audience cemented this year’s award show as a massive success. With 424 projects screened, they were able to rack up nearly a quarter of a million viewers across the span of the showings.
“This edition, we saw with great pleasure how our discoveries found their audiences,” Kaludjercic had to say. “From the joy of our opening night to the excitement of welcoming superstars and cinematic giants to witnessing the blossoming of future greats like the Tiger Award winner, there was a special atmosphere at the festival this edition. We take pride in making a program that foregrounds the unexpected and unique — and that challenges and enriches…. As we look ahead, we see that our ideas and aspirations connect strongly with the audience, strengthening us for the years to come.”
The recipient of the Audience Award is Green Border. From director Agnieszka Holland, the film garnered massive praise but also ran into controversy due to the film following a group of refugees stuck between the borders of Poland and Belarus. As well as Rotterdam, Green Border screened at other film festivals, including the Venice Film Festival.
Another of the awards, the Tiger Award, went to Tanaka Toshihiko. Toshihiko directed Rei, a film that dedicates itself to focusing on relationships. According to Hollywood Reporter, a notable part of the film is that the cast consists of students and inexperienced talents, giving them a jumpstart on their careers.
Also given out was the FIPRESCI award to Kiss Wagon and the VPRO Big Screen Award to The Old Bachelor.
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