Finnish film takes top prize at Mannheim-Heidelberg
The 58th Mannheim-Heidelberg International Film Festival (November 5-15), which showcases new talents (see news), gave its top accolade, the Grand Prize, to Klaus Härö’s Finnish film Letters to Father Jacob [+see also:
trailer
film profile] . The jury described it as a "genuine work of art which makes the audience feel both elated and taken seriously at the same time".
The Kinotar production centres on a taciturn prisoner who is released before the end of his sentence and becomes an assistant to blind Father Jacob. By reading to him the letters from distraught people asking for his help, she finds her own path.
The jury, presided by Dutch actress Johanna ter Steege, said they were impressed by the hotbed of directors on show. A special mention was awarded to Séverine Cornamusaz’s Swiss film Animal Heart, which also picked up the FIPRESCI Prize and Ecumenical Jury Prize.
The Rainer Werner Fassbinder Prize went to Swedish director Håkon Liu’s Miss Kicki, starring Pernilla August, whose performance was described as "outstanding".
(Translated from French)
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