Chilean Film ‘The Mysterious Gaze Of The Flamingo’ Triumphs at Cannes

Chilean film “The Mysterious Gaze of the Flamingo” wins Un Certain Regard Prize at Cannes. The film follows Lidia navigating a deadly disease rumor in her queer family in 1982 Chile. Other notable awards included Jury Prize to “A Poet” and Best Screenplay for “Pillion.”

In a significant achievement for Latin American cinema, Chilean drama “The Mysterious Gaze of the Flamingo,” directed by Diego Céspedes, clinched the prestigious Un Certain Regard Prize at the Cannes Film Festival this evening. The film, set against the backdrop of 1982 in a desert town in northern Chile, tells the story of eleven-year-old Lidia who, surrounded by her queer family, must confront a terrifying unknown disease. The rumor is that this disease is spread through glances exchanged between men in love. Amidst the accusations facing her family, Lidia seeks the truth behind this unsettling myth.

In addition to Céspedes’ commendable win, the Jury Prize was awarded to “A Poet,” a film by Colombian filmmaker Simón Mesa Soto. This marks Soto’s second feature, which follows Oscar Restrepo, an aging poet whose passion for poetry has failed to bring him recognition. His life takes an unexpected turn when he meets Yurlady, a young girl from a modest background. Although he attempts to nurture her poetic talent, he grapples with the repercussions of ushering her into the tumultuous world of poetry.

British filmmaker Harry Lighton earned the Best Screenplay award for his debut feature, “Pillion.” The film features Harry Melling as Colin, a timid young gay man who discovers his sexuality through an intense relationship with a biker named Ray, portrayed by Alexander Skarsgård. The screenplay has been lauded for its nuanced exploration of identity and relationships.

The Best Director accolade went to Palestinian filmmakers Tarzan and Arab Nasser for their film “Once Upon a Time in Gaza.” The Performance Awards were presented to Cléo Diara for her role in “I Only Rest in the Storm” and to Frank Dillane for his performance in the film “Urchin,” directed by Harris Dickinson.

This year’s jury was led by Molly Manning Walker, a prominent director and screenwriter from the UK. Notably, she was joined by a diverse group of jurors, including French-Swiss director Louise Courvoisier, Croatian director Vanja Kaludjercic, Italian producer and screenwriter Roberto Minervini, and Argentinian actor Nahuel Pérez Biscayart. Their collective expertise brought depth to the evaluation process of the films in this esteemed program.

This year’s festival has highlighted a remarkable range of stories and talent, reaffirming the significance of diverse narratives in global cinema. With films touching on themes from identity to passion, the awards given reflect an ongoing commitment to showcasing unique voices from around the world.

In summary, at this year’s Cannes Film Festival, Chilean film “The Mysterious Gaze of the Flamingo” impressively took home the Un Certain Regard Prize. The festival also recognized works from various international filmmakers, including “A Poet” and “Pillion,” indicating a rich variety of storytelling and themes. The jury’s diverse makeup underscores a growing appreciation for unique perspectives in world cinema. This event serves not only as a platform for filmmakers but also as a celebration of cultural narratives that transcend borders.

Original Source: ca.news.yahoo.com