The 39° edition of the International Film Festival Mar del Plata (Argentina) has taken place from 21 November to 1 December, with a SIGNIS jury set by SIGNIS Argentina, who has given two awards among the feature films in the official selection.
The SIGNIS Jury awarded its Prize to the film:
Aïcha
directed by Mehdi Barsaoui (Saudi Arabia, France, Italy, Qatar, Tunisia, 2024)
For its impeccable technical quality, where every shot, framing, and detail is meticulously crafted to enhance and powerfully convey the story’s message; for a script that, with sensitivity and depth, explores the ethical dilemmas of the human heart, inviting reflection from diverse cultural perspectives on old and new forms of slavery in both the East and the West; for a solid narrative that delves into universal themes such as survival and identity, while highlighting essential values like freedom, justice, truth, and friendship; and for its poetic sensibility, where each visual and auditory element becomes a vital part of the storytelling, accompanying the characters on their emotional and physical journeys—ultimately, the journey of life; for its subtle critique of systems of power and oppression, and its affirmation of the individual over social structure.
The Jury also awarded a Commendation to the film:
Cabaret Total
directed by Roy Assaf (Israel, Kosovo, 2024)
For its ability to address, with sensitivity and sharp insight, universal themes such as freedom of expression, cancel culture, and criticism of institutional power; for its narrative, which skillfully integrates elements of traditional Commedia dell’Arte with a poetic discourse that encourages viewers to reflect on their role in the grand comedy of life; for its outstanding technical quality, particularly in its cinematography and makeup, which visually enrich the narrative; and for its bold and nuanced symbolism, conveying the idea that art is a transformative tool capable of expressing what cannot be said in any other way.
Members of the Jury : Lidia Greco, Mario Marchioli, Teresa Téramo