Valérie Massadian wins the 2017 Audentia Award
The Council of Europe’s Eurimages Fund and Locarno Festival are pleased to reveal the name of the winner of the second edition of the Audentia Award for best female director. The 2017 winner is Valérie Massadian for her film “Milla”.
The announcement was made at a prestigious ceremony, during the 70th edition of the Festival, held at the Piazza Grande on Thursday evening (10/8/17).
The Iranian actress Goldshifteh Farahani made a moving introduction speech as she presented a hand-crafted statue by sculptor Ewa Rossano and a certificate representing the 30 000 euros cash prize to Valérie Massadian. On receiving the prize, Ms Massadian commented that: “women directors are here and they’re here to stay.“
The jury, which included: Rachel Schmid, the Swiss representative to Eurimages, Marie-Pierre Vallé (Head of Acquisitions, Wild Bunch) and Roger Garcia (Executive Director of the Hong Kong International Film Festival, noted that Massadian’s film powerfully depicted a strong protagonist who has been beaten down by life’s harsh realities but who fights against it. The narrative style and limited dialogue were flagged up as contributing to a strong universe, which the audience was brought into fully.”
Talks are underway to identify the festival with which Eurimages will collaborate in 2018 for the Audentia Award.
On the picture, from left to right: Rachel Schmid (Swiss representative to Eurimages), Luc Chessel (actor, Milla), Valérie Massadian (director, Milla), Golshifteh Farahani (actress), Francine Raveney (Project Manager, Eurimages, EWA Network Head of PR), Nadia Dresti (Head of Industry, Locarno Festival)