Jim Jarmusch Wins Golden Lion at Venice Film Festival with “Down Is the new Up”
Venice,Italy – September 7,2024 – american filmmaker Jim Jarmusch has been awarded the Golden Lion at the 82nd Venice Film Festival for his latest film,”Down Is the New Up.” The announcement concluded the festival, which ran from August 27th and featured 21 films competing for the top prize.
the festival also saw Kaouther Ben Hania receive a important award for “The Voice of Hind Rajab,” a film detailing the final moments of Palestinian girl Hind Rajab in the Gaza Strip. Ben Hania dedicated the award from the Palestinian Red Crescent, stating Hind Rajab’s story represented an entire people and repeating her accusation of genocide by Israel – a charge rejected by both israel and the German government. The film suggests Hind Rajab and family members were killed by Israeli armed forces,a claim contested by the Israeli military. The film was produced, among others, by Brad Pitt and Joaquin Phoenix.
Benny safdie was awarded the Silver Lion for Best Director for his wrestling drama, “The Smashing Machine,” starring Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Emily Blunt. Safdie,speaking on stage,emphasized the importance of empathy.
Additional awards included Best Actress for Xin Zhoei (“The Sun Rises on Us All”), Best Actor for Toni Servillo (“La Grazia”), and Best Screenplay for Valérie Donzelli and Gilles marchand (“à pied d’eœuvre”).
Gianfranco Rosi received a special jury prize for his Naples documentary “Sotto Le Nuvole,” and Luna Wedler was awarded the Marcello-Mastroianni Prize for Best Young actress for her performance in “silent Friend.”
The ceremony concluded with a message from Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin patriarch of Jerusalem, who spoke of the “pain” and “increasing hate” between Jewish and Palestinian populations.
The Venice Film Festival, alongside Cannes, is considered one of the world’s most prestigious film events. The international jury was chaired by US director Alexander Payne.
