Festival Website

AWARDS OF THE ECUMENICAL JURY

The Ecumenical Jury at the 38th World Film Festival Montréal 2014, appointed by SIGNIS and INTERFILM for the 36th year in a row, has given its Prize to the film

Motivation: This is a gentle, high quality film about great moments of life – loss, love, friendship, and community in a Japanese coastal village. With humor and depth, the film celebrates humanity quietly and serenely. The photography is excellent, the direction assured and the film well balanced. In its conclusion, the movie moves away from nostalgia to embrace life.

Synopsis: Etsuko's café in her peaceful little seaside town is where everyone gathers to gossip and taste her famous brew. But the winds of change are beginning to blow. (Festival information)

And a Commendation to the following film:

Motivation: A struggling young woman decides to become a surrogate mother, and she is accepted by a businesswoman, who has longed for her own child. The film explores sensitively the different facets of motherhood and affirms strongly the importance of bonding and maternal commitment. The movie has quality direction, dialogue and acting.

Synopsis: To buy the hairdressing salon that she has always dreamed about, Melody, 28, agrees to become a surrogate mother for Emily, 48, a rich Englishwoman who can no longer have children. (Festival information)

The Ecumenical Jury 2014:
Karin W.Achtelstetter, Toronto (Canada/Germany)
Denyse Muller, Arles (France) - President
Peter Sheehan, Brisbane (Australia)
Tony Spence, Washington DC (USA)