58th International Film Festival Locarno
August 3-13, 2005

The Ecumenical Jury in Locarno awards its Prize, which includes 20.000.- CHFr given by the Catholic Church and the Reformed church in Switzerland to assist distribution of the film in Switzerland, to

LA NEUVAINE, directed by Bernard Émond.

While many explicitly religious films fall short because of too earnest proselytising or alienating aspects of piety, LA NEUVAINE succeeds in presenting simple faith with respect, acknowledging how difficult it is to believe in God in a secular world and in the aftermath of tragedy. When a young man making a pilgrimage of prayer for his dying grandmother encounters a doctor paralyzed by anguish, the interaction leads not to miracles or conversion but to kindness and deep possibilities for hope.

The Ecumenical Jury awards a Commendation to

FRATRICIDE by Yilmaz Arslan.

FRATRICIDE provocatively confronts the burning European question of refugees. The setting is Germany, the people the Kurds. Yilmaz Arslan combines a complex plot about two brothers with scenes of visceral violence as well as a tender picture of caring friendship. His film is both an accusation against racism and neglect and a plea for common humanity and decency.

Members of the Ecumenical Jury Locarno 2005: Peter Malone (Australia), Randy Naylor (United Kingdom), Rose Pacatte (USA), Adela Peeva (Bulgaria), Ruben Rosello (Switzerland), Karsten Visarius (Germany, President)

Festival website: http://jahia.pardo.ch/index.jsp