55th Cannes International Film Festival
15th - 26th May 2002

Members of the Ecumenical Jury:
Anca Berlogea (Romaia), President, Michèle Debidour (France), Julia Helmke (Germany), Bruce Girard (Canada), Ezio Alberione (Italy)

The Prize of the Ecumenical Jury goes to the film:

The Man Without a Past (Mies vailla menneisyyttää/L´homme sans Passé) byAki Kaurismäki, Finland 2002

This film, full of tenderness and humour, is a parabole about the rebirth of a person and the birth of a community. Thrown into a situation of extreme poverty, a man without a past finds solidarity and builds a life of dignity. Through the art of Aki Kaurismäki, we experience a moment of grace.

Honourable mentions:

Le fils (The Son) by Jean Pierre Dardenne and Luc Dardenne, Belgium 2002

Rich in humanity, this film is about overcoming the need of revenge. While learning a skill and learning about human relationships, a future is made possible. The intensity of the film fully captures and maintains the viewer´s attention.

L'ora di religione (Le sourire de ma mère/My Mother´s Smile) by Marco Bellocchio, Italy 2002 

This film reflects a modern doubt about the existence of God. The main character, who opposes all compromise, provides an example of a search for identity and truth.