Argentinian Film ‘Simon Of The Mountain’ Wins Top Prize at Cannes Critics’ Week
Federico Luis’ first feature, Simon Of The Mountain, has won the prestigious Grand Prize at the Cannes Critics' Week. The Argentinian film, a coming-of-age story about a boy with a disability, captured the jury's attention for its poignant narrative and compelling performances. Luxbox is managing international sales for the film, which was produced by Argentina’s 20/20, in co-production with Chile’s Planta, Uruguay’s Mother Superior, and the Los Angeles and Mexico City-based Twelve Thirty Media.
The Critics' Week jury also awarded the Jury Prize to US director Constance Tsang for her debut feature, Blue Sun Palace. The film explores the lives of Chinese immigrants in Queens, New York. International sales are being handled by Charades, while WME holds the North American rights. The production was a collaboration between Field Trip Media and Big Buddha Pictures.
Ricardo Teodoro received the Rising Star Award for his performance in Marcelo Caetano’s Baby. This queer romantic drama delves into the life of a young outsider navigating the complexities of São Paulo. Sales for Baby are managed by M-Appeal.
In addition to the top prizes, French distributor Jour2fête won the Gan Foundation Award for Distribution for Julie Keeps Quiet, directed by Leonardo Van Dijl. This Belgian debut feature, which focuses on a young tennis player at an elite sports academy, also received the SACD Award for its co-writers Van Dijl and Ruth Becquart. New Europe Film Sales is handling the film’s international distribution.
The 63rd edition of the Cannes Critics' Week, which ran from May 15 to 23, concluded with the screening of Emma Benestan’s Animale, marking the end of a vibrant showcase of emerging cinematic talent.