Cannes Film Festival's Un Certain Regard: A Showcase of Cinematic Excellence
As the 77th Cannes Film Festival drew to a close, the Un Certain Regard jury, led by Canadian filmmaker Xavier Dolan, unveiled the winners. The ceremony was graced by the presence of the cast and creators of the Saudi film "Norah," marking a significant moment in cinematic history.
**Jury Composition**
The esteemed jury comprised Xavier Dolan as the chair, Moroccan director Asmae El Moudir, Senegalese filmmaker Maimouna Doucouré, American critic Todd McCarthy, and German actress Vicky Krieps, all bringing diverse perspectives to the table.
**Award Winners**
- **Best Film**: "Black Dog" directed by Guan Hu.
- **Best Actress**: Anasuya Sengupta for "The Shameless".
- **Best Actor**: Abou Sangaré for "The Story of Souleymane".
- **Best Director**: Tied between Roberto Minervini for "The Damned" and Rungano Nyoni for "On Becoming a Guinea Fowl".
- **Youth Award**: "Holy Cow" by Louise Courvoisier.
- **Jury Special Prize**: "The Story of Souleymane" by Boris Lojkine.
**Special Mentions**
The Saudi film "Norah," directed by Tawfik Alzaidi, received a special mention as the first Saudi entry in the festival's history. Additionally, the Egyptian documentary "I Lifted My Eyes to the Sky," directed by Nada Riyadh and Ayman El Amir and produced by Falooka Films, shared the prestigious Golden Eye award with "Ernest Cole... Lost and Found" by Raoul Peck from Haiti, becoming the first Egyptian film to win this accolade.
**Finally**
"I Lifted My Eyes to the Sky" garnered acclaim during its world premiere at the Critics' Week of the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, receiving praise from audiences and critics alike, and coverage from international and local media. Directed by Nada Riyadh and Ayman El Amir, the film featured the talented ensemble of Panorama Bursa Theatre, establishing a new milestone for Egyptian cinema.
