Overview
- Release plans firmed up: Father Mother Sister Brother opens in Italy on Dec. 18 via Lucky Red, The Voice of Hind Rajab will be released by I Wonder Pictures with the date to be announced, The Smashing Machine arrives Nov. 19, Sotto le nuvole bows Sept. 18, and La grazia is dated Jan. 15.
- The Voice of Hind Rajab drew an extended standing ovation and enters awards season as Tunisia’s international feature submission with executive producers including Brad Pitt, Joaquin Phoenix, Rooney Mara, Alfonso Cuarón and Jonathan Glazer.
- Jury president Alexander Payne described the choices as extremely close, while many festivalgoers said Ben Hania’s film felt like the rightful top winner.
- Political tension colored the festival, with scrutiny of Mubi’s financing ties surfacing and Jim Jarmusch stating he will not allow an Israel release if government funding is involved.
- Other major prizes went to Benny Safdie for best direction (The Smashing Machine), Gianfranco Rosi for the Special Jury Prize (Sotto le nuvole), Toni Servillo and Xin Zhilei for the Coppa Volpi acting honors, Valérie Donzelli and Gilles Marchand for screenplay, and Luna Wedler for the Mastroianni award.