Three films supported by Hessen Film & Medien will celebrate their world premieres at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival. The award-winning director Ildikó Enyedi will present her new film »Silent Friend«, starring Tony Leung Chiu-wai and Léa Seydoux, in competition for the Golden Lion. In other sections of the festival, »Cotton Queen« by Suzannah Mirghani and »It’s a Sad and Beautiful World« by Cyril Aris will also be screened.
»The invitation of three supported films to Venice marks a very special milestone for film funding in Hessen. I vividly remember my visit to the set of ›Silent Friend‹ last year – it was clear to see with what passion and precision Ildikó Enyedi works. The film brings Marburg’s unique atmosphere to the big screen. I am especially pleased that this spring we were able to award the city the new ›Filmfriendly Location‹ label from the Film Commission Hessen, in recognition of its openness and professionalism. The fact that this work has now led to a competition entry in Venice is a great honor for everyone involved,«
says Timon Gremmels, Hessian Minister for Science and Research, Art and Culture.
»International film festivals like Venice are showcases for the very best in cinematic art – which makes me all the more delighted that three projects we supported are premiering there. These works show how diverse, international, and socially relevant filmmaking from Hessen is today,«
adds Anna Schoeppe, CEO of Hessen Film & Medien.
»They exemplify what makes Hessen such an outstanding film location today: talented producers, strong visual signatures, excellent production conditions, and film-friendly cities.«
»Silent Friend« – Competition Entry
Competing for the Golden Lion is the internationally cast drama »Silent Friend« (Pandora Film) by Hungarian director Ildikó Enyedi. The film tells the story of an ancient tree in the botanical garden of Philipps University in Marburg, which has been observing human activity for over 150 years – a silent witness to countless stories, some of which are told in the film, including that of Grete, the first woman to enroll at the university. Enyedi, who also wrote the screenplay, links this setting with universal questions about the relationship between humans and nature. Marburg is much more than a backdrop – the botanical garden shapes the narrative both thematically and atmospherically. Starring in this European co-production between France, Hungary, and Germany are Tony Leung Chiu-wai, Léa Seydoux, and Luna Wedler. Hessen Film & Medien supported »Silent Friend« with €550,000.
»Cotton Queen« – Settimana Internazionale della Critica
The debut film »Cotton Queen« will celebrate its world premiere during Venice’s Critics’ Week. Sudanese director Suzannah Mirghani tells the story of a village in Sudan that depends on cotton farming. Here, 15-year-old Nafisa must find her path between tradition and modernity in order to take control of her own destiny. The international co-production involved Strange Bird, Maneki Films, Philistine Films, and ZDF/arte, among others. The Frankfurt-based Jippie GbR served as Hessian co-producer. The film received €50,000 in production funding and €30,000 in distribution support from Hessen Film & Medien.
»It’s a Sad and Beautiful World« – Giornate degli Autori
A poetic and melancholic love story is at the heart of »It’s a Sad and Beautiful World«, featured in the »Giornate degli Autori« section, which focuses on high-quality auteur cinema. Director Cyril Aris tells a cosmic love story set under a dark star, amidst the crises of present-day Beirut. The film is a co-production between Lebanon and the USA; its Hessian partner is Reynard Films, based in Offenbach. Hessen Film & Medien supported the production with €50,000.