Amber Fares’ Documentary Wins Golden Alexander at Thessaloniki Festival
At the 27th Thessaloniki International Documentary Festival, Amber Fares’ film Coexistence, My Ass!, featuring Israeli comedian Noam Shuster-Eliassi, captured the prestigious Golden Alexander award in the International Competition section.
Jury’s Recognition
The jury, consisting of director and photographer Dimitris Athiridis, filmmaker Lauren Greenfield, and producer Signe Byrge Sørensen, praised the film for its captivating storytelling. They remarked, “With a compellingly constructed narrative and a fearless challenge to every taboo in the [Middle East] region, Noam’s disarming voice and humor invite the audience to a deeper understanding as we laugh and cry with her, and reconsider our biases with open minds and hearts.”
Accolades and Impact
Earlier this year, the film was also honored with the World Cinema Documentary Special Jury Award for Freedom of Expression at the Sundance Film Festival. Variety described it as “urgent, eye-opening and enormously compassionate.” The recent win at Thessaloniki qualifies the film for consideration in the documentary category at the upcoming Academy Awards.
Other Notable Awards at Thessaloniki
Silver Alexander Award
The Silver Alexander was awarded to Free Leonard Peltier, directed by Jesse Short Bull and David France. This documentary focuses on Leonard Peltier, a Native American activist, and examines the historical injustices faced by Native Americans, as well as their ongoing struggle for land rights.
Special Mentions
The jury also highlighted Child of Dust, directed by Weronika Mliczewska, with a Special Mention. It follows a Vietnamese man on a quest to find his father, a theme that resonates with the generational impacts of war and the yearning for paternal connection.
Newcomers Competition
The Golden Alexander for the Newcomers Competition was awarded to How to Build a Library by Maia Lekow and Christopher King. The film chronicles the efforts of two Kenyan women dedicated to the restoration of a public library in Nairobi, emphasizing themes of activism against colonial legacies.
Additional Awards
- The Newcomers Competition Silver Alexander went to Byron Kritzas’ They Talk About Worship Here, illustrating the experiences of a Corfu-based band.
- Finn Walther and Martin A. Walther’s Pet Farm received a Special Mention for its exploration of solitude and a quest for self-identity through nature.
- The Golden Alexander for the Film Forward section was awarded to Endless Cookie by Seth Scriver and Peter Scriver, a Canadian animated film showcasing the relationship between two half-brothers.
- Catherine Gund’s Meanwhile received the Film Forward Competition Silver Alexander for its insightful reflection on identity and resilience within the Black culture.
Conclusion
The 27th Thessaloniki International Documentary Festival not only spotlighted Coexistence, My Ass! but also featured a diverse array of compelling narratives that challenge societal norms and highlight pressing social issues. The recognition of these films showcases the power of documentary storytelling in fostering understanding and empathy.