Cristian Mungiu makes history at Cannes: he won the Palme d’Or at the Film Festival, with the film “Fjord”, a drama inspired by a real case, which provoked strong reactions both among the public and international critics. It is the second Palme d’Or in the career of the Romanian director, after the success achieved in 2007 with the film “4 months, 3 weeks and 2 days”.
The feature film “Fjord”, directed by the Romanian filmmaker Cristian Mungiu, achieved a notable performance at the 79th edition of the Cannes Film Festival, already obtaining four distinctions before the official Awards Gala.
After receiving the Palme d’Or trophy, Cristian Mungiu gave an emotional speech about cinema, society and the responsibility of current generations.
“Enjoy the moment. Leave it to me“, said the Romanian director when he went on stage. “The first time is a surprise. Then comes the pleasure. We always remember the second time. This evening will be etched in my memory.”
The filmmaker also spoke about the message of the film “Fjord”, which he considers “a commitment against all forms of fundamentalism” and “a plea for empathy”.
“The state of the world is not the best. I am not very proud of what I am leaving our children. The change should start with us. We need to talk about the relevant things, and they are at hand. We took the risk to raise our voices. What I feel is the radicalization and fracturing of society. This film is a commitment against any form of fundamentalism, a plea for empathy, which we need to apply more often”Cristian Mungiu declared in front of the audience at Cannes.
Cristian Mungiu received four trophies for “Fjord”: the François Chalais Prize, the Citizenship Award, the Ecumenical Jury Prize and the FIPRESCI Prize (International Critics’ Prize).
“Fjord” marks Mungiu’s English-language debut and is his first film since 2022’s RMN. The new project explores the story of a Romanian-Norwegian family settled in an isolated community near a fjord in Norway.
The film “Fjord”, directed by Cristian Mungiu, entered the official competition of the Cannes Film Festival. Sebastian Stan stars
At the heart of the action is a couple played by actors Sebastian Stan and Renate Reinsve, who face the intervention of social services in a tense case related to raising children and the limits of parenting.
The film tackles sensitive themes such as institutional control, individual freedom and the conflict between different cultural values, in a context where psychological tension grows progressively.
We remind you that the Romanian director Cristian Mungiu won the François Chalais Prize at the Cannes Film Festival, a distinction awarded to his production “Fjord”, the representatives of the film announced on social networks. The award, traditionally offered on the eve of the official gala, rewards films that highlight the spirit and ethics of journalism.
Jury Prize: “The Dreamed Adventure”
The Grand Jury Prize went to the production “Minotaur”, signed by the Russian director Andrey Zvyagintsev, while the Jury Prize was awarded to the film “The Dreamed Adventure”, directed by the German filmmaker Valeska Grisebach.
Cristian Mungiu, accused of “reactionary propaganda” at Cannes, after the presentation of the film “Fjord”, inspired by the case of a Romanian family from Norway
The award for directing was awarded ex-aequo to filmmakers Javier Calvo and Javier Ambrossi for “La bola negra”, as well as to director Pawel Pawlikowski for “Fatherland”. The distinction for the screenplay was won by Emmanuel Marre for the film “Notre salut”.
In the performance categories, the award for best actress was awarded to actresses Virginie Efira and Tao Okamoto for their roles in “All of a Sudden”, and the award for best actor went to Emmanuel Macchia and Valentin Campagne for their performances in “Coward”.
The Camera d’Or trophy, awarded to the best cinematic debut, was won by “Ben’Imana”, directed by Marie Clementine Dusabejambo, while the Palme d’Or for short film went to the production “For The Opponents”, signed by Federico Luis.
During the gala, three honorary Palme d’Or trophies were awarded, received by filmmakers Peter Jackson, Barbra Streisand and John Travolta.
The Camera d’Or trophy, which rewards the best debut feature presented in the official selection or parallel sections, was won by the film “Ben’Imana”, directed by Rwandan filmmaker Marie Clementine Dusabejambo.
The production was screened in the Un Certain Regard section, and this year’s jury was chaired by Canadian filmmaker Monia Chokri.
