The closing ceremony, hosted by Marion Pasquier and Alexandre Vachon, recognized unique films focusing on human rights, women, and youth. The festival highlighted short films in the villages of Montségur-sur-Lauzon and Valaurie, which presented their audience awards: "Les Jardins du Paradis" and "L’Œuf de Pâques" respectively. "Les Jardins du Paradis" ultimately won the village jury prize.
The "off-site" initiative fostered interaction between the films and local residents. The award-winning short films will be screened for free on Monday, November 2nd, at 8 PM, at La Cascade in Bourg-Saint-Andéol.
The youth jury, composed of high school students from Gustave-Jaume high school, awarded their prize to "Détaché" from a selection of four short films. "Rives" received the high school students' favorite award.
"Very Small Dreams", a documentary by Etimad Washah, won the Nuit du court prize. The film aims to raise awareness about the suffering of women in a refugee camp in Gaza, living in inhumane conditions. The director expressed her emotion and hope for peace.
The professional jury honored "Une vie manifeste", a documentary about activist and filmmaker Michèle Firk, celebrating her remarkable and engaged life. A special mention was given to the Haitian film "Marie Madeleine" for its direction and unique aesthetic.
The City Prize, with a €3,000 endowment, was unanimously awarded to "Mauvaise étoile" for its accurate and profound exploration of domestic violence and control. The jury praised its impactful message and filmmaking style.
The mayor, present to award the prize, expressed his delight at the jury's consensus and spoke about the festival's future editions. He also mentioned plans for a new cinema with two screens. "The important thing is to introduce the youth of Tricastin to all facets of culture, not just one; to introduce them to theater, song, photography, cinema, drawing. This is how we can empower young people," he stated.
