Final Cut in Venice: Celebrating cinematic voices from Africa and the Arab world
The 12th edition of Final Cut in Venice, an industry program dedicated to supporting films in post-production from Africa and Arab countries, concluded with an awards ceremony that highlighted the exceptional talent emerging from these regions. The event saw Morad Mostafa’s “Aisha Can’t Fly Away” clinch the prestigious La Biennale di Venezia Prize for a film in post-production, valued at €5,000 ($5,546).
A powerful debut: “Aisha Can’t Fly Away”
Morad Mostafa’s feature debut, which previously participated in the Doha Film Institute’s Qumra Lab, narrates the poignant story of a Somali woman caring for her elderly parents in Cairo. The film delves into the complex social fabric of the city, exploring the tensions between its diverse ethnic groups. The jury, comprising Wayne Borg of Neom, Monica Ciarli of Minerva Pictures, and former director of the European Film Market Dennis Ruh, praised the film for its “powerful and authentic” storytelling. They noted that despite being a first feature, it exhibited confident direction and a distinct cinematic voice, with gritty realism and meticulous attention to detail.
Additional accolades for “Aisha Can’t Fly Away”
In addition to the main award, Mostafa’s project garnered several other prizes from the jury of supporters, including awards from the Cinémathèque Afrique of the Institut Français, Rai Cinema, Festival International de Films de Fribourg, and Titra Films. These accolades underscore the film’s potential and the industry’s recognition of Mostafa’s talent.
Other notable winners
The jury of supporters also honored several other projects, including:
- “My Father’s Scent” by Mohamed Siam
- “Ancestral Visions of the Future” by Lemohang Jeremiah Mosese
- “The Prophet” by Ique Langa
- “In This Darkness I See You” by Nadim Tabet
These films received awards from various organizations such as MAD Solutions, Festival International du Film d’Amiens, the Red Sea Fund, El Gouna Film Festival, and Studio A Fabrica (Ajaccio).
A thriving industry event
The Venice Production Bridge (VPB), the industry arm of the Venice Film Festival, concluded with impressive numbers, reflecting the event’s growing significance. This year saw an 8% increase in industry delegates, with a total of 63 panels held, marking a 15% rise from the previous year. The VPB market also featured 41 screenings, including 14 films not in the festival’s official selection.
Focus on streaming
A notable highlight of this year’s VPB was the emphasis on streaming, with 10 European and international streaming platforms participating in the Meet the Streamers program. This initiative facilitated 236 one-to-one meetings between streaming platforms and accredited international distributors, rights holders, and AV professionals, representing a 103% increase from the previous year.
Book Adaptation Rights Market
The Book Adaptation Rights Market also saw significant growth, with a 14% increase in one-to-one meetings, rising from 560 in 2023 to 640 in 2024. This year, the market spotlighted the crime and thriller genres, featuring dedicated publishing houses and literary agencies.
Industry participation
The VPB welcomed key industry players to various one-to-one meetings, including the Venice Gap-Financing Market, Book Adaptation Rights Market, Final Cut in Venice, Meet the Streamers, and VPB Market screenings. Representatives from major companies such as Amazon, Apple TV, Netflix, Studiocanal UK, Fremantle Media, Mubi, Neon, and A24 were in attendance, underscoring the event’s importance in the global film industry.
Personal reflections for cinema enthusiasts
For those passionate about cinema, the Final Cut in Venice offers a unique glimpse into the rich tapestry of stories emerging from Africa and the Arab world. Films like “Aisha Can’t Fly Away” not only provide a window into different cultures but also highlight universal themes of family, identity, and resilience. The recognition and support these films receive at such prestigious platforms are crucial for their journey from post-production to global audiences.
Explore more
To dive deeper into the world of these films, check out the trailers and information pages:
- Aisha Can’t Fly Away
- My Father’s Scent
- Ancestral Visions of the Future
- The Prophet
- In This Darkness I See You
These links provide immediate access to additional details and multimedia resources, enriching your understanding and appreciation of these cinematic works.
Final thoughts
The 12th edition of Final Cut in Venice not only celebrated the artistic achievements of filmmakers from Africa and the Arab world but also highlighted the industry’s commitment to nurturing diverse voices. As the event continues to grow, it promises to be a vital platform for discovering and supporting the next generation of filmmakers.