Italian
Scandar Copti’s ‘Happy Holidays’ triumphs at Thessaloniki Film Festival
A stellar win for ‘Happy Holidays’
Palestinian filmmaker Scandar Copti’s family drama Happy Holidays has achieved significant recognition by winning the Golden Alexander for Best Feature Film at the Thessaloniki Film Festival. This prestigious accolade highlights Copti’s mastery in weaving complex narratives set against the backdrop of Israeli society.
Second feature success
Copti’s victory is especially remarkable as Happy Holidays is his sophomore effort, following his Oscar-nominated debut Ajami from 2009. The film, which also secured the Best Screenplay prize at the Venice Film Festival’s Horizons sidebar, continues to cement Copti’s reputation as a filmmaker of exceptional skill and insight.
Complex, interconnected stories
Happy Holidays intricately narrates the lives of four interconnected characters, each portraying unique societal and familial struggles. Set in Haifa, Israel’s third-largest city, the film presents a rich tapestry of gender dynamics, generational conflicts, and cultural divides. The ensemble cast, featuring both Arab and Jewish actors, brings depth to this multifaceted portrayal of life.
Why the jury was impressed
The Thessaloniki jury, including well-known filmmakers and producers, praised Happy Holidays. They highlighted the film’s ability to weave different narratives and perspectives, fully exposing the national, gender, and class complexities that can divide societies. The movie was also lauded for its poignant portrayal of youth and the vision of future complexities seen through the eyes of a young woman.
Spotlight on emerging talents
Leonardo van Dijl’s Julie Keeps Quiet received the Silver Alexander for Best Director. This film, also a Cannes Critics’ Week selection representing Belgium in the international feature film race, was commended for its “powerful but quiet psychological depth”. The film is a testament to van Dijl’s artistry, as he meticulously constructs a tense and emotionally resonant narrative.
Standout performances
In the acting categories, Mahmood Bakri was honored as Best Actor for his role as a Palestinian refugee in To a Land Unknown. Joana Santos won Best Actress for her compelling performance in On Falling, a film that shared Best Directing Honors at San Sebastian with Laura Carreira.
Meet the Neighbors+ section
Vittoria by Alessandro Cassigoli and Casey Kauffman won the Golden Alexander for Best Feature in the Meet the Neighbors+ competition section. This film, set in Naples, vividly details a mother’s intense longing for a daughter, providing a unique and emotionally charged take on adoption. The jury described Vittoria as both “surprising and deeply moving”, resonating powerfully with audiences.
More award-winning talent
The Silver Alexander for Best Director in this section went to Laila Abbas for Thank You for Banking With Us. This film is praised for its female-driven narrative that skillfully interweaves humor and poignancy against the backdrop of Palestine’s socio-political constraints. The jury noted Abbas’s ability to play with audience expectations through an unexpected lens.
Volodymyr Kravchuk and Antonia Zegers were recognized for their outstanding acting in U Are the Universe and The Exiles, respectively. Special mentions went to Elvira Lara and the cast of Killerwood for their exceptional ensemble performances.
Film Forward competition highlights
The Film Forward competition, which celebrates innovative filmmaking, awarded the Golden Alexander to Matthew Rankin’s Universal Language, representing Canada in the Oscar race. Rankin’s creation stood out for its originality and compelling artistic vision. The Silver Alexander in this category went to Noaz Deshe’s Xoftex, another film noted for its inventive approach.
Reflecting on the festival
The Thessaloniki Film Festival, which ran from Oct. 31 to Nov. 10, brought together a diverse array of talent and highlighted influential works that push the boundaries of traditional filmmaking. The success of Happy Holidays and other celebrated films showcases the festival’s commitment to recognizing not only established filmmakers but also new voices and innovative stories.
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