Chilean Drama *The Mysterious Gaze of the Flamingo* Triumphs at Cannes Film Festival

Chilean film *The Mysterious Gaze of the Flamingo* won the Un Certain Regard Prize at Cannes, marking a significant achievement. Other awards include the Jury Prize for *A Poet*, Best Screenplay for *Pillion*, and Best Director for Tarzan and Arab Nasser with *Once Upon a Time in Gaza*. The festival celebrated a range of compelling narratives and expansive creativity in global cinema.

In a notable triumph at this year’s Cannes Film Festival, the Chilean drama The Mysterious Gaze of the Flamingo, directed by Diego Céspedes, secured the prestigious Un Certain Regard Prize. Set against the backdrop of a desert mining town in northern Chile in 1982, the narrative centers around eleven-year-old Lidia, who lives with her diverse family. As an enigmatic and lethal illness begins to spread, legends swirl that it is transmitted between two men through a mere glance when they fall in love. Accusations against her family rise, forcing Lidia on a quest to uncover the truth behind this myth.

In addition to Céspedes’ victory, the Jury Prize was awarded to A Poet, the second feature from Colombian filmmaker Simón Mesa Soto. This film follows the story of Oscar Restrepo, a poet whose life has not matched his artistic aspirations. When he encounters Yurlady, a young girl with promise, he attempts to mentor her, but consequentially risks pulling her into the daunting lifestyle of a struggling poet.

The Best Screenplay prize went to Pillion, a debut film from British director Harry Lighton. The film’s protagonist, Colin—played by Harry Melling—explores his sexuality through an intense relationship with a biker named Ray, portrayed by Alexander Skarsgård, who guides him into the role of a sexual submissive. This intriguing narrative delves into themes of sexuality and identity.

The award for Best Director was earned by Palestinian filmmakers Tarzan and Arab Nasser for their film Once Upon a Time in Gaza. Notably, Performance Awards were distributed to Cléo Diara for her role in I Only Rest in the Storm and to Frank Dillane for his performance in Urchin, directed by Harris Dickinson.

The jury for this year’s Un Certain Regard section was led by British director Molly Manning Walker, who was joined by an esteemed group including French-Swiss filmmaker Louise Courvoisier, Croatian director Vanja Kaludjercic, Italian filmmaker Roberto Minervini, and Argentinian actor Nahuel Pérez Biscayart. This diverse panel contributed to the recognition of exceptional works at the festival this year.

The Cannes Film Festival honored a variety of impressive films this year, with *The Mysterious Gaze of the Flamingo* standing out by winning the Un Certain Regard Prize. Other notable awards included *A Poet* receiving the Jury Prize, and best Screenplay going to *Pillion*. Overall, the festival showcased powerful narratives and diverse storytelling from around the globe, highlighting the important role of cinema in exploring complex themes.

Original Source: ca.news.yahoo.com