28 May Press Release – The Human Pulse of Cinema at the 78th Cannes Film Festival – 28TH OF MAY 2025
Press Release
The Human Pulse of Cinema at the 78th Cannes Film Festival
28th of May 2025
🎬 The Human Pulse of Cinema at the 78th Cannes Film Festival
📍 Reported by Petra Terzi – Cannes 2025
Intro by Petra Terzi
Every year in Cannes is a revelation. But this year’s festival wasn’t only a celebration of cinematic art—it was a mirror of our times, reflecting our wounds and our hopes. Listening to the voices of the winners reminded me how deeply cinema can resonate when it speaks the truth. These moments, these voices, deserve to be heard loud and clear.
With respect to the creators and vision for the future,
Petra Terzi
Director – Artistic Director of International Film Festivals
🎥 Voices of the 78th Cannes Winners – Highlights from the Press Room
Jafar Panahi – Palme d’Or for Un simple accident
🗨 “For a filmmaker, every award is a delight. I was thinking about all my friends’ faces in prison. While we were behind bars, the Iranian people were fighting in the streets. I felt joy for them.”
Joachim Trier – Grand Prix for Affeksjonsverdi (Sentimental Value)
🗨 “I’m the third generation of filmmakers in my family. I always try to look at cinema through the eyes of a child—we mustn’t lose our inner child.”
Mascha Schilinski – Joint Jury Prize for Sound of Falling (In die Sonne schauen)
🗨 “We worked with precision but never lost sight of the core message. The local villagers and actors made it real.”
Oliver Laxe – Joint Jury Prize for Sirât
🗨 “Cinema is one of the last sacred rites. I wanted to create something radical—something that shakes the viewer to the core.”
Jean-Pierre & Luc Dardenne – Best Screenplay for Jeunes Mères
Luc: “Mother shelters are a real public service worth defending.”
Jean-Pierre: “In this violent world, let’s focus on those dealing with it every day.”
Kleber Mendonça Filho – Best Director for O Agente Secreto (The Secret Agent)
🗨 “Over 60 of our team are here. It’s been an incredible week. This film belongs to Brazil—deeply divided, yet full of hope.”
Bi Gan – Jury’s Special Award for KUANG YE SHI DAI (Resurrection)
🗨 “Cinema is one thread in a wider fabric. In today’s chaos, a film about cinema winning feels meaningful.”
Nadia Melliti – Best Actress for La Petite Dernière
🗨 “I searched for independence from a young age. Soccer shaped me, even though it’s a male-dominated world. I saw myself in Fatima’s story.”
Wagner Moura – Best Actor for O Agente Secreto (via phone from London)
🗨 “I’m alone in London with a glass of wine—delighted! I never imagined I’d win. This award recognizes years of work and celebrates Brazilian culture.”
Tawfeek Barhom – Palme d’Or – Short Film for I’m Glad You’re Dead Now
🗨 “This award is for peace in Palestine. Before we are victims, we are human. Let’s stop the hatred and show the beauty of the Palestinian people.”
Adnan Al Rajeev – Special Mention (Short Film) for Ali
🗨 “Ali is dedicated to the silenced. We must speak up. This film is a plea for every voice to be heard.”
Akinola Davies Jr – Caméra d’or Special Mention for My Father’s Shadow
🗨 “Children view the world with objectivity. My film is based on memories of my own childhood.”
Hasan Hadi – Caméra d’or for The President’s Cake
🗨 “The Iraqi film industry is emerging, and I’m full of hope. So many artists are rising. This is just the beginning.”
Reel Shorts: https://youtube.com/shorts/3jIUonZ-D64