Ildiko Enyedi’s “On Body and Soul” has been awarded the Berlin International Film Festival’s highest honor, the Golden Bear, The Hollywood Reporter confirms. The love story centers on two slaughterhouse employees. “On Body and Soul” also snagged “a trio of awards from Berlin’s independent juries, including best film honors from FIPRESCI, the association of international film critics,” THR writes.
“The film shows two very unique and personal journeys — two sorts of emotional and sensual education. But it offers a personal journey for the spectator as well,” Enyedi told Women and Hollywood. “It intends to leave space for everyone’s own opening up. I hope those who accepted the ride and went through the roller coaster of our heroes come out of the cinema being in a closer, more direct relationship with themselves.”
The Hungarian helmer’s first film, “My Twentieth Century,” won the Cannes Camera d’Or in 1989. Her other credits include “Tamas and Juli,” “Simon Magus,” and the series “Terápia,” the Hungarian version of HBO’s “In Treatment.”
Enyedi wasn’t the only female filmmaker recognized at the fest. “Spoor,” a murder mystery written and directed by Agnieszka Holland, received the Alfred Bauer Prize, “which honors the best European title in competition,” THR details. Carla Simon received the Best First Feature Award for “Summer 1993,” a portrait of an orphaned girl.
The Silver Beat for Extraordinary Artistic Achievement went to editor Dana Bunescu for her work on “Ana, Mon Amour.”
Kim Min-hee was named Best Actress for her performance as an actress involved in an affair in “On the Beach at Night Alone.”
The 2017 Berlinale ran from February 9–17. Other women-directed films to screen at the fest included Sally Potter’s “The Party,” Teresa Villaverde’s “Colo,” and Kitty Green’s “Casting JonBenét.”
