The Jury of the INTERNATIONAL PANORAMA competition at 11th Bif&st, headed by Alessandro Laterza with Mariangela Barbanente, Oscar Iarussi, Silvia Napolitano, Alessandro Piva, has conferred the following awards:

Bif&st International Award for Best Film Director

EVGENY RUMAN

for the Israeli film GOLDEN VOICES (KOLOT REKA)

Evgeny Ruman skillfully combines light-heartedness and depth in a film that addresses universal topics – such as the bewilderment of immigration – through an original script, developed with keen dramaturgical talent and highlighting a masterful balance between comedy, melodrama and sentimental drama, while also paying a clear tribute to Federico Fellini’s work.

Bif&st International Award for Best Leading Actress

LAUREN COE

for the British film NOCTURNAL by Nathalie Biancheri

Lauren Coe is a young Irish actress and co-star of “Nocturnal”, the debut film of English director Nathalie Biancheri. Lauren showed incredible talent in portraying the numerous facets of a teenage girl, who goes through a difficult time of growth and personal awareness, while always remaining on the edge of emotional tension.

Bif&st International Award for Best Leading Actor

NIELS SCHNEIDER

for the French-Canadian-Belgian film SYMPATHY FOR THE DEVIL (SYMPATHIE POUR LE DIABLE) by Guillaume de Fontenay

For his ability to step into the shoes of war-time journalist Paul Marchand, by fully portraying his adrenaline, sweetness and morality in a breath-taking film that drags viewers through the burning streets of Sarajevo in 1992, at the onset of its long and bloody siege.

In light of a selection of films strongly marked by outstanding quality of all performers, the Jury has decided to confer a

Bif&st Special Mention to the actress

MARIA BELKIN

for the Israeli film GOLDEN VOICES (KOLOT REKA) by Evgeny Ruman

For her ability to take us on an extraordinary emotional journey and personal discovery undertaken by a woman who manages to attain a new life, while gradually embracing a different, as well as unpredictable and lively version of herself.