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Sergei Loznitsa's 'Imperium' Wins Best Film at BFI London Film Festival
Confirmed
In Short: Sergei Loznitsa's 'Imperium' won the Best Film award at the 70th BFI London Film Festival.
Sergei Loznitsa's 'Imperium' was awarded the Best Film prize at the 70th BFI London Film Festival, held in London. The film, which revisits the Soviet Union of the early 1970s through footage shot by Italian cameramen, was praised for its rich archival perspective and deep character development.
The LFF jury commended 'Imperium' for its painterly cinematography, expansive storytelling, and the filmmaker's ability to create a profound emotional connection with the characters. 'Imperium' explores the Soviet Union's social and cultural landscape with a quiet resilience and dignity, offering a unique and intimate view of a rarely seen era.
In addition to 'Imperium,' Asmahan Bkerat's 'Concrete Land' was named the winner of the Grierson Award in the LFF documentary competition. 'Concrete Land' tells the story of a Palestinian Bedouin family displaced in Jordan, providing a richly evocative and emotionally engaging narrative.
The film '9 Temples to Heaven,' directed by Kissada Kamyoung, also took a top prize at the festival. It follows an aging grandmother who embarks on a nine-temple pilgrimage with her children and grandchildren, prompted by a prophecy.
The competition jury, led by filmmaker Sam Pollard, was impressed by the innovative storytelling and notable performances in 'Imperium.' Amir El-Masry, actor from 'Giant' and 'Limbo,' presided over the jury alongside 'Moonglow' producer Alemberg Ang and Rosa Bosch.
The film 'Concrete Land' was produced by the family featured in the documentary, which helped the young filmmaker discover her love for documentary filmmaking. The film is streaming free on BFI Player until October 25.
'Imperium' reflects on faith, kinship, and the passage from life to death, transcending borders and generations. The film's refusal to provide easy answers to the complexities it presents was noted as particularly engaging.
The film '9 Temples to Heaven' was produced by Kissada Kamyoung and Apichatpong Weerasethakul, alongside co-producers Thomas Hakim and Julien Graff of petit chaos, the company behind Payal Kapadia’s award-winning 'All We Imagine as Light.'
What this adds
The festival also awarded special mentions to 'Daughters of the Late Colonel' for its singular visual style and 'Masc' for its unique concept.
Background
In ancient Rome, imperium was a form of authority held by a citizen to control a military or governmental entity. It is distinct from auctoritas and potestas, different and generally inferior types of power in the Roman Republic and Empire.
What's confirmed
- “The film is richly evocative and emotionally engaging on all levels, giving us a visually arresting perspective of life before the Soviet Union was broken apart.” Palestinian-Jordanian director Bkerat’s Concrete Land tells the story of a Palestinian Bedouin family displaced in Jordan.
What's still developing
- “This was a beautifully observed portrait filmed with mastery and confidence,” highlighted the LFF jury.
- The prizes were unveiled Sunday as the festival drew to a close.
- The film, which debuted at Cannes, follows Sakol, who, after hearing a prophecy that his elderly mother may die soon, sets out on a one-day pilgrimage to nine temples as a remedy.
- “This was a spirited and tightly constructed portrait of Jarman as both an artist and an activist,” the jury noted.
- The competition jury was led by filmmaker Sam Pollard, whose credits include “MLK/FBI” and “Citizen Ashe,” and also featured “Life of Jorge Luis Borges” filmmaker Mariano Llinás and DDA chief strategy officer Julie La Bassiere.
- Bertil Nilsson’s “Masc” received a special mention in the same section.