Brady Corbet, the film’s director, congratulated UNIMED: “As a student of cinema, myself (still studying), this is very touching. My team and I are incredibly grateful.”
During the 81st edition of the Venice International Film Festival, an international jury composed of 18 students from universities in the Euro-Mediterranean region associated with UNIMED, awarded the UNIMED 2024 Prize to the film in the official competition that most effectively and coherently represents cultural diversity.
The UNIMED 2024 Jury awarded the UNIMED Award for Cultural Diversity to ‘The Brutalist’ by Brady Corbet with the following motivation:
“The Brutalist”, directed by Brady Corbet, is a film that exemplifies the core values we strive to promote: understanding between cultures, the fight against racism and discrimination, and the illumination of the roots of violence and conflict. Through its powerful narrative of postwar America, “The Brutalist” unflinchingly addresses themes of antisemitism, the immigrant experience, and the brutal dynamics of capitalism.
In telling the story of a Hungarian Holocaust survivor navigating a complex new world, the film demonstrates how art can transcend borders, challenging viewers to confront their own assumptions about history, identity, and societal structures. The portrayal of László Tóth’s journey highlights the tensions between European depth and American naivety, offering a rich exploration of cultural exchange and conflict. It reminds us that the violence woven into the fabric of history and progress can only be overcome through mutual understanding and the recognition of shared humanity.
This cinematic masterpiece delves into the complexities of personal and societal transformation, offering a gripping reflection on power, architecture, and the often brutal foundation of modern life. “The Brutalist” epitomizes the spirit of the UNIMED Award by bringing to light the intricate causes of violence and discrimination while celebrating resilience and the successful mastering of conflicts.
The award ceremony was held on Friday 6 September 2024 at the Italian Pavilion, Hotel Excelsior, Lido di Venezia. For the occasion, a trailer dedicated to UNIMED’s activities was screened with speeches by students from the jury 2023.
The 2024 jury was composed as follows:
- Nausica Petruccioli, University of International Studies of Rome
- Asia Troiano, University of International Studies of Rome
- Claudio Schioppa, University of International Studies of Rome
- Virginia Burdese, Link Campus University
- Gabriella Parlato, Link Campus University
- Andrea Cracco, Ca’ Foscari University of Venice
- Luisa Bosia, Ca’ Foscari University of Venice
- Lucas Begendi, IUAV University of Venice
- Olesea Bojinov, IUAV University of Venice
- Simone Pietro Marsano, University of Salento
- Teresa De Simone, University of Salento
- Giuseppe Bruno, Polytechnic University of Turin
- Samuele Peira, Polytechnic University of Turin
- Camilla Chieppi, University of Pavia
- Guillem Seuba, University of Barcelona
- Daniela Rey, University of Barcelona
- Marina Mesa del Castillo Santaella, University of Murcia
- Ana Marìa Garcìa, University of Murcia
The award ceremony was attended by Gianni Celata (Professor, University of Rome 3), Milija Cpajak (artist), Natasa Radojevic (art curator), Giorgio Gosetti (General Delegate, Venice Days), Gianluca Guzzo (founder and CEO, MYmovies), Flavio Natalia (Director, Ciak), Alessandra Speciale (selection team, Mostra del Cinema di Venezia), Angelo Maggi (Delegate for International Relations, IUAV University of Venice), Marco Bertozzi (Professor of Cinema, Photography and Television, IUAV University of Venice), Maria Gatto (International Relations Office, IUAV University of Venice), Maria Roberta Novielli (Professor of History of Cinema and Animation, Ca’ Foscari University of Venice).
The event was moderated by Antonio Falduto, lecturer at the University of International Studies in Rome (UNINT) and scientific head of the UNIMED Prize, who emphasised UNIMED’s commitment to encourage an increasing participation of non-European students in the jury. Prof. Falduto also anticipated that the winning film will be presented in several universities in the network and introduced by the director or a representative of the cast.
The award was created by the Italian-Serbian artist Milija Čpajak and presented by the international curator and gallerist Nataša Radojević.
The UNIMED Award is the result of the collaboration between UNIMED – Mediterranean Universities Union, an association of 168 universities from 25 countries on both sides of the Mediterranean, and la Biennale di Venezia. The award, now in its eighth edition, was established in memory of Prof. Franco Rizzi, former Secretary General and founder of UNIMED, for his life-long and career-long commitment to improving cooperation between Euro-Mediterranean universities.
UNIMED aims to develop research and university education in the Euro-Mediterranean area in order to contribute to scientific, cultural, social and economic cooperation in the region.
To this end, the UNIMED Award aims to promote understanding between peoples of different cultures and religious faiths and to combat racism and discrimination by addressing the complex causes of violence and supporting conflict resolution. The purpose of the UNIMED Award is to encourage intercultural dialogue, emphasise the value of cultural diversity and promote freedom of artistic expression.
The eighth edition of the UNIMED Award was co-funded by the Italian Ministry for Universities and Research (MUR).
If you are curious about the UNIMED Award and its previous editions visit the official page of the initiative.
