Exploring the Winners of the International Film Festival Rotterdam 2025
Jason Jacobs and Devon Delmar have been awarded the prestigious €40,000 Tiger Award at the International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR) for their documentary Variations On A Theme. The film follows the story of an elderly goat herder who falls victim to a scam promising reparations for her father's WW2 service. This marks the second feature film from the South African duo, following their debut with Carissa at the Venice Orizzonti section in 2024. The Tiger Competition Jury, composed of industry professionals, praised the film for its poetic language and poignant portrayal of a community grappling with colonial legacies and familial ties.
Additionally, two Special Jury Awards of €10,000 each were presented to Swedish director Angelica Ruffier for La Belle Année, a touching exploration of grief, and Georgian filmmaker Ana Urushadze for Supporting Role, a story about a faded actor coming to terms with his career. In the Big Screen Competition, Bangladeshi director Rezwan Shahriar Sumit's Master took home the top prize. The film, set during Bangladesh's July Revolution, delves into the moral struggles of an activist whose ideals are tested by power and capitalism. The jury commended the film for its universal themes and lead performance, highlighting the complexity and depth of the narrative.
The Big Screen Award, which celebrates a blend of popular, classic, and arthouse cinema, includes a €15,000 cash prize for the filmmakers. In addition, IFFR offers €15,000 to the Dutch distributor that acquires the local distribution rights for the winning film. Among the collateral prizes, Supporting Role received the Fipresci Award, while Filipino director P. R. Monencillo Patindol's i grew an inch when my father won the Netpac Award for the best film from Asia and Pacific regions. The Youth Jury Award was presented to Ah Girl by Singaporean director Ang Geck Geck Priscilla.
In conclusion, the International Film Festival Rotterdam showcased a diverse selection of films from around the world, recognizing outstanding talent and storytelling. The winning films, including Variations On A Theme, Master, and Supporting Role, captivated audiences and critics alike with their compelling narratives and powerful performances. Congratulations to all the filmmakers and artists who participated in this year's festival, contributing to the vibrant tapestry of international cinema.