News
At the 33rd Festival International de Films de Fribourg, held 15-23 March, the Ecumenical Jury awarded “Compañeros – La noche de 12 años” (A Twelve-Year Night), directed by Álvaro Brechner, a prize of 5,000 CHF donated by the Swiss organizations Lenten Offering and Bread for All.
“Compañeros – La noche de 12 años” also received the Special Prize of the International Festival Jury and the Audience Award.
Set in Uruguay in 1973, the film depicts a country plunged into dictatorship. Three political dissidents are imprisoned in solitary confinement. Forbidden to speak, see, eat, and sleep, they are thrust into a nightmare that lasts 12 years. Inspired by the destiny of three contemporary figures in Uruguay, including the former President José “Pepe” Mujica, the film draws an allusion to all the dictatorships which Latin America has been subjected to.
In addition, the jury awarded a commendation to “Vulkan” (Volcano), directed by Roman Bondarchuk.
The Ecumenical Jury is appointed by Interfilm, the international interchurch film organization, and SIGNIS, the World Catholic Association for Communication.
