Awards

"We were grateful to witness such a profoundly well curated program-one that stands as a testament to cinema's enduring spirit, its defiance, and its boundless future. After careful consideration we have chosen to award a bold and beautiful film, that is impossible to fit into the structures of conventional storytelling. Instead it embraces the pure artistry of filmmaking and a singular cinematic language. With nuance and tenderness, this film captures joy and sorrow of everyday life-illuminated through performances that bring forth the deep, unspoken bonds between mothers, daughters, and the communities they weave together."

"In a selection marked by diverse and ambitious work, this film distinguished itself through its formal precision, emotional depth, and narrative restraint. The jury was impressed by its immersive visual language, where every frame contributes meaningfully to the atmosphere of quiet reflection. The performances are understated yet deeply affecting, and the film's subtle use of humour and magical realism is always grounded in a clear sense of place and human experience. For its ability to evoke complex emotions through simplicity and for its cohesive artistic vision, we are pleased to award the Max Prize for Best Portuguese Feature Film to Hanami, by Denise Fernandes."