【ANN NEWS, VENICE】 Danish drama Woman Unknown won the top honor — the Golden Lion for Best Film — at the 83rd Venice International Film Festival on September 12. The film’s director, May el-Toukhy, was also the only female director of a narrative feature in this year’s main competition.
Set in Denmark after the end of World War II, Woman Unknown tells the story of Marie, a young maid preparing to marry her wealthy widowed employer. However, her past romantic relationship with a German soldier during the war threatens the new life she is trying to build.
Through Marie’s personal experiences, the film explores the social pressures, moral judgment and identity struggles faced by women in the aftermath of the war. With the film, May el-Toukhy ultimately prevailed over the other entries in the main competition to win the festival’s top prize.
The film’s lead actress, Mathilde Arcel, also won the Volpi Cup for Best Actress for her portrayal of Marie, making Woman Unknown one of the most prominent films at this year’s festival.
Another major honor, the Silver Lion Grand Jury Prize, went to Possible Love, directed by renowned South Korean filmmaker Lee Chang-dong. The film centers on a labor dispute that divides society and explores the trauma that continues to affect the lives and emotions of those involved years later.
This year’s Venice International Film Festival was held on the Lido in Venice, Italy. As one of the world’s oldest and most influential international film festivals, the Venice Film Festival’s Golden Lion has long been one of the most closely watched honors in international cinema.
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