Far-Right Radicalization Story ‘The Quiet Son’ Takes Venice Impact Award

“The Quiet Son,” a French film exploring family dynamics amidst far-right radicalization, has won the 2024 Collateral Impact Award at the 81st Venice Film Festival. The award, presented by Think-Film Impact Production and Impact Europe, recognizes films with significant societal impact potential.

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Written and directed by Delphine Coulin and Muriel Coulin, the cast features Vincent Lindon, Benjamin Voisin and Stefan Crepon.

A high-profile jury selected the winner, comprising Adjoa Andoh (“Bridgerton,” “Invictus”), Chiwetel Ejiofor (“12 Years a Slave”), Alia Shawkat (“Search Party,” “Blink Twice”), Mstyslav Chernov (director, “20 Days in Mariupol”), and Misan Sagay (screenwriter, “Belle”). The jury cited the film’s urgency in sparking conversation about the rise of the far-right and its societal impact.

During a Venice Production Bridge panel, jury members shared their thoughts on cinematic impact. Ejiofor highlighted cinema’s role in communicating real-world situations, stating: “Cinema can inspire leaders and legislators and help facilitate genuine lasting change.”

Andoh added: “The notion of having an intentional organization like Think-Film Impact Production who will sit with you in your creative process and do some leg work around supporting your work’s heart by amplifying your message, broadening the reach of the invitation to audiences, and helping you in transforming someone else’s perspective – that is powerful.”

Shawkat noted the value of having support to address social issues through film, while Chernov reflected on impact’s deeper meaning: “A truly impactful story sinks in, becomes part of our hearts, informing and influencing every decision we make.”

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Sagay added: “Every great film is an impact film because it springs from something deep within the filmmaker.”

Danielle Turkov Wilson, founder and CEO of Think-Film Impact Production, observed an increase in political stories at festivals, reflecting “the hunger in audiences for films and stories to help them navigate difficult circumstances and choices.”

The Impact Award, now in its second year, aims to recognize films with transformative societal potential. Last year’s winner, “Io Capitano,” directed by Matteo Garrone, went on to receive an Academy Award nomination for best international feature.

Think-Film Impact Production will deliver the prize for “The Quiet Son,” while Impact Europe will support the film’s post-festival impact journey.

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