Brendan Canty’s Cork-set drama Christy has won the Grand Prix in the Berlinale’s youth-focused Generation 14plus section.
Based on Canty’s short film of the same name, the film follows two estranged brothers as they grapple with their past and resolve to unite over one summer in Cork city’s Northside.
Written by Alan O’Gorman from a story he created with Canty, the film was made with mentorship from Yann Demange (Top Boy, ’71, Lovecraft Country) who serves as executive producer.
Marina Brackenbury (Sing Street, Every Day, The Beast Must Die, Prime Target) produces with Meredith Duff of Wayward Films, and Rory Gilmartin (Herself, Rosie, Calm with Horses) of Sleeper Films.
The Generation International Jury was made up of directors Emma Branderhorst (Netherlands) and Aslı Özarslan (Germany) and TIFF programmer Ikoro Sekai (Canada).
They praised Christy for its energy and raw emotion as well as Canty’s connection with Cork’s Northside neighborhood where the film was shot.
“The director’s deep bond with the community shines through and makes every frame feel alive and fresh. With stunning performances from non-actors and heartfelt intensity, it moves us deeply – leaving us both shaken and smiling when leaving the cinema,” they said in their jury statement.
In other Generation awards, Belgian director Maja-Ajmia Yde Zellama received a Special Mention for Têtes Brûlées about a girl coming to terms with the sudden death of her beloved older brother.
Full list of Generation Prizes
The Grand Prix of the International Jury for the Best Film in Generation 14plus
Christy
by Brendan Canty
Special Mention Generation 14plus
Têtes Brûlées
by Maja-Ajmia Yde Zellama
The Special Prize of the International Jury for the Best Short Film in Generation 14plus
Don’t Wake the Sleeping Child
by Kevin Aubert
Special Mention Generation 14plus
Beneath Which Rivers Flow
by Ali Yahya
Crystal Bear for the Best Film
Sunshine
by Antoinette Jadaone
Special Mention
Playtime
by Lucia Murat
Crystal Bear for the Best Short Film
Wish You Were Ear
by Mirjana Balogh
Special Mention
Sunset over America
by Matías Rojas Valencia
