The 2025 International Film Festival and Forum on Human Rights in Geneva recently bestowed its esteemed Grand Prix upon the documentary “Les Filles du Nil,” created by Nada Riyadh and Ayman El Amir. Celebrated for its poignant portrayal of five Egyptian women striving for independence in a rigidly patriarchal society, this film received CHF 10,000 ($11,300) from the city of Geneva.
Among the festival’s twelve award-winning productions, the Gilda Vieira de Mello Prize was awarded to “Khartoum,” a feature that captures the resilience of Sudanese civil society amidst international indifference to their plight. Editorial directors Laila Alonso Huarte and Laura Longobardi expressed pride in the films’ artistic merit and their urgent sociopolitical messages, highlighting the filmmakers’ bravery in confronting daunting challenges in their respective nations.
The Geneva International Film Festival awarded its Grand Prix to “Les Filles du Nil,” recognising its compelling narrative about women’s emancipation in Egypt. Other notable accolades included the Gilda Vieira de Mello Prize for the Sudan-focused film “Khartoum.” Festival directors expressed pride in the impactful messages of the films and the courage of their creators amidst social challenges.
The Geneva International Film Festival has recognised twelve impactful films, illuminating pressing human rights issues across the globe. Notably, “Les Filles du Nil” and “Khartoum” stand out for their powerful storytelling and exploration of societal struggles. The festival not only celebrated artistic innovation but also the filmmakers’ audacious commitment to change within their societies, sparking hope for continued support and awareness of these crucial narratives.
Original Source: www.swissinfo.ch
