Cannes: Sandra Wollner Wins Un Certain Regard with Grief Drama "Everytime"
Translated from German, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Austrian director Sandra Wollner won the top prize in the Un Certain Regard section at the Cannes Film Festival for her film "Everytime."
- The film, starring Birgit Minichmayr, explores a mother's grief after her daughter's accidental death.
- Wollner, based in Berlin, received the award for her third feature film at the prestigious festival.
The Austrian film industry has once again garnered international acclaim, with director Sandra Wollner securing the prestigious main prize in the Un Certain Regard section at the 79th Cannes Film Festival for her poignant drama, "Everytime." This victory marks a significant achievement for Wollner, a Leoben-born filmmaker now based in Berlin, and highlights the growing recognition of Austrian cinematic talent on the global stage. "Everytime" delves into the profound depths of maternal grief, masterfully portraying Ella, played by the brilliant Birgit Minichmayr, as she navigates the devastating loss of her daughter Jessie. The film's narrative, which also involves Jessie's boyfriend Lux, explores the complex process of learning to live with loss and rebuilding a life around it. For Austrian audiences and critics, this award is a moment of national pride, showcasing our ability to produce emotionally resonant and artistically significant films that can captivate international attention. While Western media often focuses on the Palme d'Or contenders, the Un Certain Regard section provides a vital platform for emerging and distinctive voices, and Wollner's success here underscores the depth and diversity of our filmmaking. This recognition not only celebrates Wollner's artistic vision but also reinforces Austria's position as a significant contributor to European cinema.
Originally published by Die Presse in German. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.