I knew that a jury which included Dito Montiel could not disappoint me.

And in fact, this year’s Torino Film Festival winners were certainly worth the prize.

First prize was awarded to Tony Manero by Pablo Larrain, a beautiful and poetic story of a man that longs to be just like his idol, the famous Saturday Night Fever disco dancer. This dream assumes a great importance, as it helps him affront the difficult personal and social situations which he faces in a Santiago terrorized by dictator Augusto Pinochet. Alfredo Castro’s interpretation also bagged him the Best Actor award, a fitting reward to a truly moving and intricate performance.

The Jury Special Prize was awarded to Prince of Broadway directed by Sean S. Baker, a movie that has also just won two other awards, one at the Los Angeles Film Festival held earlier this year, and at the Locarno International Film Festival. This collection of awards is fully deserved, as both the poignant story of Luky and Prince (a New York hustler and his new-found little son), as well as the manner in which the movie is directed–reminiscent of the style of Roberto Rossellini fused with an ounce of the fréres Dardennes–is highly intriguing.

So once again, this Festival has rewarded its fans with great moments and glorious films. Let’s hope the 27th edition will be as loaded with chocolate, motion pictures, prizes and snow as this one.

Image courtesy of Marcello Dino