Marianna Brennand’s drama ‘Manas’, which explores the plight of a 13-year-old girl enduring abuse in the Amazon rainforest, has clinched the Venice Days director’s award. The film, supported by notable figures like Walter Salles and the Dardenne Brothers, is set on Marajó island.
It tells the story of Marcielle, who lives with her family near a river. Influenced by her mother’s ideals, Marcielle looks up to her older sister, who she believes found an escape from their harsh reality through a relationship with a man on a barge.
As Tielle, her sister, grows up, Marcielle’s fantasies shatter, revealing her sister’s own entrapment in a cycle of abuse. Concerned about her younger sibling and their bleak future, Marcielle decides to challenge the oppressive system affecting their family and community.
The award, decided by a jury led by Joanna Hogg, director of The Eternal Daughter, includes a €20,000 ($22,000) cash prize to be divided between the filmmaker and Bendita Film Sales, the film’s international distributor, to support its promotion.
In a separate accolade, the Europa Cinemas Label for best European film was awarded to Dutch director Jan-Willem van Ewijk’s Alpha. This film, set in the Swiss Alps, examines a troubled father-son relationship. Alpha will receive promotional assistance from Europa Cinemas, an EU-supported organization that aids cinemas showcasing European films.
The Venice Days audience award is still pending announcement at this time.