The Cinefondation, which this year marks its twentieth anniversary, awarded prizes and money to three student filmmakers in a simple ceremony on Friday which was followed by a screening of the three winning films. Oscar winner Barry Jenkins was a part of a jury presided by Cristian Mungiu, recipient of the Palme D’Or in 2007. Other members of the jury included French actress Clotilde Hesme, filmmaker Athina Rachel Tsangari and author, director and producer Eric Khoo.

Gilles Jacob, honorary president of the Cannes Festival and the founder of the Cinéfondation program, gave a long and cheeky introduction in which he offered up a screenplay idea, the beginning, at least, for a film, free of rights, to the winners. The intent being, I’m throwing you a bone, now go make great cinema.

FIRST PRIZE
“Paul est là” (“Paul is here”)
Valentina Maurel
School: INSAS, Belgium
The winner will receive 15000 euros

SECOND PRIZE
“Heyvan” (“Animal”)
Bahram and Bahman Ark
School: Iranian National School of Cinema, Iran
This student-filmmaker gets 11250 euros

THIRD PRIZE
“Deux égarés sont mort” (“Two lost people are dead”)
Tommaso Usberti
School: La Fémis, France
This student-filmmaker gets 7500 euros

A still from “Animal” (“Heyvan”) directed by Bahram and Bahman Ark

Jury photocall: