The feature film "I Matter", written and directed by Alina Şerban, won the "Armani beauty" Audience Award on Saturday evening at the 83rd edition of the Venice International Film Festival, according to the event's official website.
The film, spoken in Romanian and Romani, is a Romania-Germany-Belgium co-production and marks Alina Şerban's feature-film directorial debut. Alina Şerban was also the first Roma woman director from Romania to present a feature film at the Venice Film Festival, agerpres reports.
The film tells the story of Rebeca, a young Roma woman preparing to leave the residential care home where she grew up. She pins her hopes on her father's release from prison, convinced that he will be able to provide her with the stability and sense of family she longs for. However, the transition to independent life proves more difficult than she expected.
"I Matter" was selected for the Venice Spotlight section, dedicated to films distinguished by innovation and creativity.
