English: “Close” by Belgian director Lukas Dhont won the 2023 LUX European Audience Film Award on Tuesday, in a ceremony in the European Parliament’s hemicycle in Brussels.

The film, co-produced by Belgium, France and Netherlands, tells the story of an intense friendship between two thirteen-year old boys Leo and Remi. When their friendship is suddenly disrupted, Leo approaches Sophie, Remi’s mother, struggling to understand what has happened. “Close” is a film about friendship and responsibility.

The other four films shortlisted for the award were: “Alcarràs” by Spanish director Carla Simón, “Burning Days” by Turkish director Emin Alper (in the picture), “Will-o'-the-Wisp” by Portugese director João Pedro Rodrigues and “Triangle of Sadness” by Swedish director Ruben Östlund.

The winning film was chosen by combining a public vote and a vote by MEPs, with each weighed at 50%. The awards platform received around 45,000 ratings (reviews on a scale going from one to five stars) from European viewers and 360 from MEPs.

Read the press release for more information: www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/press-room/20230626IPR0085... ____

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