The Ecumenical Jury at the 74th Mannheim-Heidelberg International Film Festival (IFFMH) has awarded its prize to Sink, a debut feature by Jordanian director Zain Duraie. The jury, appointed by INTERFILM and SIGNIS, announced its decision last night during the Award Ceremony.
The film centers on a mother of three whose devotion to her eldest son prevents her from acknowledging his deteriorating mental health. As the teenager’s behavior becomes increasingly troubling, she remains in denial about the severity of his condition.
In its citation, the jury described Sink as a work that “thoughtfully explores the complex dilemmas faced by families raising a child with special needs.” The film examines the tension between a parent’s protective instincts and the need to confront difficult realities about a child’s illness.
The prize, funded by the Catholic German Bishops’ Conference (DBK) and the Evangelical Church in Germany (EKD) with an endowment of €2,500, recognizes films that address spiritual, ethical, and human values.
The jury also granted a Special Mention to Adam’s Sake (L’intérêt d’Adam), directed by Belgian filmmaker Laura Wandel. The film follows a hospital nurse who navigates institutional bureaucracy to gain insight into patients’ lives that remain hidden from others. The jury noted the film’s emphasis on “compassion and hope” within impersonal social systems.
The Ecumenical Jury was composed of Edgar Rubio (Mexico-Belgium, president), Marcsi Tóth (Hungary), and Kjell Riise (Norway).