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The Build Your Dream award was presented at the 79th Cannes Film Festival to director Zhanna Ozirna for “Honeymoon.” George V Magazine met with one of the members of its distinguished jury, actress and director Mélanie Laurent.
The Build Your Dream prize, sponsored by Mediawan and BYD in partnership with George V Magazine, which recognizes a debut film slated for release in French theaters in 2025, was awarded Thursday evening, amidst a storm, on the Albane terrace to Ukrainian director Zhanna Ozirna for “Honeymoon,” an extremely powerful film about two young Ukrainians confined to their home at the beginning of the Russian invasion and forced to survive in fear of bombings. The jury, headed by Chinese director Chen Kaige, winner of the Palme d’Or in 1993 for “Farewell My Concubine,” was immediately captivated by the film, explained Mélanie Laurent, a juror alongside Hafsia Herzi, Yann Demange, and Thierry Chèze.
“We all agreed on awarding it. We liked many of the films in the selection, but this was our favorite. So, the conversations were very pleasant,” said the actress and director, who emphasized the importance of awards, especially at the beginning of a career. “When you make your first film and you have a jury president who has received a Palme d’Or, it means something. Cinema is suffering right now, so I think these awards and initiatives are crucial,” added the unforgettable star of Quentin Tarantino’s “Inglourious Basterds.”
A grant of 40,000 euros
“As soon as I read the synopsis for Honeymoon, I couldn’t wait to see it. Cinema should address subjects that no one wants to talk about or can’t talk about, in this case, the plight of Ukrainian civilians. And that’s what cinema is for: to shed light on the lives of other human beings. And in this instance, Honeymoon deals with love, politics, fear, hope, and death. It’s a very powerful film,” concluded Mélanie Laurent. Released in French theaters in 2025 by Destiny Films, Honeymoon is available on VOD on numerous platforms.
Zhanna Ozirna, who had only a budget of 20,000 euros to make “Honeymoon”, a true film of resistance, will leave Cannes with the beautiful trophy designed by Victoria Wilmotte, as well as a check for 40,000 euros to help her make her next film.