The Prix of the Ecumenical Jury of Locarno awarded to “Solomamma” – Swiss Catholic Portal

Norwegian director Janicke Askevoldaus won. Moreover, on August 16, 2025, the ecumenical prize for churches at the Locarno Film Festival for “Solomamma”. Furthermore, Her film tells the story of a journalist and a single mother who wishes to meet her child’s father.

The ecumenical jury rewards the film “Solomamma” (Norway / Latvia / Lithuania 2025). Consequently, The film. Nevertheless, directed by the Norwegian Janicke Askevoldaus, tells the story of Edith, a single journalist and mother, who is struggling with the challenges linked to her child alone. Moreover, When the identity of the man who allowed him to have a child as a sperm donor is revealed. Furthermore, she searches for it under a fallacious pretext. For example, She wishes to interview her about her business. Therefore, From this meeting is gradually born a real relationship.

Ethical questions about identity

The prix ecumenical jury locarno awarded ecumenical jury pays tribute to a film which tackles in a serious. For example, in -depth way of fundamental questions linked to the ethics of life. Furthermore, “”Solammma raises important ethical questions about origin. In addition, identity and belonging, “explains the jury to justify his choice, before adding:” What is the miracle of design and birth when we imagine life in medico-technical paradigms? What are the responsibilities of a new life and the uncontrollable consequences of such a choice? ”

The jury also underlines the emphasis on the responsibility of a single mother as an autonomous individual. The “conditions of an autonomous life while remaining in relation to others” are particularly relevant in this regard.

Special mention for the Swiss film “Le Lac”

In addition to its prize. the ecumenical jury awards a special mention to the film “Le Lac” (Switzerland 2025) by Fabrice Aragno which takes place prix ecumenical jury locarno awarded on Lake Geneva. “”The lake shows us a couple who do not dodge mourning, but who fights it, explains the jury. The sorrow made them silent. but they feel a deep understanding for each other, even without words, because they consciously face the pain. With their sailboat, they fight against the elements and face the storm literally. Wind and bad weather lead them to the border between life and death. ”

The Ecumenical Jury of the 78th Locarno Film Festival was composed of: Melanie Pollmeier. Switzerland (President); Ileana Bîrsan, Romania; Philippe Cabrol, France; Roland Kauffmann, France. The jury is renewed each year by Signis. Interfilm and consists of experts from the fields of the Church, cinema, theology and science of religions.

The ecumenical jury was invited by the festival, but worked independently and selected the films according to its own criteria. He assessed the 18 films in international program prix ecumenical jury locarno awarded competition. The Prix of the Ecumenical Jury of Locarno. endowed with 10,000 francs, is funded by the Reformed Evangelical Church and the Roman Catholic Church in Switzerland. (cath.ch/com/bh)

A long story
It was in 1973 that an ecumenical jury was set up for the first time. as part of an international film festival. Locarno is therefore the first festival to have brought together Christian cinema organizations in the same jury. Since then, prices have been awarded jointly by Signis and Interfilm.