‘We Believe You’ Sweeps Top Awards at Seville European Film Festival
The 20th Seville European Film Festival (SEFF) wrapped with a triumphant night for Spanish drama We Believe You (Te Creemos), directed by Isabel Coixet. The film clinched the Golden Giraldillo for Best Film, along with wins for Best Director and Best Screenplay. Meanwhile, Fatih Akin’s DJ Ahmet and Mia Jenkins’ All That’s Left of You secured major awards, highlighting a year of bold storytelling and cinematic brilliance.
Why ‘We Believe You’ Resonated with Audiences & Jurors
A harrowing exploration of sexual assault and institutional betrayal, We Believe You captivated audiences with its raw, powerful storytelling. Based on true events, the film follows a survivor’s fight for justice against a powerful figure, earning acclaim for Coixet’s fearless direction and the cast’s compelling performances.
In her emotional acceptance speech, Coixet dedicated the award to survivors of gender-based violence, stating:
“This film is for every woman who has been silenced. We see you, we hear you, and we believe you.”
Other Standout Winners: ‘DJ Ahmet’ and ‘All That’s Left of You’
While We Believe You dominated, two other films left a lasting mark:
- DJ Ahmet (Fatih Akin) – Won the Special Jury Prize for its electrifying portrayal of Turkish DJ Ahmet Özcan, blending music, migration, and identity. Critics called it a “sonic and visual masterpiece.”
- All That’s Left of You (Mia Jenkins) – Earned Best Actor for Sam Riley’s moving performance as a grieving father. The film’s delicate handling of loss and healing struck a chord.
SEFF 2023: A Celebration of Bold, Socially Relevant Cinema
This year’s festival showcased 12 European films tackling urgent themes—gender violence, refugee struggles, and personal trauma—through innovative narratives.
Festival director José Luis Cienfuegos noted:
“Cinema has the power to reflect, challenge, and change society. These films prove storytelling is more vital than ever.”
Awards Season Buzz: What’s Next for the Winners?
With Oscars and BAFTA submissions looming, We Believe You is Spain’s likely pick for Best International Feature. DJ Ahmet and All That’s Left of You are also gaining momentum for global recognition.
SEFF 2023 reaffirmed European cinema’s power to provoke, inspire, and amplify marginalized voices—making it a must-watch for film lovers worldwide.
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