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, “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.

In the picture, the director of 'Close', Lukas Dhont, and the screenwriter Angelo Tijssens.

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

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