Ukrainian director Zhanna Ozirna's film "Honeymoon" won the first Build Your Dream award at a Cannes ceremony on May 14, held at the JW Marriott. The film, set at the onset of the Russo-Ukrainian war, portrays the tense existence of newlyweds trapped in their Kyiv apartment.
Jury and Prize Details
The international jury, chaired by Chinese filmmaker Chen Kaige, included Mélanie Laurent, Hafsia Herzi, Yann Demange, and Thierry Chèze. Ozirna received a trophy designed by Victoria Wilmotte and a $46,539 grant for her next feature.
Upcoming Projects
Ozirna is developing two new films: "Ground Zero," about the rise of communism in Ukraine, and "Intimacy," focusing on veterans adapting to new lives post-war. "I began making this film to speak about my generation," Ozirna said, emphasizing the importance of cinema in preserving memory.
Award's Vision and Collaboration
The Build Your Dream award is a collaboration between Mediawan and BYD, aiming to highlight debut features in French cinemas. Mediawan's CEO, Pierre-Antoine Capton, and BYD Vice President Stella Li hosted the ceremony, marking a partnership born a year prior.
Industry Challenges
Jury member Yann Demange stressed the award's role in supporting filmmakers struggling to finance second films. "We need to champion voices," he said. Jury president Chen Kaige noted a similar issue in China's film industry, where market size often overshadows personal storytelling.
The event featured a stylish crowd, including Plan B's Jeremy Kleiner and actors like Claude Lelouch and Elsa Zylberstein. Demange highlighted the need for industry support, saying, "It's a small miracle to make a film."
Source: https://variety.com/2026/film/global/honeymoon-mediawan-byd-cannes-chen-kaige-melanie-laurent-1236749579/
