Remake, directed by Ross McElwee, on Sept. 6 was given the Golden Globes Impact Prize for Documentary, presented by Artemis Rising Foundation as a Collateral Impact Award of the 82nd Venice International Film Festival.
Jury members were Helen Hoehne (Golden Globes president), Regina K. Scully (Artemis Rising Foundation founder-CEO), actor-musician Jharrel Jerome, actor Teo Yoo, Geralyn White Dreyfous (producer and co-founder of Impact Partners), screenwriter Misan Sagay (Belle), director Edoardo Ponti (The Life Ahead), and Danielle Turkov Wilson (CEO-founder of Think-Film Impact Production. )
At the closing ceremony, the festival announced its main festival awards (see separate story), but other awards aren’t announced from stage.
The jurors saluted Remake by commenting that it is an example of documentary creativity and excellence, with the power to reach and impact audiences.
In a statement, the jury said, “Remake evokes exquisitely the pain of loss, and letting down those we love the most — but it also brings us to a deeper understanding of how grief expands and teaches us. It shows the power of candid storytelling on the healing process, and offers a new lens on how art can help us confront truth, and find solace.”
Artemis Rising Foundation’s Regina K. Scully added, “Documentary films reflect the key stories and issues of our time. They help inform and inspire our culture and, as such, deserve to be recognized and celebrated. This is why we are honored to partner with the Golden Globes and recognize the brilliant film Remake with this prize; we know it will have an impactful legacy.”
At a Sept. 3 event in Venice to mark the occasion of the prize, Golden Globes president Hoehne said, “Documentary film is one of the most powerful tools we have to illuminate truths, amplify unheard voices, and drive meaningful change. At the Golden Globes, we believe that cinema is not only about artistry, but also about impact — and this prize is dedicated to recognizing films that shine a light on urgent social issues with courage and creativity. We are proud to continue this initiative here at the Venice International Film Festival, following its debut in Cannes earlier this year. Together with our esteemed jury — comprised of remarkable artists, activists, and visionaries — we are celebrating documentary filmmakers who remind us that storytelling can be a catalyst for justice and transformation.
“I would like to thank our partners, Regina Scully and the Artemis Rising Foundation, as well as Danielle Turkov Wilson and Think-Film Impact Production, whose dedication ensures that the winning documentary does not stop at moving hearts in the cinema, but continues its journey to make a tangible difference in the world. And finally, I want to congratulate all the shortlisted filmmakers. Your films represent bravery, creativity, and a deep commitment to truth. We are honored to recognise your work.”
The prize is supported by Venice Film Festival artistic director Alberto Barbera, who joined the jury on the red carpet and said, “Documentaries grow year after year in the consideration of the public and critics. For this reason, the new prize that Golden Globes and Artemis Rising Foundation are presenting to the best impact documentary on the occasion of the 82nd Venice Film Festival seems to me of great importance and value.”
The prize honors a documentary feature film in the Biennale’s official selection, either in or out of competition, that is calling attention to a key social issue. It is a continuation of the partners’ commitment to elevating documentary film, with effects that go beyond the scope of the festival. The winner will receive a cash prize of $US10,000 from Artemis Rising Foundation, as well as an impact collaboration with Think-Film Impact Production, which will take forward the potential of the film to realize tangible impact actions and outcomes.
The jury collectively added, “The high standard of documentaries this year at the Venice Film Festival made this a matter for careful deliberation. We commend the Golden Globes for taking this step to recognise documentary more visibly, and hope that this prize continues to grow, and encourages greater industry investment overall into high-quality documentary films for the benefit of audiences and society.”