L’ORÉAL Paris announces third annual recipient of lights on women award

 L’Oréal Paris has announced the third annual winner of the Lights On Women Award, chosen from the Short Films Competition and La Cinef’s selection at Cannes. Fatima Kaci from France took the top honour for her 30-minute film, La Voix des Autres (The Voice of Others), from the 14 selected short films. The film depicts the story of a Tunisian interpreter in France translating the stories of refugees whose voices raise questions about her own identity. 

The final choice was announced in person by Academy Award-winner, L’Oréal Paris spokesperson and Juror of the 2023 edition, Kate Winslet, during a special prize ceremony at the Cinéma de Demain dinner held at the Cannes Film Festival on May 26, 2023. This meaningful event for film industry professionals was also attended by fellow L’Oréal Paris spokespeople Leïla Bekhti, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Jane Fonda, Eva Longoria, and Andie MacDowell. In recognition of her accomplishment, Kaci will receive financial support of 20,000 € from L’Oréal Paris.

“It takes incredible grace and skill to be able to trust in the actors enough to let the camera follow their eyes, and to tell a story that leaves a mark on your soul,” says Kate Winslet, of Kaci’s winning film. “La Voix des Autres (The Voices of Others) is a simple but emotionally complex tale of a mother’s resilience in the face of profound personal loss. This film filled every frame with the honest eyes and a perfectly pitched lead performance from Amira Chebli. To see such agony, so internalized, made this film real and deeply thought provoking. A simple story about how a woman's own empathy for others, becomes her greatest emotional strength. A phenomenal short film. I wanted more!”

As an Official Partner of the Cannes Film Festival for 26 years, L’Oréal Paris has always been a feminist brand that champions women’s empowerment, specifically in the world of film through its privileged relationship with iconic actresses who embody the values of the brand. In 2021, L’Oréal Paris took this commitment to the next level, with the launch of a dedicated annual award program for promising female short filmmakers. 

Delphine Viguier-Hovasse, Global Brand President, L’Oréal Paris, adds, “This third edition of the Lights On Women Award continues L’Oréal Paris’ action toward achieving gender parity in the industry. We remain committed to supporting female filmmaking here in Cannes for a future where women claim their rightful place in cinema.”

Delphine Viguier-Hovasse, Fatima Kaci, Kate Winslet at the Cinéma de Demain dinner.

The Cinéma de Demain dinner is held annually for film industry professionals and is dedicated to young creators. Kaci’s achievement follows last year’s Lights On Women Award winner, Mai Vu of Vietnam, whose 9-minute film, Spring Roll Dream, depicts the simple yet profound importance of family tradition.

1. In addition to Fatima Kaci, the complete list of selected short filmmakers also included:

   1. Carla Melo Gampert (Colombia & France), La Perra
   2. Margaret Miller (USA), Poof
   3. Flora Ana Buda (Hungary & France), 27
   4. Ariela & Saul Freed (UK), Wild Summon
   5. Anastasia Solonevych & Damian Kocur (Poland & Ukraine), As it Was
   6. Zineb Wakrim (Morocco), Ayyur (Moon)
   7. Shafagh Abosaba & Maryam Mahdiye (Iran), Daroone Poust (Inside the Skin)
   8. Daria KashcheevaKarni  (Czech Republic), Electra
   9. Hwang Hyein (South Korea), Hole
   10. Katie Blair (USA), Imogene
   11. Marlene Emilie Lyngstad (Denmark), Norwegian Offspring
   12. Jeong-mi Seo (South Korea), The Lee Families
   13. Anna Llargués (Spain), Trenc d’Albla (Glare on Wall)