DFI-Produced Film Lead Wins Best Actress Award at Cannes 2023

Doha Film Institute's (DFI) co-produced project 'About Dry Grasses' secured the Best Actress Award for the Turkish lead of the film Merve Dizdar at the Cannes Film Festival 2023.

The film is directed by renowned Turkish director Nuri Bilge Ceylan who won the Palme d’Or for 'Winter Sleep' in the previous edition of the festival. 

DFI shared the achievement on their Instagram page where they wrote "We are thrilled to celebrate the Best Actress award win for Merve Dizdar for her performance in the DFI co-financed project 'About Dry Grasses' by acclaimed Turkish Auteur and Qumra Master Nuri Bilge Ceylan. Congrats to Merve and the entire film team."

Dizdar said about her award-winning role "I portrayed someone fighting for her life, having overcome numerous challenges." The actress portrays a former activist struggling to recover from a leg amputation resulting from a bombing incident.

The film is set in an Anatolian village and focuses on the protagonist's interactions with two cynical village school teachers. 

The award and overall success of 'About Dry Grasses' highlights DFI's commitment and contribution to developing global cinema. 

Image source: @festivaldecannes Instagram page