The Japanese film Mujo No Kaze won first place at the second Iñigo Film Festival, which was held alongside the MAGiS08 WYD Youth Festival at Loreto Kirribilli. The film’s Japanese-American director, Dean Yamada, travelled to Sydney to accept his award, and spoke of the importance of telling spiritual stories. Mujo No Kaze deals with depression and the futility of life, telling the story of a young man who, following the murder of his friend in the US, encounters the lure of Japan’s notorious suicide clubs. The movie reflects on his wrestle with God, and the spiritual journey this life-changing experience takes him on. ‘We want to tell stories that will cause people to think and promote dialogue’, explained Dean. He expressed gratitude to ‘everyone who came here to support film and promote spirituality in film. It’s from Jesus that all our blessings flow.’

Cocoon, which explores the ramifications of an unexpected pregnancy, won 2nd place, while Blind, in which Jesus becomes the protective friend of a small boy as he runs a hostile gauntlet to school each day, was placed 3rd. The Audience Award went to Judas’ Pane, a film in which Judas tries to redeem himself. The Burundian film Le Tournant d’une Vie, which confronts the issues of rape and Aids, won the Fidel Goetz Emerging Film-Maker Award.

The panel of judges included the festival director, Christof Wolf SJ and Richard Leonard SJ. The films – all based on the theme City of God – were a creative and visual contribution to spiritual enquiry, said Fr Leonard. ‘These awards reward young people who grapple with spiritual issues.’ The aim of the festival, said Fr Wolf, was to ‘encourage young filmmakers reflecting on spirituality and faith in their own way.’ Fr Wolf thanked the festival’s funding partners and our committed sponsors, saying that the festival’s comprehensive programme, comprising 19 short films, would not have been possible without their support. The awards were presented by Sr Barbara Brown-Graham FCJ.

The Jesuit Conference of the United States was one of the sponsors for this year’s festival.