Each year, starting in 2006, the Union of Rationalist Atheists and Agnostics (Uaar) awards a prestigious recognition prize to the movie that — among the various movies present within the Venice Film Festival — best embodies and promotes the fundamental values of the association. The ‘Brian Prize’, which has proudly reached its nineteenth edition, takes its name from the Monty Python’s renowned satirical movie from 1979 titled Life of Brian. This satirical work has been able to utilize humourism and cleverness whilst exploring controversial themes for what concerns religion and its parables. Ultimately, the result was a well thought film that was comical in nature.
The Brian Prize is an official collateral award which is assigned to a movie that is able to «emphasize the values of secularism such as rationality, whilst emphasizing basic human rights, freedom of conscience, freedom of expression and research, as well as the principle of equal opportunity. This is all to be done devoid of distinctions based on gender, gender identity, sexual orientation and philosophical or religious distinctions».
Our award celebrates cinematographic excellence whilst being a testament to the importance of a secular approach to culture. The Uaar champions the battle of secularism in terms of culture given the fact that secularism is a fundamental pillar for an open, inclusive and democratic society where each individual is entitled to freedom of speech and thought, devoid of prejudices.
Through the Brian Prize, the Uaar reiterates, through the universal power of cinema, its commitment in promoting a society that not only respects diversity, but is free from dogmas.
The President of the jury is Paolo Ferrarini, who is aided by other illustrious jurors which were selected by the Uaar based on their competencies in terms of cinematography and culture. These jurors are: Irene Tartaglia, a professional within the cinematographic industry and responsible for the internal communication system of the Uaar, Enrica Berselli, events coordinator for the Uaar, the cinematographic critic Glauco Almonte, show business expert Carmelo Lucchesi and Joana Fresu de Azevedo, who is an expert in cinematographic promotion as well as in short films.
Moreover, several members of the jury aided remotely: Micaela Grosso, whom, within the Uaar’s magazine titled Nessun Dogma writes about cinema, and Emanuele Albera. From Mestre, journalist Maria Teresa Crisigiovanni and professor of art Giuseppe Indelicato—who are also members of the Venice club—will be viewing and evaluating the movies through secular-tinted lenses.
The awarding of the Brian Prize represents an important moment—which is unique within its genre within the broader context of the prestigious Venice Film Festival—as it reiterates the concrete presence of the Uaar within the cultural realm. Moreover, this event provides a tailor-made occasion in order to reflect on the importance of freedom of thought, as well as on the importance of a rational approach to culture, which is ultimately a fairer, more human and more secular approach.
Press Release