Rotterdam Winners: ‘Variations On A Theme’ & ‘Master’ Scoop Top Prizes

Jason Jacobs and Devon Delmar have won the €40,000 ($47,000) Tiger Award at the International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR) for their feature documentary "Variations On A Theme." The film focuses on Ouma Hettie, an elderly goat herder in South Africa, who becomes the target of a scam that promises to secure her father's long-awaited reparations for World War II. This recognition marks the second feature from the South African filmmaking duo. The film was well-received by the jurors of the Tiger Competition, who praised it as "thoughtful and moving." The jury members included Soheila Golestani, Marcelo Gomes, Ariane Labed, Kristy Matheson, and Jurica Pavičić. Their commendation highlights the film's impact and the emotional depth of its narrative, which addresses themes of exploitation and the quest for justice. "Variations On A Theme" stands out in the competitive landscape of the festival, showcasing the talents of Jacobs and Delmar as filmmakers. The award not only recognizes their artistic achievements but also brings attention to important historical issues through the lens of personal stories. The IFFR serves as a platform for innovative and socially relevant cinema, and this film exemplifies those qualities.