Vermiglio wins Best European Film at the Septimius Awards 2025 - Maura Delpero's Triumph

AMSTERDAM, The Netherlands — The grand stage of the historic Tuschinski Theater in Amsterdam shone brightly on Thursday, September 4, 2025, as Maura Delpero’s luminous Italian drama, Vermiglio, achieved a career-defining honor, securing the coveted award for Best European Film at the Septimius Awards 2025. This significant win cements the film's position as a powerhouse of contemporary European cinema, celebrated for its exquisite craftsmanship and profound emotional depth.

The atmosphere inside the iconic, art-deco theater was one of hushed anticipation, befitting an event that honors the finest achievements in global film, television, and music. The Best European Film category is perennially one of the most competitive, showcasing the robust creativity and varied voices emerging from the continent. Vermiglio's success against a field of equally deserving nominees marks a high point in the film’s celebrated festival run.

The Actor as Ambassador

While director Maura Delpero was unable to receive the accolade in person, the task fell to actor Giuseppe De Domenico, who accepted the award on behalf of the entire production team. De Domenico, whose performance as Pietro—the catalyst for change in the remote Alpine village—has garnered widespread praise, served as the eloquent ambassador for the film’s vision.

Stepping onto the stage to a warm ovation, De Domenico’s acceptance was a moment of shared triumph for the Italian film industry. His presence in Amsterdam underlined the appreciation of the film’s makers for the Septimius Awards’ commitment to highlighting compelling, art-house cinema on an international platform. The award recognizes not just the director’s skill, but the collective talent of the artists and technicians who navigated the logistical and creative challenges of bringing such a geographically specific and emotionally expansive story to the screen.

The Enduring Resonance of a Mountain Story

Set during the final tumultuous year of World War II, Vermiglio takes its title and setting from a real mountain village in the Italian Alps. The film delves into the life of a large, traditional family led by a local teacher, whose existence is dictated by the rugged landscape and ancient social customs. The delicate balance of their secluded world is irrevocably upset by the arrival of Pietro, a young Sicilian soldier who has deserted the army and seeks refuge.

Delpero’s direction is characterized by an unwavering gaze on the intricacies of human behavior within a rigid societal framework. The film masterfully contrasts the enduring, massive scale of the Dolomite Mountains—brilliantly captured by cinematographer Mikhail Krichman—with the intensely personal dramas unfolding within the village. The cinematography is often cited as one of the film’s major achievements, transforming the natural environment into a character that both protects and confines the inhabitants.

At its core, Vermiglio is a layered exploration of tradition versus modernity, survival, and forbidden love. The developing relationship between Pietro and the family’s eldest daughter, Lucia, becomes the emotional engine of the story, quietly challenging the established order and forcing the community to confront its future. The film is a patient, yet powerful, narrative that allows the slow progression of the seasons to mirror the profound, deliberate changes occurring within the characters' lives.

An Acclaimed Journey Continues

The victory at the Septimius Awards 2025 adds another distinguished entry to Vermiglio's growing list of international achievements. The film previously earned the prestigious Silver Lion – Grand Jury Prize at the Venice Film Festival, solidifying its early critical success, and has been celebrated across numerous continents. This Amsterdam triumph signals a widespread consensus among international critics and juries regarding the film’s quality and universal appeal.

The Septimius Awards, distinguished by their focus on celebrating the full spectrum of filmmaking talent and their mission to discover new voices, found in Vermiglio an exemplary winner. The film is a testament to the power of cinema to illuminate specific cultural histories while conveying themes—such as the quiet burden of expectation, the struggle for independence, and the resilience of the human spirit—that resonate globally.

The evening was a superb tribute to the craft of filmmaking, and Vermiglio's win serves as a powerful reminder of the artistic vitality thriving within European cinema. As the lights dimmed on the grand Tuschinski Theater, the collective achievement of Maura Delpero and her team was undeniably recognized on one of the world’s most respected stages. The film continues its impressive global journey, now carrying the distinguished title of Best European Film from the Septimius Awards.