Among film noir, gatherings of film enthusiasts, and thrilling suspense, Reims has been filled with crime stories showcased through films from all around the globe. Islands, the gripping police investigation by German director Jan-Ole Gerster, took home the top prize of the festival. Let’s take a closer look at the award-winning films in competition this year…
Islands by Jan-Ole Gerster wins Grand Prix of the festival
A haunting German thriller, with psychological tension that is both steamy and magnetic. On a paradise island, Tom, a tennis coach at a luxury hotel, drowns his daily life in drinks and fleeting adventures. But when a mysterious family arrives, his routine is thrown into chaos. An odd connection develops with Anne, the mother, which intensifies... until the unexplained disappearance of her husband. The investigation points to Tom and Anne as the prime suspects.
Little Jaffna by Lawrence Valin wins both the Jury and Audience Awards
As the opening film of the festival, Little Jaffna received unanimous acclaim. In this thrilling chase film,
Michael, a young ambitious cop, goes undercover in a Tamil gang in the Parisian neighborhood of the same name. Before long, the lines between duty and loyalty blur, and the mission turns into a chase.See this post on Instagram
Lawrence Valin's feature film received unanimous approval, including the audience award, presented in person by our favorite masked local skeleton, Vladimir Cauchemar.
The Things You Kill by Alireza Khatami wins jury and critic awards
A dark and poetic film by Alireza Khatami that delves into family demons with a...luring slowness.
After years of exile, Ali returns to his homeland in Turkey, hoping to rebuild a peaceful life. But faced with the patriarchal violence of his father and the suspicious death of his mother, he embarks on a quest for vengeful truth, supported by a strange gardener.
Undercover by Arantxa Echevarría wins the Police Prize
With Undercover, director Arantxa Echevarría delivers a gripping thriller on the edge, praised by the jury of the Police Prize. A former mole in ETA circles, a Spanish police officer has been living undercover for years. When her mission finally reaches its goal, the tension becomes unbearable: every glance could betray her true identity.
We Believe You by Charlotte Devillers & Arnaud Dufeys receives the New Blood Prize
Signed by Charlotte Devillers & Arnaud Dufeys, We Believe You stands out as an intense and committed debut film. This poignant chamber piece follows Alice, a mother in court fighting for custody of her children. But behind this hearing lies a deeper story.
sé heavy with violence.Reims Polar marks its 5th edition, filled with emotions and suspense. Let's already check the 2026 box in our calendars !
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