Some ten films were selected for the ‘Alice nella città’ competition, which focuses on films relating to young people. The Alice nella città prize is worth 10,000 euros.
According to the jury, Bengts is skillful in her exploration of complex family dynamics and the inner world of her characters. Though the film takes place in a confined setting – a small lighthouse island – the emotional story is not tied to any particular time.
In particular, the judges commended the acting prowess of the film's intense father figure, played by Niklas Groundström.
'The Disciple' is also Finland's official representative in this year's Golden Globe and Oscar awards foreign-language films section. The film will be put before the respective panels in November and December.