Jesse Eisenberg wins Feroz Award for ‘The Debut’

American filmmaker Jesse Eisenberg has won the Feroz Award at the San Sebastián International Film Festival for his film ‘The Debut’. The comedy-drama, which stars Julianne Moore and Paul Giamatti, follows the story of Mona Friedman, a woman who finds a sense of belonging through an amateur musical.

Eisenberg, who directed, wrote, and co-produced the film, noted that the story is heavily inspired by his own childhood in Central New Jersey during the 1990s. He described how participating in community theater helped him overcome shyness and depression as a child. While the film is autobiographical in essence, Eisenberg chose to center the narrative on an adult woman to create a more emotionally impactful story.

During the awards ceremony, organized by the Spanish association AICE, the film was also recognized as a contender for the Golden Mask. Additionally, the association honored director Mike Leigh for his work on ‘Tender Loving Care’.