Catrinel Menghia, also known as Catrinel Marlon, received the Starlight International Cinema Award for Best Debut Film at the Cannes Film Festival on May 15, 2025. This award recognizes her directorial debut, 'Girasoli'.
Menghia dedicated the award to her team, including the cast and technicians, and expressed her gratitude to audiences worldwide for their positive reception of 'Girasoli'. The film is co-produced by Cristian Mungiu.
'Girasoli' is set in a psychiatric hospital in Italy during the 1960s and follows two young women, Lucia and Anna, as they grapple with trauma and fight against inhumane treatments. The film previously received the Nastridargento Award for Best Directorial Debut and was nominated for the David di Donatello awards.