On the evening of Friday, September 20, the winners of the prizes from the Basque studies society Eusko Ikaskuntza and the City of Bayonne were awarded prizes for their studies and works relating to their territory. The honorary prize – Jean-Michel Larrasquet, in the name of the late president of Eusko Ikastunza, is awarded this year to Xipri Arbelbide, writer, journalist and Basque priest.
Honorary Prize
The Church and Basque are the axes of his life. In 1981, he took part in the creation of Gure Iratia, the first radio station in the northern Basque Country to broadcast entirely in the Basque language and participated in its development. He is also one of the founders of the magazines Herriz Herri and Fededunak. A so-called “exemplary” journey marked by commitment to his language and his priestly work.
Prix culture basque
The Basque Culture Prize recognizes Pauline Guëlle's thesis on the impunity of torture in Spanish democratic consolidation. The political scientist and doctor of public law, also a member of the executive team of Udako Euskal Unibertsitatea, is specifically interested in this long-term study in the case of the Basque Country.
Video-documentary creation prize
Bizi naizeno – Je danserai la vie, directed by Lucia Barona, received the video-documentary creation prize for the beautiful tribute paid to the young woman's grandfather, Philippe Oyhamburu. A musical portrait that spans the ages and revisits the career of the choreographer and choir director who was able to spark a revival in Basque dance and singing. With accuracy and tenderness, Lucia Barona explores the man's political commitment, his love for life and the importance given to transmission.
