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WINNERS

*Grand Prix Award - "What If They Bomb Here Tonight?"

Jury Comment:  Through a seemingly revealing narrative line, through which, with subtle humor, precise dialogue and warm characters, the reality of the agresive war turns into an intimate story of fear, dignity and development on dry land. Without delving into pathos or painful explanation, the film opens up deep social criticism through a seemingly overview and a comic situation – which is a characteristic of excellent film storytellers.

*Best Fiction Short Film Award– "Scorching"

Jury Comment: For the striking and internal film vision that, through the masterfully told story and symbolism through the prism of a child, opens up deep questions about life, freedom and the given destiny. With precise visual language, subtle direction and an extraordinary sense of atmosphere, the film turns an intimate story into a universal reflection on human existence and should re-examine the world that is imposed on it.

* Best Documentary Short Award- "Air Horse One"

Jury Comment: The award for best short documentary goes to Air Horse One, for its masterful documentary observation that followed its silent horse-protagonist, without apparent judgment or intervention, revealing a moving story of silent exploitation, human arbitrariness, and lost freedom.

* Best Animated Short Award- "Dog Ear"

Jury Comment: For the original visual expression and carefully crafted storytelling, which with great sensitivity depict a child's confrontation with trauma, pain, and anger, as well as the complex path to forgiveness and inner maturation.

* Best Actress Award– "A Joke"

Jury Comment: Jana Nikodinovska for the role of Nadja in the film A Joke, for an exceptionally subtle and believable portrayal of a young generation and its internal conflicts, the struggle between family circumstances, social pressures and personal desires, which through emotional honesty and authentic presence creates a character in which many young people today would recognize themselves.

* Best Actor Award- "Wind Beneath The Wings"

Jury Comment: Milivoj Roš for the role of Vlatko in the film Wind at Your Back, for a convincing, subtle and emotional portrayal of the character who, with his authentic acting, captures the inner disintegration of a man who is created with different alcohols as a deep and difficult workplace in life. a character in whom we recognize humanity and develop sincere sympathy in the viewer.

* Best Director Award - "Procedure"

Jury Comment: The award for best direction is given for the skill with which a simple premise is used to build tension, a dark atmosphere tinged with discreet humor, and a story that takes an unexpected, but completely logical turn at the very end. Such certainty in storytelling and the ability to surprise the audience without letting them down, bring the award for best direction to Rabia Özmen

* Best screenplay Award – "Stop The Car"

Jury Comment: The script of this short film features Coen's dramaturgy, with a classic and precise narration, in which through a series of confusions and comic twists the antagonist grows into the protagonist and "save the day". The award for best screenplay goes to Igor Hristov and Nevena Semova

* Best Cinematography Award - "Hippopotami"

Jury Comment: For the striking cinematography that, through precise composition, carefully chosen perspective, and exceptional visual feeling, creates a unique atmosphere and deepens the experience of the film. The award for best cinematography goes to Li Chen. 

* Special Mention - "I Wanted To Hear Your Voice"

Jury Comment: For the exceptional sensitivity with which he captures the human experience of loss, longing, care and connection, creating a deeply emotional and authentic documentary portrait.

* Audience Award - "Stop The Car"

Jury Comment: For the exceptional sensitivity with which he captures the human experience of loss, longing, care and connection, creating a deeply emotional and authentic documentary portrait.

JURY MEMBERS

Vardan Tozija - Film director / Screenwriter

Vardan Tozija (1981, Skopje, Macedonia) graduated

at the Faculty of Dramatic Arts in Skopje. Prior to his engagement in directing he worked as

journalist and editor in domestic newspapers and magazines. He directed several short

fiction films and documentaries – “The Man with a Strange Habit of Hitting My Head with an

Umbrella”, “The Whistler

Vardan Tozija (1981, Skopje, Macedonia) graduated

at the Faculty of Dramatic Arts in Skopje. Prior to his engagement in directing he worked as

journalist and editor in domestic newspapers and magazines. He directed several short

fiction films and documentaries – “The Man with a Strange Habit of Hitting My Head with an

Umbrella”, “The Whistler”, “One”, “Home?” screened and awarded on a number of

international film festivals.

His debut feature film, “AMOK”, was premiered at Chicago film festival, and has been

selected in more than twenty prestigious film festivals worldwide, including Shanghai IFF,

Gothenburg IFF, Sankt Petersburg IFF, Guadalajara IFF etc. “Amok” received a significant

critical acclaim and acquired numerous Grand Prix’s and FIPRESCI prizes, and has been

distributed in Europe and Asia by the French-based sales company Reel Suspects.

In the recent years, he has also worked as director in several domestic TV-series: “Prespav”

and “House Arrest”, sitcoms; “Pet +”, a children TV-show; “Insider”, a political thriller; the

international franchise of the series “In Treatment”, “Radius”, an adventure documentary

series.

His second feature film, “M”, a fantasy-drama set up in a grim, dystopic world of the near

future had its distribution/festival release in 2024. The film is a Macedonian, French, Czech,

Luxembourg, Croatian and Kosovo co-production, and is represented by the U.S. sales

company One Two Three Media. So far, “M” has traveled through more than 30 festivals

across the world, collecting 11 Gran Prix, Best director and Audience awards on some of the

biggest international and genre film festivals. “M” is currently being distributed theatrically

and on VOD in USA, Germany, France, Spain, the Balkans, Russian Federation, Latin America,

Philippines, Australia etc.

Natasa Petrovic - Actress

Natasa Petrovic (Štip, 1988), graduated from the Faculty of Dramatic Arts in

Skopje. She is a co-founder of the independent theater Teatra (2010) and the Artopia

association (2016), and currently works at the Theater for Children and Youth in Skopje.

She made her film debut in Milčo Mančevski's "Shadows" (2007), Macedonia's Oscar

nominee, scr

Natasa Petrovic (Štip, 1988), graduated from the Faculty of Dramatic Arts in

Skopje. She is a co-founder of the independent theater Teatra (2010) and the Artopia

association (2016), and currently works at the Theater for Children and Youth in Skopje.

She made her film debut in Milčo Mančevski's "Shadows" (2007), Macedonia's Oscar

nominee, screened at the Toronto Film Festival. The role that brought her international

recognition was in Juanita Wilson's "As if I Were Not There" (2010), for which she won

several international awards for best actress, including the Seattle and "End of the Pier"

festivals. In 2011, she became the first Macedonian actress to be selected as a European

Star at the Berlinale.

Among her notable roles are the main roles in "The Piano Room" (2013), "To the Balchak:

(2014) by Stole Popov and "Lazar" (2015) by Svetozar Ristovski, for which she received an

award for best supporting role in Mostar. On stage, she made her Off-Broadway debut in

2017 with "Teresin"

Since 2020, she has been part of the ensemble of the popular TV series "Prespav" and in

the same year, for her role in "Homo" by Igor Ivanov-Izi, she received several awards for

best actress. She recently appeared in the German production Tatort: ​​Über Grenzen (2024).

Ivana Šekutkoska - Film Producer

Ivana Šekutkoska - Film Producer

Ivana Šekutkoska is a Macedonian producer with a degree in economics and a master's

degree in marketing, advertising and public relations. She began her film production career

in 2016, working on feature films, shorts and documentaries. In 2019, she founded Minimal

Kolektiv, a Skopje-based production company focused on films with a strong au

Ivana Šekutkoska is a Macedonian producer with a degree in economics and a master's

degree in marketing, advertising and public relations. She began her film production career

in 2016, working on feature films, shorts and documentaries. In 2019, she founded Minimal

Kolektiv, a Skopje-based production company focused on films with a strong auteur voice

and international reach.

Her projects include Georgi M. Unkovski's award-winning debut feature film "DJ Ahmet"

produced by Cinema Futura, which won the Special Jury Prize for Creative Vision and the

Audience Award at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival.

OFFICIAL SELECTION PROGRAM

"Ovary-Acting" - Ida Melum (United Kingdom)

"Hercules" - Marko Dukić (Bosnia and Herzegovina)

"Ship Of Fools" - Alia Haju (Germany, Lebanon)

While stuck at her sister’s baby shower a thirty-something woman is forced to decide whether she wants to have kids or not after unexpectedly giving birth to her reproductive organs.

"Ship Of Fools" - Alia Haju (Germany, Lebanon)

"Hercules" - Marko Dukić (Bosnia and Herzegovina)

"Ship Of Fools" - Alia Haju (Germany, Lebanon)

  This anima-doc stitches the fragments of the personal life of Alia, a Lebanese woman. Growing up facing war and displacement, she forms a friendship with a would-be superhero on the shore of Beirut called Abu Samra. She trains with him and their monsters meet. Alia and Abu Samra survive by finding comfort in the insanity that the city has sown in them. Then the Lebanese revolution starts.

"Hercules" - Marko Dukić (Bosnia and Herzegovina)

"Hercules" - Marko Dukić (Bosnia and Herzegovina)

"Hercules" - Marko Dukić (Bosnia and Herzegovina)

“Hercules” tells the story of a depressed man on the verge of suicide who gradually finds hope and a sense of purpose by raising a cricket larva. Through this unexpected bond, he begins to turn his chaotic life around, proving his worth to himself and his loved ones.

"Procedure" - Rabia Özmen (Türkiye)

"Hercules" - Marko Dukić (Bosnia and Herzegovina)

 Murat, who has just entered prison, has a need. He cannot take this need due to various procedures and asks his wife for help. Sema, who does not know what to do in the face of her husband's request, comes to prison with her baby on a crowded day. She has to try some illegal ways to help Murat. A story about Murat's insistence, Sema's de

 Murat, who has just entered prison, has a need. He cannot take this need due to various procedures and asks his wife for help. Sema, who does not know what to do in the face of her husband's request, comes to prison with her baby on a crowded day. She has to try some illegal ways to help Murat. A story about Murat's insistence, Sema's desperation and the various procedures we encounter in life.

"My Garage!" - Vladimir Sukhov (Russian Federation)

The story of resettlement from a condemned neighborhood turns into a confrontation when an old man stands up to protect his garage — hiding something mystical inside.

"Dog Ear" - Péter Vácz (Hungary)

 Eleven-year-old Berci spends an afternoon alone with his dog, struggling with the emotions left behind after witnessing his parents' violent fight the day before. As his suppressed feelings surface, he releases his anger and aggression in tense and emotional interactions with his dog. These raw expressions eventually help Berci find reli

 Eleven-year-old Berci spends an afternoon alone with his dog, struggling with the emotions left behind after witnessing his parents' violent fight the day before. As his suppressed feelings surface, he releases his anger and aggression in tense and emotional interactions with his dog. These raw expressions eventually help Berci find relief and discover the quiet, transformative strength of forgiveness. 

"Samsa" - Gianpiero Pumo (Italy)

"What If They Bomb Here Tonight?" - Samir Syriani (Lebanon)

"Air Horse One" - Lasse Linder (Belgium, Switzerland)

  Nasìr has the chance to realize his big dream and be admitted to a prestigious cooking school. To do so he will have to cook the most important dish of his life. A dish that, behind a recipe, tells a story. 

"Air Horse One" - Lasse Linder (Belgium, Switzerland)

"What If They Bomb Here Tonight?" - Samir Syriani (Lebanon)

"Air Horse One" - Lasse Linder (Belgium, Switzerland)

Training, Take-Off, Grand Prix. Legacy is one of the most valuable and celebrated horses in show jumping. In pursuit of victories, she is flown between competition venues across the globe. Air Horse One follows Legacy on her long journeys in the business class of equine air travel.

"What If They Bomb Here Tonight?" - Samir Syriani (Lebanon)

"What If They Bomb Here Tonight?" - Samir Syriani (Lebanon)

"What If They Bomb Here Tonight?" - Samir Syriani (Lebanon)

Samir and Nadyn, a Lebanese couple, spend a sleepless night anxious and fearing an Israeli

airstrike could shatter the glass walls of their home. With their children peacefully asleep, they battle with whether to flee or risk the worst and stay.

"There Will Be No Other End" - Piotr Milczarek (Poland)

"What If They Bomb Here Tonight?" - Samir Syriani (Lebanon)

A social satire, told in five acts, delves into our society, its behaviors, and flaws. The narrative, conveyed through light and attractive visuals, serves as a cautionary tale about the potential consequences if we fail to eliminate foolish behaviors, lack of empathy, and a lack of responsibility.

"I Wanted To Hear Your Voice" - James Pellerito (United States)

 After eight years of caring for his mother with severe dementia, a son struggles through their daily care routine. Recorded voicemails serve to show the progression of the disease, underscoring the frustration, isolation and burnout that comes with intensive caregiving. 

"Stop The Car" - Igor Hristov (Bulgaria)

Looking for a quick buck, brothers Boyan and Deyan steal a car, only to find they have accidentally kidnapped a child. Boyan begs to stop the car, but Deyan has other plans.

"Samba Infinito" - Leonardo Martinelli (Brazil)

During Rio's Carnival, a street cleaner struggles with the loss of his sister and his work obligations. Amid the celebrations, he finds a lost child and sets out to help him.

"Wind Beneath The Wings" - Sonja Tarokić (Croatia)

Anica (60) is resisting her ongoing chemotherapy, while perceiving her Daughter’s care as an assault on her dignity. Vlatko (60) is an alcoholic and a loner, completely written off by his work colleagues. Filled with mutual contempt, Anica and Vlatko separated long ago and seemingly no longer communicate. On their drawn-out paths toward o

Anica (60) is resisting her ongoing chemotherapy, while perceiving her Daughter’s care as an assault on her dignity. Vlatko (60) is an alcoholic and a loner, completely written off by his work colleagues. Filled with mutual contempt, Anica and Vlatko separated long ago and seemingly no longer communicate. On their drawn-out paths toward oblivion, they are searching for an ally who will hear their desperate cry for the will to live.

"The Actor" - Damjan Kozole (Slovenia)

"Hippopotami" - JЈ Lin (China, Hong Kong)

At the local bar, the actor meets a young director who invites him to play a serial killer in her feminist horror film. But the actor isn’t so thrilled as he believes that everything he plays in films later happens to him in real life.

"Hippopotami" - JЈ Lin (China, Hong Kong)

"Hippopotami" - JЈ Lin (China, Hong Kong)

In the suburb of a northern Chinese city undergoing urbanization, a quirky girl who wants to see animals in the zoo is taken for a ride which will forever change her perspective on life.

"Upon Sunrise" - Stefan Ivančić (Croatia, Serbia, Slovenia, Spain)

After losing her job, a single mother engages in petty scams in an attempt to provide for her six-year-old son.

"Sammi, Who Can Detach His Body Parts" - Rein Maychaelson (Indonesia)

He was born with the peculiar ability to move and remove his body parts. Throughout his life, he shares his body parts to people he loves. Until the day he died, all left from him is a torso with a faceless head. His mother is trying to recollect his body parts.

"Scorching" - Beidi Wang (China)

"A Joke" - Trifun Sitnikovski (Macedonia, Croatia)

"Scorching" - Beidi Wang (China)

After visiting the chicken processing plant, Yan experiences unsettling physical change, meanwhile, a bird flu quietly descends in suburban Guangdong, China.

"A Good Man" - Juli Suàrez (Spain)

"A Joke" - Trifun Sitnikovski (Macedonia, Croatia)

"Scorching" - Beidi Wang (China)

 On any given day in our sweet and dreamy society, everything goes normally, but Antonio enters the cafeteria and comments that Vicente, a beloved man in the neighborhood, has been hit on the head and is in a very serious condition in the hospital. 

"A Joke" - Trifun Sitnikovski (Macedonia, Croatia)

"A Joke" - Trifun Sitnikovski (Macedonia, Croatia)

 As Nadia nears the conclusion of her high school   journey, she finds herself grappling with a pivotal decision that will shape   her future. Should she stay in her hometown amongst the familiar and her old   friends? Or should she go abroad and study? One boy makes this decision   especially hard to make. When are feelings just friendsh

 As Nadia nears the conclusion of her high school   journey, she finds herself grappling with a pivotal decision that will shape   her future. Should she stay in her hometown amongst the familiar and her old   friends? Or should she go abroad and study? One boy makes this decision   especially hard to make. When are feelings just friendship and when are they   something more? This internal struggle unfolds against the backdrop of a   perilous adventure that always seems to culminate with the confession: "I   love you, Nadia!"

"Elysian Fields" - Anna-Maria Dutoit (Germany, Greece)

"Elysian Fields" - Anna-Maria Dutoit (Germany, Greece)

In a Sisyphean cycle of fires and drought, a family of olive farmers ask themselves -

Where does one find the strength to begin again?

"Oh Shineth!" - Paweł Modzelewski (Poland)

"Elysian Fields" - Anna-Maria Dutoit (Germany, Greece)

"Oh Shineth!" - Paweł Modzelewski (Poland)

Road movie. About searching for truth, oneself, and lost meaning, as well as about Love. One minute of this animated film is over a year of the author's life. Initially inspired by the story of the so-called enlightenment of Siddhartha Gautama, commonly known as "Buddha". The film morphs, changing with its creator, to its current form (on

Road movie. About searching for truth, oneself, and lost meaning, as well as about Love. One minute of this animated film is over a year of the author's life. Initially inspired by the story of the so-called enlightenment of Siddhartha Gautama, commonly known as "Buddha". The film morphs, changing with its creator, to its current form (only the butterfly and the tree remain from the original version of the film). The film consists of selected verses from the Book of Psalms.

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