“For the grand prix we award a portrait that approaches the long-lasting aftermath of war. The protagonist let’s us live her trauma without expecting any simple resolution from it. We award Ceasfire by Jakob Krese.”

Ceasefire

“For its astonishing artwork, surprising characters and its detailed world, we award a film that escapes from cliches and brings us to the rough yet aesthetic story, reminding us of the presence of the resilient nature. We award Fačuk by Maida Srabović.”

Fačuk

“Without prejudice, we are given a glimpse into the complex world of a young Roma girl wanting to escape the traditional life. The camerawork and the acting produce an unsurpassed narrative intensity that holds throughout the film. We award Kismet, by Žiga Virc.”

Kismet

“For the skilful writing, producing a tender encounter between two people, we want to give a special mention to Greek Apricots, by Jan Krevatin.”

Greek Apricots

“The film Fačuk immerses us in a deeply religious rural community where the birth of an illegitimate child is considered a mortal sin. At its center is the figure of a mother, whose fear and vulnerability reflect both personal struggle and the oppressive weight of communal judgment. Drawing on well-known folk motives and the visual world of naïve painting, the story is expanded through fantastic animation that gives shape to unspoken emotions and inner states. In the end, the mother’s suicide tragically closes her journey, yet the surrounding nature endures and heals itself, offering a subtle, poetic counterpoint to the cycle of shame and exclusion within the community. This interplay of traditional imagery, striking visual language, and an intimate story elevates Fačuk beyond the local context, offering a broader reflection on stigma, exclusion, and resilience.”

Fačuk

“The film Mentor delicately explores the boundary between performance and reality, while raising questions about the abuse of power in an artistic process – questions that reach far beyond the stage itself. What begins as a rehearsal space for freedom and creativity gradually transforms into a stage of tension, manipulation, and confrontation. Central to this unfolding is the magnificent performance of Suzana Krevh, whose nuanced portrayal brings depth, vulnerability, and strength to the film, making its commentary on institutional hierarchies and artistic authority all the more resonant on a broader level. Through its meticulous dramaturgy, the film not only examines personal dynamics between teacher and student but also reflects on the societal structures that enable abuse and silence, offering a subtle yet powerful critique of authority, conformity, and the hidden pressures within cultural and educational institutions.”

Mentor