Awarded films of the 21st Verzió

INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION

BEST DOCUMENTARY FILM: TATA
Jury statement:
The bravery of a woman breaking the circle of violence within her family, a violence implied and accepted by society for too long. A human interest story that we all can relate to, where assailants are victims too. But generational abuse can stop, as it's beautifully portrayed in this intimate, but ultimately universal work. The award for the International Competition goes to TATA.

SPECIAL MENTION: SILENT TREES
Jury statement: 
The best way to understand a global crisis is to watch it through the eyes of someone forced to grow up too fast but that at the same time does not want to give up dreaming of a better future.  A sad reminder of what happens daily just across the border from us, and a powerful tale of human resilience in a time of adversity, the International Jury has decided to award a special mention to SILENT TREES.

INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION - Young Jury
BEST HUMAN RIGHTS FILM AWARD: NO OTHER LAND
SPECIAL MENTION: BLACK BOX DIARIES

Jury statement:
As the Young Jury, we would like to express our gratitude for the opportunity to watch these 11 films and for the honor of selecting the Best Human Rights Film and a Special Mention. We witnessed important films filled with purpose, struggles, inhumanity, rebellion, and courage. We gained almost a friendly closeness to human stories, offering us a glimpse into different lives. Thus, it was undoubtedly challenging for us to weigh our choices. We strived to take into account the captivating editing, the surprisingly authentic dialogues, and the clear, honest, and engaging narration. We aimed to select a film that, through its chosen topic and the language of cinema, deeply impacts us not just as viewers, but as human beings. 

Often, we are faced with difficult situations that we cannot solve, but through documentary films, we can confront these issues and inspire thought and action. We all have our battles, and these films give us the strength to stand tall and fight our own fights, often helping us reevaluate the weight of our own concerns. They motivate us, encouraging awareness, empathy, and a spirit of helping one another.

We sincerely hope that these stories reach as many people as possible.

We announce the winners of the special award. Their chosen topic is awful, especially because of its regularity. Amazingly, the creator showed us their story with pleasing humor, and breathtaking devotion. They tell us their story as a friend, not just as a filmmaker. The film is BLACK BOX DIARIES. 

We congratulate for the unique strength she stood up not just for herself, but for every women. She turned to us with touching sensitivity. 

The protagonists of our winner film have to fight for their lives day to day, they connect deeply with their homeland, although even their roots are to be violently destroyed. 

This film, the winner of the human right category is NO OTHER LAND 

The brave creators told their story risking their lives, showed us scenes about inhuman behavior from a chillingly close point of view. Congratulations! 

DOC FUTURE COMPETITION
DOC FUTURE AWARD: SONGS OF SLOW BURNING EARTH
SPECIAL MENTION: BALOMANIA

Jury statement:
Songs of Slow Burning Earth
The best film in the Doc Future Competition stands out for its instant and overwhelming emotional impact. This observational documentary avoids explicitness, yet, through refined images and a contemplative pace, it powerfully conveys the horrors of war, as well as the struggle to come to terms with it and find new hope.  Through an extraordinary cinematic language, the director reflects a haunting reality, bringing its various nuances to life with exceptionally precise editing.

Balomania 
Special Mention goes to a visually stylish and masterfully directed debut with electrifying energy, crafted like an investigative documentary that pulls audiences into the risky world of the baloeiros. It takes you on a ride with them as they chase their passion, regardless of the cost.

HUNGARIAN COMPETITION
BEST HUNGARIAN FILM: YOUR LIFE WITHOUT ME
SPECIAL MENTION: KIX

Jury statement:
An impressive interpretation of how social conditions over years can influence the lives of kids. For its long-lasting, honest, playful and immediate dialogue with its protagonists, in which the medium of film plays a unique and irreplaceable role, a Special Mention goes to KIX.

For a film that is simultaneously engaged in social issues and is engaging the viewer's attention - one that avoids oversimplifying family relations and shows unbreakable determination of mothers that can even win against the impotency of the state. The winner is YOUR LIFE WITHOUT ME

WE ARE HERE QUEER COMPETITION
BEST QUEER FILM: QUEENDOM
SPECIAL MENTION: GRAND PRIZE

Jury statement:

For the first time in the history of the festival, there was a queer section called We Are Here which showcased truly vibrant, sensitive, and high-quality films that depicted people in their diversity, complexity, and beauty from varied perspectives and approaches. These films highlighted the diverse challenges faced by the community. 

MAIN AWARD: QUEENDOM.
Agniia Galdanova and Igor Myakotin’s film, set in Russia, is a bold and outstanding work that, much like its protagonist, is unafraid to push boundaries. From its deeply personal and intimate narrative and its detailed portrayal of family, a world-shaking historical tragedy unfolds. The film’s dramatic intensity, the protagonist’s compelling presence, and the sensitive yet courageous portrayal of this world make it a deserving winner of this year’s Grand Prize.

SPECIAL MENTION: GRAND PRIZE
We would like to give a special mention to Grand Prize, a film that captures generational challenges, the journey of self-discovery, and the formation of identity with freshness, humor and energy. The young filmmakers skillfully balance observational and active documentary techniques, resulting in a story that feels authentic and relatable. This special mention is intended to encourage the creators to continue on their promising path—their fresh perspective is invaluable in today’s world.

Cover Photo: Your Life Without Me (d.: Anna Rubi)