The cinematic reality took center stage with the awarding of the documentary film festival prizes. Films that explore the human experience, history, and social change emerged as the big winners of the night.

AUDIENCE AWARDS

Audience Award for the Best Greek Short

Hantush - a fairytale, by Alexia Tsouni

When Israeli bulldozers arrived at her Bedouin village to demolish her home, 14-year-old Palestine refugee girl Salha called on her flying lamb Hantush to take her somewhere far away… 

 Alexia Tsouni (Hantush - a Fairytale)

Thank You Letter by Alexia Tsouni

Thank you so much for this great honor. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all the festival organizers, the jury, and the audience who embrace this festival every year. I wish I could be there with you today, just as I was yesterday, but I'm currently abroad. Regarding Palestine, as we discussed yesterday, the least we can do is to speak out, to show our support, and to stand with the Palestinian people in their just struggle for freedom. We must promote a boycott of Israel to end the genocide, apartheid, and occupation. Cinema is a powerful tool for this purpose, and as we say in the Filmmakers for Palestine initiative, we should use it to create films that expose what Israel and its allies want to hide. I want to express my deepest gratitude to this festival for giving us this opportunity. And not just for Palestine, but for other pressing issues as well, such as women's rights, like our fundamental right to decide about our bodies and our lives, against obscurantism and attempts at censorship. Congratulations to the festival, above all.

Audience Award for the Best International Short

Sticks & Stones - The Truth of Cyberbullying, by George Goris (Australia)

Narrated by the esteemed Vince Colosimo, this gripping documentary delves into the pervasive effects of cyberbullying on teenagers, exploring how social media shapes their perception of reality. Through a series of intimate interviews and expert insights, the film navigates the psychological struggles faced by children in the digital age, revealing how our online presence has become a powerful yet perilous force in shaping self-worth. With a focus on redefining value systems and educating future generations, the documentary challenges us to confront the unseen harm of digital interactions and seek ways to create a healthier online culture.

  George Goris (Sticks and Stones - The Truth of Cyberbullying)

The festival's jury is comprised of acclaimed film professionals:

• Vasiliki Maltasoglou: Festival Director of the Balkans Beyond Borders Short Film Festival.
• Photini Economopoulou: Film producer and founder of Oh My Dog Productions.
• George Frentzos: Cinematographer and member of the European and Hellenic Film Academies.
• Chronis Theocharis: Director and editor with extensive experience in documentaries.
• Lina Manolopoulou - Tselalidi: Executive of EKOME Creative Greece with extensive experience in the audiovisual sector.

Best Greek Documentary Hantush a fairy tale by Alexia Tsouni

A powerful and deeply moving exploration of the Palestinian genocide, Hantush a fairy tale follows a young refugee girl as she seeks solace in a world of her own creation. 

The film's sensitive portrayal of the horrors of war and the resilience of the human spirit is both haunting and inspiring. Through its narrative, the film highlights the urgent need for peace and humanity, making it a truly significant contribution to the world of documentary filmmaking. 

The award for Best Director in the Greek category is presented to Alexia Tsouni for her exceptional work.

Best International Documentary Monolog by Selim Yıldız 

A deeply moving testament to the loss, pain, and destruction caused by armed conflict, Monolog is centered around the heart-wrenching monologue of Hegyam Enju, a Kurdish mother who lost two sons—one in a Turkish attack and the other in a car accident. Through her story, the film transports us to the heart of human tragedy, serving as a symbol for all families whose lives have been shattered by violence. 

The film condemns the violation of human rights, the loss of innocence, and the enduring injustice faced by Kurdish communities and all those living in war-torn regions. Beyond its personal tragedy, Monolog highlights the universal call for peace. We award this documentary for its power to touch our souls and remind us of the need to stand against human suffering.

 The award for Best Director in the International category is presented to Selim Yıldız for Monolog.

Best First-Time Director CARPENDER by Xelîl Sehragerd 

In the remote regions of northwestern Iran, in the Zagros Mountains, elderly Kurdish carpenter Hussein Mahmoud gathers the finest wood to craft prosthetic legs for those who have lost limbs to landmines. This deeply moving and poetic tale follows a man who dedicates his life to helping others through his carpentry, while also ensuring a sustainable future by planting new trees. Surrounded by squirrels and the wilderness, Hussein's work is more than craftsmanship; it is a testament to the human spirit. In a region scarred by the horrors of war, his work offers hope and healing to victims. 

CARPENDER is a beautifully crafted film that delves deep into the character of Hussein, revealing his thoughts, emotions, and challenges, while also delivering a surprising twist that provides deeper insight into his motivations. Through this intimate portrait, the viewer not only learns about Hussein but also connects with him on a profound level. We award this documentary for its ability to transform pain and loss into acts of love and hope. Hussein's story inspires us to recognize the power of humanity, to draw inspiration from his example, and to view life through the lens of solidarity and connection. 

The award for Best First-Time Director is presented to Xelîl Sehragerd for CARPENDER.

Best Cinematography (Greek and International) Arkadia by Andra Ion 

The camera follows young shepherd Victor and his flock as they roam the mountains of Catalonia. This exceptional cinematography captures the grandeur of nature, its colors, light, and shadows. 

The filmmaker skillfully directs, photographs, and edits the film. Arkadia is a tribute to tradition and the strength of the human spirit that chooses to resist the pressures of modern life. The camera follows Victor's nomadic life, bringing us into a world that seems distant yet is more relevant than ever. Victor has chosen a life that is meaningful, sustainable, and in perfect harmony with nature.  

The film portrays his challenges – drought, exhaustion, loneliness, even depression – but al so his deep connection to his animals. We award this documentary for its beautiful cinematography, which with deep sensitivity and mastery captures Victor's daily life and its ability to connect us with a world that is in danger of disappearing. However, it is essential to note that it is crucial to include the credits of all key contributors in the film's titles, even if it is a one-person project. This is a note for this film and for future submissions. The award for Best Cinematography is presented to Andra Ion for Arkadia.

Andra Ion (Arkadia) with her Best Cinematography award and the Annual Pro Plan from MyAirbridge

Special Mention from the Kalamata Documentary Center 

The Kalamata Documentary Center is pleased to award a Special Mention to the EPAL Evdilon of Ikaria for their film "Platédes," recognizing the students’ exceptional effort in bringing to light a forgotten piece of local history. With a moving maturity and depth of research, the students have managed to bring to life the memories of the abandoned village of Platédes in Ikaria, sensitively capturing oral testimonies from descendants and the atmosphere of a community marked by the tragedy of the Spanish Flu. The simplicity of the narrative, the sincere approach, and the love for their homeland combine to create a documentary that deeply touches the viewer. This Special Mention is a tribute to the creativity, sensitivity, and dedication of these young filmmakers, as well as an honor to the local community of Ikaria and its historical memory.

"The jury has decided to give a special mention to a student film for its exceptional characterization of Giannis, a former sailor now living on the margins who faces the harsh realities of street life with a smile and humor. 

Honorable mention goes to Evangelia Koumanditi for the film "Like a King"."