VIDEO ART
Winner
ELENA MUCHNAYA
Russian Federation
“Gap”
“Elena Muchnaya crafts immersive video art that invites viewers to journey through liminal spaces and moments of pure, unfiltered presence. Her work unfolds as a discovery of hidden realms, gently guiding audiences to shift their perception and experience an openness beyond the ordinary. Through her exquisite cinematographic style, Elena Muchnaya captures the delicate intersections between reality and the unknown, transforming each frame into a portal, creating serene yet profound experiences that linger, urging a deeper awareness of the present moment and the unseen dimensions around us.”
Special Mention / Video Art
Eliane Pauline Roumie
“25km“
Nelson Fernandes
“Nos”/ “Us“
Portugal
“Us” is a short film of animation which mixes several Stop Motion techniques, proposing a journey through the conflicted human condition. War, loneliness, nature, crossings, fallen dreams are some of the recurring aspects in this animated poem on paper.
“Ant”
NACHO RECIO (Spain)
“Nacho Recio creates a powerful visual language that explores the everyday struggle against environmental and personal challenges, inviting audiences to pause and reflect on their own lives and aspirations. Through a poetic and metaphorical lens, his work delves into the universal quest for meaning, encouraging viewers to confront and reassess their own goals.”
Wishing the best of luck to all participants for their incredible work.
“rise, risen, Rose”
Jana Heirwegh
How do we accept death taking people away from us?
Denial, anger, bargaining, depression, acceptance.
By linking images to the five phases of grief, the film navigate us through the aching pain of loss. Not only is ‘rise, risen, Rose’ a memoir to artist and friend Roos Van De Velde, it’s a research on our view on the mysterie of death. Can we trust the cycle of life?
“The Retriever”
Teuta Pashnjari
Salla Kuoppamma
Albania Finland
NARRATIVE
Winner
“ZAXME”
As the silence of the world envelops her, a single note strikes the strings, initiating a symphony of self-discovery. “Zaxme” narrates the tale of a woman confronting her inner self, embarking on a profound journey ignited by love. A voyage to transcend doubts and uncertainties, ultimately attaining salvation.
Soore Vahe
Iran
Special Mention / Narrative
“THE CLOAK OF QUEERNESS“
Garrick Givens
USA
“One Breath Partial but Complete“
Lorenzo Spinelli
Italy
In June 2022, while the director is working on the narration of his encounter with Patrizia Cavalli, of the time spent together and of the glances that were first attentive and then emptied by the illness, the poetess dies. Few images remain of the author as he knew her: the only possible gesture is to narrate through metaphor, with archive images and a text that, between a declaration of love and a last farewell, alternates with poems recited by the author.
“DREAM IN SHAMBLES“
Priscila Nascimento, Brazil.
Brazil
Home
Lorenzo Harani
United Kingdom
Synopsis
The inspiration for my film emerged from the powerful stories of resilience and hope shared by a group of asylum seekers, who, despite their harrowing journeys, have persevered in their quest to find a place they can call home. Witnessing their determination to rebuild their lives in an unfamiliar land, I decided to create a film that not only captures their struggles but also celebrates their courage.
My approach to this film combines silent, intimate shots of the refugees—each gaze and expression narrating a piece of their story—with a voice-over that provides additional context and insight. The stillness of the visuals allows the audience to engage deeply with the raw emotions and unspoken challenges faced by these individuals, while the voice-over serves to bridge the gap, offering a reflective and personal perspective on their journeys.
By juxtaposing silent, evocative imagery with a narrative voice that articulates their stories, I aim to bring their internal and external struggles into the forefront, fostering empathy and a deeper understanding of their humanity.
“Amniotic Arthera”
Konrad Mihat
Romania
ANIMATION
Winner
Eirik Heggen
Norway
00:11:09
Eirik Heggen is an award-winning animator, director and illustrator from Stavanger, Norway, who creates animated films based on his own stories and imaginative artwork.
Synops
Pinea is an animated short film that depicts the magical animal- and plant-life inside a mysterious forest, where nature’s creative and destructive cycles are portrayed through fantasy and surrealism.
Special mention
Origins of a World” and “Criquet”
EMMA ZWICKERT
France
“With her enchanting vision and whimsical artistry, Emma Zwickert captures the innocence and beauty of childhood through meticulously crafted animations that evoke a timeless, idyllic charm. With a delicate hand and an eye for vibrant detail, her films capture the magic in everyday moments, inviting viewers to rediscover the joy and simplicity of youth. Her films are a celebration of nostalgia, tenderness, and the quiet, magical moments that shape our early lives.”
Chronicity
Aleta Rajic
Bosnia and Herzegovina
A seemingly naive turn of events leads to a disastrous one. Flight of wings leading all the way to WW1.
Aleta Rajic
Was born in Čapljina, BiH in 1990. She studied English language/ literature and Art History at University in Mostar, BiH. She learned how to animate alongside her father and mother who worked together in animation for many years. Natural Selection is her debut short animated film which she directed and animated on her own. Chronicity (2024) is her latest short animated film. She has been actively involved in organization of NAFF animated film festival from an early age.
Short Film
THE SHELL
Sema Guler
Turkey
for the original way of storytelling a story of a violence against women, without telling anything, but at the same time yelling a bunch of consequences and all the complexity the theme has. A real picture with dark tones yet enjoyable and sensitive.
Short documentary
HOW IT USED TO BE
Erlisë Beqiri.
Kosovo
for the deep and sensitive visual approach, a tribute to tradition, roots family and the woman.
Audience Price
