JURY DECLARATION

This documentary does not aim to expose heavy, brutal realities or change the world; it is simply a record of an important family journey. This personal diary intertwines with external events that impact them both intentionally and unintentionally—spanning political history, medicine, and art—centered around the creators' son, who lives with a lifelong illness. Built on a strong and beautiful structure, the film crafts a painful narrative into exquisite poetry. Throughout the viewing, one can feel the tender warmth of the filmmakers shielding their son from the harsh chill of a condition without an easy cure. D is for Distance serves both as a megaphone broadcasting a widespread issue and as a pen tracing their personal story with firm, beautiful strokes.

JURY DECLARATION

"Miracle à Maiori" captures micro-history at a community level in the town of Maiori—a history etched with both traces of beauty and underlying pain. Though these traces can no longer be traced back to their original sources, they remain deeply embedded in the collective memory of the locals and within the celluloid of Rossellini’s films. The documentary evokes a sense of nostalgic warmth filled with smiles, humor, and a deep longing for people, places, objects, as well as culture and tradition. By capturing the shared experiences of everyday individuals who feel honored to be a small part of a globally significant work, this film becomes a new diary entry documenting a history on the verge of disappearing once again—underscoring one of the most vital purposes of documentary filmmaking.

JURY DECLARATION

Through the intimate lens of her childhood, the filmmaker captivates the audience's imagination, transporting them into the complex history of the Soviet Union. Inspired by the maestros of Soviet cinema, her expressive narrative technique prompts us to reflect on the both monstrous and magical ways the Soviet regime shaped the human psyche. The film brilliantly demonstrates how autobiographical story of a little girl can expand into a work of extraordinary cinematic imagery.

JURY DECLARATION

This film does not merely recount the passion for dance shared by a group of individuals; rather, it leads us to perceive dance as a form of self-expression, a political statement, and a spiritual anchor. The convergence of insiders and outsiders, coming together to exchange and influence one another, illuminates the expansive and borderless realm that dance can reach. Ultimately, the film offers profound inspiration by illustrating how ordinary individuals and modest elements can bestow meaningful purpose upon life.

DIRECTOR STATEMENT

As the director of Joanna Is Skywalking I highlighted the importance of the history that cannot be forgotten - The Apartheid era. Through spoken word sessions and dance practice the knowledge comes to life and spreads all over the world. It’s about unity and respect for human kind and is a proof that DANCE - the power of movement can connect and solve problems by a split of a second. It can heal. Compare to parliamentary endless days of rage and argument. I actually do believe they might have a different outcome if we just pumped up the volume and let the world leader dance together for an moment or two .

JURY DECLARATION

Risking access to a restricted border zone off-limits to journalists and human rights organizations, the filmmaker duo captures a remarkable act of local resistance: extraordinary hospitality extended to refugees. Through intimate, quiet observation of both hosts and guests, the documentary exposes a reality in stark contrast to state propaganda and right-wing social media narratives. Timely and urgent, the film offers a crucial frontline perspective on the escalating global crisis surrounding refugees and migrants.