ZABREB FILM FESTIVAL FEATURE FILM AND SHORTS AWARDS

In the Jury’s opinion, this year’s programme for feature and shorts offered an incredibly strong selection of films from all over the world and we’d like to congratulate the festival on this achievement. This made our work as jurer’s a pleasure. The challenge of selecting a winner among this extraordinary selection of films was a truly challenging experience.

BEST SHORT FEATURE FILM
The award for best ficion short goes to a film which impressed us by the simplicity and uniqueness with which it addresses the harrowing experience of war.

There is a poignancy and humour which touches us by highlighting the fragile balance of human existence and our instinct for survival.

So the award for best short goes to ‘CHEESE’ by HUSEYiN TABAK.

SPECIAL MENTION – FULL LENGTH FEATURE FILM
The jury felt compelled to make special mention of this film because of scale, inventiveness and surprising maturity with which this first time film maker has embraced a powerful and epic tale of a soul’s journey to redemption. The grittiness of the world that he portrays and the hardship that these characters endure is compelling and has struck a chord with us.

Special mention goes to ‘THE DESERT WITHIN’ by Rodrigo Pla.

GOLDEN PRAM – BEST FEATURE FILM
Once again, this multi-talented troika has convinced the jury because of their original and distinctive cinematic voice. Their use of choreography and the characters sheer physical presence on screen becomes a powerful tool in telling this tale of how optimism can conquer the most tragic events in life, distinguishing this light and colourful comedy. This film is a great inspiration both for the audience and for filmmakers, demonstration the possibilities in original storytelling.

The award for best feature film goes to ‘RUMBA’ by Dominique Abel, Fiona Gordon and Bruno Romy.