The film delivers a powerful exploration of redemption and societal transformation, driven by compelling performances and breathtaking visuals. The director subtly highlights political issues related to China without being overt. The rich use of layered storytelling deeply engages the public imagination, elevating the film into a true masterpiece. The Grand Prix goes to Black Dog.

Dong Zijian’s directorial debut is a powerful and deeply honest portrayal of childhood trauma, friendship and memory. The bond between Li Mo and An Delie is brought to life with heartfelt authenticity, elevated by outstanding performances and masterful direction. With meticulous cinematography and thoughtful narrative construction, the film immerses viewers in the characters’ emotional landscapes. The Special Jury award goes to My Friend An Delie. 

Ein Mann bricht auf, um in einer entfernten Stadt seinen Vater zu bestatten. Unterwegs trifft er seinen Freund aus Kindertagen. Die Vergangenheit holt sie ein, Traumata und Schuld brechen hervor. Das chinesische Roadmovie «My Friend An Delie» von Dong Zijian ist in knappen, präzisen Bildern erzählt und springt gekonnt zwischen Gegenwart und Vergangenheit. Unter den hervorragenden Schauspielern verdient der kleine Junge in der Rolle von An Delie eine besondere Erwähnung. Die relativ kleine Geschichte öffnet einen weiten Horizont für existentielle Fragen, sowie für eine Auseinandersetzung mit dem Mut und dem Versagen, sich gegen Unrecht zu wehren.

Der Film schildert in matten Farben ein Gefühl von Heimatlosigkeit, das sich auf verschiedenen Ebenen entfaltet. Die Geschichte spielt in einer streng ritualisierten Gesellschaft und zeigt über den unterschwelligen rebellischen Hauptdarsteller, dass Loyalität zu sich selbst und anderen sich immer auszahlt. Ohne plakativ zu sein, übt er gleichzeitig Kritik an der politischen Realität des Landes, in dem er spielt. Unser Preis geht an den Schwarzen Hund und sein Rudel : Black Dog von Guan Hu.

 

We have decided to award the Youth Jury Prize to Pavane for an infant by Chong Keat Aun, for its sophisticated aesthetics, its poignant theme and for taking us on a journey to discover a culture that was unknown to us.

This powerful film plunged us into a complex and authentic world, where each character plays their part in this microcosm, immersing the viewer in the dilemma of a young woman forced to make an impossible decision - like so many others in her situation - with power, humour and sensitivity. A film devoid of judgement, without reason or wrong, whose bitterness lingers for the viewer, just as it does for its protagonist, a 16-year-old Iranian teenager. The international jury is proud to award the prize for best short film at the FIFF to ... Bitter Chocolate by Sahar Sotoodeh.

The jury appreciated the several layers of meanings hidden behind every single shot, which were carried by a beautiful photography, and the subtle way the director portrayed the oppression of the main character. Also, we connected with the loneliness and the strong personnality of this girl who succeeds in rebelling against the silence she's reduced to, as a consequence of a hypocritical patriarchal system. The strength of this short also stands out due to the fact that all of the 3 characters of the story go through a meaningful transformation within the frame of a limited time. So we agreed on rewarding the movie... Mañana!

For the strength and character of the main character. For the dynamic editing. For the dramatic tension. For the message it sends out despite a certain omerta in sport. Our choice was the short film Amplified by Dina Naser.

This film excels in direction, acting, visuals, and sound, creating a powerful bridge between the audience and its story and immersing us with nuances and deepens our awareness of what ‘home’ truly means. And the winner is Fenni in Wonderland by Fei Fan.

Blending documentary and other narrative forms, the filmmaker explores the potential of a future project through mise-en-scène. This production fund supports her vision, encouraging new narrative perspectives. Her work promises fresh and thought-provoking storytelling. And the winner is Unser Name ist Ausländer (Our Name is Foreigner) by Selin Besili.

The director elegantly mixes many different story layers and shooting formats that perfectly blend with the personal yet socially and emotionally relevant topic. by that the director shows us in a intimate way what’s like to feel foreign even in your home country. For this we award the prize to Unser Name ist Ausländer.