2023 Winners
Best Documentary - The Destiny of a Sherpa Woman — Yangji
Directors: Louise Thaller, Stanislas Giroux
Step by step. To the rhythm of Yangji's sure and steady pace, we walk through her life journey, as she returns after many years of absence to the poor village in the Everest region where she grew up. She who turned her back on the mountain as a teenager in the hope of escaping the misery that reigns in the valley of her childhood never thought she would come back, and even less so with the title of mountain guide... This portrait is part of a series entitled 'Altitudes' which explores the many facets of the relationship between man and nature across the world and cultures.
Country: Nepal
Best Feature - ISTINA (TRUTH)
Director: Tamara Denic
A dedicated photojournalist is threatened during her assignment in Serbia, whereupon she has to flee to Germany with her daughter. But even her homeland does not offer a safe haven. Here, too, she has to face hostility and violence...
Country: Serbia
Best Animation - Living in a Bubble
Directors: Natalie MacMahon, Nikola Drvoshanov
When two strangers feel isolated in the big city, they soon realise that their imagination is able to bring them anywhere they would like to go, despite all the obstacles of modern society. Who says it is easy to live in our modern world? Aren’t we all a bit isolated in different ways? “Living in a bubble” tells the story of two strangers, who live in the bubble they created for themselves, which doesn’t allow them to connect to anything or anyone. Through their imagination and willpower however, they manage to break out of their isolation and open themselves up to the world. They find that there is much more out there than they would have thought and nature can be found in the most unexpected places. If we have enough courage to change our ways, we can re-discover what it feels like to be alive. Against all odds, miracles are still possible - if only we believe in them.
Country: Macedonia
Audience Choice Award - FIFTEEN MINUTES
Director: Sejad Ademaj
Jasmina is having a normal evening with her parents when suddenly police pays an unannounced visit tearing the family's life apart.
Country: Germany
RETURN 2023
Video by Nivre Filmstudio