The Thessaloniki Documentary Festival’s Agora section recently announced its awards, celebrating a diverse array of compelling documentaries that highlight unique stories, powerful narratives, and impactful filmmaking. Agora, a platform dedicated to fostering the development of documentary projects, showcased a wide range of films that explore themes of identity, social justice, personal struggle, and human connection. The awards ceremony recognized both emerging and established filmmakers, offering cash prizes and accolades to projects that stood out for their creativity, depth, and emotional resonance.
One of the standout winners was “Highways of Hope,” directed by Alexa Bakony and produced by Gábor Osváth and Veronika Gál of Filmfabriq in Hungary. This film tells the story of Gulnaz, a 21-year-old Muslim woman from India who drives trucks across Europe, breaking stereotypes and embodying a story of emancipation. The jury praised the project for its youthful energy and optimism, noting that it has the potential to challenge Indian stereotypes about Muslim minorities while resonating across European borders. The film received the IEFTA Award for Best Documentary in Development, accompanied by a 10,000 euro cash prize. Another notable mention in this category was “Bugboy,” directed by Lucas Paleocrassas and produced by Rea Apostolides of Anemon in Greece. This coming-of-age story explores the transformative power of nature through the relationship between a boy and an insect, capturing the jury’s attention with its unique, joyful, and tender approach.
The Thessaloniki Pitching Forum jury, composed of industry experts Leonidas Konstantarakos, Marianne Ostrat, and Nora Philippe, also recognized several other projects for their unique perspectives and storytelling. Among these was “Mama Klorin,” directed by Doreida Xhogu and produced by Mina Dreki of Marni Films in Greece. This film sheds light on the under-represented community of immigrant women working as cleaners in Greece, offering a multilayered exploration of their invisible labor. The jury commended the project for its love, dignity, and authenticity, awarding it the ERT – Thessaloniki Pitching Forum Award and a 2,000 euro cash prize.
Another film that received significant recognition was “Taken by the White Man,” directed by Ana Sofia Fonseca and produced by Daniella Rice and Ana Sofia Fonseca of Carrossel Produções in Portugal. This documentary delves into the horrors of Portuguese colonialism in Mozambique and contemporary slavery, weaving a moving and intimate story of homecoming and reparation. The jury praised its unique storytelling and emotional depth, awarding it the Eurodoc Award of 1,000 euros. Similarly, “The Last Summer” and “Life on Pause” were co-recipients of the Documentary Assn. of Europe Award for their respective contributions to the genre. “The Last Summer,” directed by Jan Jurczak and Eleanora Iadkouskaya, offers a raw and explosive look at adolescence in a war-torn region near the Ukrainian-Belarusian border, while “Life on Pause,” directed by Anthoniy Hristov, sheds light on the struggles and resilience of transgender youth in Bulgaria.
The Aylon Productions Digital Services Award was given to “My Aunties,” directed by Hazal Hanquet and produced by Aslihan Altuğ and Anna Maria Aslanoğlu of Istos Film in Turkey. This film tells the intergenerational story of a courageous queer love story in Turkey, exploring family dynamics and alternative models of love and kinship through precious archives. The jury praised its poetic and deeply personal approach, noting its ability to transcend time and cultural boundaries. Additionally, several independent awards were handed out, including the Onassis Film Award, which went to “Bugboy” for its fresh perspective on coming-of-age themes, and the Mediterranean Film Institute Doc Award, which recognized “Oh, Heart Don’t Be Afraid” for its distinctive storyline and poetic approach.
The Agora Docs in Progress section also recognized several projects for their potential and innovation. Among these was “Magma,” directed by Mia Bendrimia and produced by Kira Simon-Kennedy of Nazar Films in France. The film explores transgenerational trauma and contested narratives, transforming one family’s unspoken history into a compelling investigation. The jury praised its ability to reveal both personal and national narratives, awarding it the Two Thirty-Five Award. Other notable winners included “Home Court,” directed by Elpida Nikou and Rodrigo Hernandez, which received the Hellenic Film and Audiovisual Center – Creative Greece Award for its vibrant portrait of friendship and identity among second-generation migrants, and “Tower, Sun and the Seven of Wands,” directed by Tanya Vikhreva, which received the Neaniko Plano Subtitling Award for its humorous and eye-opening perspective on the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Overall, the awards at the Thessaloniki Documentary Festival’s Agora section highlighted a diverse range of stories and filmmakers, each offering unique insights into the human experience. From intimate personal journeys to broader social and political narratives, these documentaries showcased the power of storytelling to inspire, educate, and connect audiences across the globe.
