16 Feb 2026 On the Screen (MD 2026/1)

Leipzig (Germany) 2025

At DOK Leipzig – 68th International Film Festival for Documentary and Animated Film October 27 – November 2, 2025 – the Interreligious Jury, appointed by INTERFILM and SIGNIS, awarded its Prize of € 2.000, donated by the Hotel Michaelis (VCH Hotels) in Leipzig as well as the Interreligious Round Table and the Oratorium Leipzig to The Thing to Be Done directed by Srđan Kovačević (Croatia, Serbia, Slovenia, 2025).

Motivation: This film offers a poignant and timely portrait of migrant workers in Slovenia, while resonating far beyond its borders. It speaks to all nations grappling with the realities of migration and the universal search for dignity and a better life. With sensitivity, subtle humour, and an urgent sense of purpose, the film reminds us that dignity is the cornerstone of human rights. In a world marked by growing inequality, the Interreligious Jury recognizes this work as a vital and deeply human call to action.

In addition, the Jury awarded a Commendation to Clan of the Painted Lady directed by Jennifer Chiu (Canada, 2025)

Motivation: For its delicate and poetic reconstruction of a fragmented family – a universal metaphor for uprooted identities – Clan of the Painted Lady moves us through time, memory and belonging. The film’s classical visual style, like living photographs, captures the quiet emotion of rediscovery. Through cooking and the evocative taste of food, the director redefines connection and identity with rare sensitivity.

Members of the 2025 Jury: András Bőhm, Hungary; Elias Ferchin Musuret, Romania; Mia Lund Rao, Denmark; Eduardo Ramos Möking, Germany (President of the Jury).

Luebeck (Germany) 2025

At the 67th Nordic Film Days (5-9 November), the INTERFILM Jury awarded the Church Film Prize, endowed with €5,000 by the Evangelical Church District Luebeck-Lauenburg, to the film Renovacija (Renovation) directed by Gabrielė Urbonaitė (Lithuania, Latvia, Belgium, 2025).

Motivation: The film depicts in a sensitive way the inner development of a young woman from indecisiveness to the ability to catch her life. This inner renewal correlates with the renovation of her tenement house. The film is dealing with the present in showing Ukrainian workers renovating a Soviet building in Lithuania.

Members of the 2025 Jury: Stefan Affolter, Switzerland; Petra Kallies, Germany (President of the Jury); Inga Purina, Latvia; Sylvester Roepstorff, Denmark.

Cottbus (Germany) 2025

At the 35th Festival of East European Cinema (1-11 November), the Ecumenical Jury, appointed by INTERFILM and SIGNIS, awarded its Prize to Pipás (Mayflies) directed by Emília Goldberg (Hungary, 2025).

Motivation: Emília Goldberg’s film poignantly portrays two women trapped in contrasting prisons, delving deeply into mercy and compassion. It challenges conventional views by eliciting sympathy for a murderer, showcasing love’s profound power to transform lives. Her nuanced direction casts a redemptive light that inspires hope amid darkness. This work stands as a compelling testament to human resilience and the potential for change.

In addition, the jury awarded a Commendation to Ida, ki je pela tako grdo, da so šemrtvi vstali od mrtvih in zapeli z njo (Ida Who Sang So Badly Even the Dead Rose Up and Joined Her in Song) directed by Ester Ivakič (Slovenia, Croatia, 2025).

Motivation: Slovenia in the 1970s. Under the masterful direction of Ester Ivakič, the film stands as a profoundly honest and poetic exploration of a young girl’s soul. It delicately captures the pure and unfiltered relationship between children and the divine, offering audiences an evocative and sincere cinematic experience. Ivakič’s work resonates with authenticity and lyrical beauty, making it a compelling testament to innocence and spirituality that deeply moves and inspires.

Members of the 2025 Jury: Aida Schläpfer Al Hassani, Switzerland (President of the Jury); Andraž Arko, Slovenia; Rainer Bätzing, Germany; Agoston Gőbel, Hungary.

Mannheim-Heidelberg (Germany) 2025

At the 74th International Film Festival Mannheim-Heidelberg (6-16 November 2025), the Ecumenical Jury, appointed by INTERFILM and SIGNIS, awarded its Prize, endowed with €2500 by the Catholic German Bishops’ Conference (DBK) and the Evangelical Church in Germany (EKD), to the film Gharaq (Sink) directed by Zain Duraie (Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, France, 2025).

Motivation: A devoted mother of three who would do anything for her son, even if it means not facing the possible consequences of his mental illness. This Middle Eastern feature debut thoughtfully explores the complex dilemmas faced by families raising a child with special needs. A thrilling story filled with powerful scenes.

In addition, the jury awarded a Commendation to L’intérêt d’Adam (Adam’s Sake) directed by Laura Wandel (Belgium, France, 2025).

Motivation: The complex network of social institutions often casts an impersonal gaze on individuals facing difficult situations. However, a nurse at work in a hospital finds a way to transcend this maze, gaining insight into a reality that remains concealed from others. This journey unfolds in a cinematic portrayal that emphasizes compassion and hope.

Members of the 2025 Jury: Edgar Octavio Rubio Hernandez, Mexico (President of the Jury); Kjell Riise, Norway; Marcsi Tóth, Hungary