Official Selection & Winners

BEST GLOBAL ISSUES PITCH

SHE

Produced by: Antropica S.r.l. (Italy)
Directed by: Parsifal Reparato

An award sponsored by RTBF
Prize: 3,000 euros in cash

Jury's word
"The jury thinks the way SHE unveils timely themes such as women's rights, equal pay, economical migration, western responsibility and patriarchal systems is essential.
We acknowledge the quality of the development work undertaken and the access gained in this process. SHE gives a fresh look on the topic with creative use of cinematography and with the experimental staging of work in the factory. We will be interested in seeing how the story develops. We hope to see that the story will be told with the protagonists, rather than just about them. We are also interested in learning about Samsung’s point of view. The jury wishes the team all the best and we look forward to seeing the final film."

BEST WILDLIFE & CONSERVATION PITCH

THE BIG LITTLE THINGS

Produced by: Saint Thomas Productions (France) / Red Nature Films (South Africa)
Directed by: Muneera Sallies

An award sponsored by Love Nature & Blue Ant Media
Prize: 3,000 euros in cash

Jury's Word
"The jury were given a diverse range of projects to consider in this genre, from true crime, to animation, comedy, deeply personal stories and an exploration of the rainbow world in nature. In the end the jury was unanimous in their decision when they considered the winning project against the criteria they were asked to use The statement at the start of the pitch “The African wildlife filmmaker is rarer than some of the species that conservationists are trying to protect” is impactful and troubling. We were compelled by the authenticity of the pitch, which we consider to be well prepared, creative, fluent and joyful. The finance that comes with the prize will be meaningful and will make a material difference to ensuring the project is made and the recognition that this prize will bring to the project will enhance its potential for a successful commission. We believe the ambition and enthusiasm that the filmmakers displayed in their pitch will ensure the project is made and will find distribution."

BEST HISTORY PITCH

THE FACTORY’S BASEMENT

BEST SCIENCE PITCH

AYAHUASCA

Produced by: Ey Up Films (United Kingdom)
Directed by: Bruce Gill

An award sponsored by France Télévisions
Prize: 3,000 euros in cash

Jury's word
"We’re really impressed by the presentation and pitch video which has a unique and fresh approach. This is great timing to tell this story about the medical use of psychedelics as it’s on the rise. We really hope this award will help these young filmmakers develop their project further."

BEST IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCES PITCH

JACOB'S JOURNEY

Produced by: Infinite Frame Media (Canada)
Directed by: Joanne Popinska

An award sponsored by France TV StoryLab
Prize: 3,000 euros in cash

Jury's word
"The jury decided to give the Prize to “Jacob’s Journey” given the relevance of the topic and the time-sensitive nature of its development. This next generation will be the first to have no longer a family member that lived through the Holocaust, and the use of VR will help preserve this necessary testimony. We are convinced that this prize will allow us to highlight this project and help bring it to fruition."

BEST ARTS & CULTURE PITCH

THE HIDDEN EYE

Produced by: Wanda Films (Spain)
Directed by: Carlota Nelson

An award sponsored by West Lake International Documentary Festival
Prize: 3,000 euros in cash

Jury's word
"The trailer of The Hidden Eye was beautifully filmed and immersive. We felt completely immersed in the world of the photographer. The story was very inspiring with a female filmmaker talking about the work for an older female artist. This pitch was not only about celebrating art but also a celebration of life revealing a little known photographer onto the international market. We were also excited about the quality of this project held by a talented Spanish filmmaker."

BEST DIGITAL NA(RRA)TIVE STORIES PITCH

A VERY HOT SUMMER IN NEW YORK CITY

Produced by: Binge Audio (France)
Directed by: Anne-Cécile Genre & Marine Pradel

Prize: 3,000 euros in cash

Jury's Word
"It's the perfect use of the audio format, utilising an impressive collection of archive to delve back into a fascinating story. We can definitely see it really resonating with audiences, especially in the current social climate and I'd be excited to listen to it."

BEST NEW VOICES TALENT HUB

NOTHING CALLED HOME

Produced by: Maurice & Morrise (United Arab Emirates)
Directed by: Arkus

Prize: 3,000 euros in cash

Jury's word
"A great story is told through the eyes of an ordinary family. The director broadens the story to larger issues in the world. The story covers the situation in the Middle East over the past two decades. It is authentic, complex and layered which includes religion, migration and war combined well with personal archives. More importantly, it is a beautiful journey in finding peace and tranquillity."

AWARD DOCS UP FUND AND THE IMPACT SOCIAL CLUB

SHE

Produced by: Antropica S.r.l. (Italy)
Directed by: Parsifal Reparato

An award sponsored by Impact Social Club & Doc Up Fund
Prize: The awarded team will benefit from two impact strategy sessions mentored by the Impact Social Club as well as in-depth rough-cut consulting with the Docs Up Fund.

Jury's word
"The jury was very much impressed by the powerful visual quality of the trailer. The director has managed to create a relationship with his characters that gives them freedom and a secure place to speak out. We believe the film will have a real resonance. We will be happy to share ideas and skills in order to give it a strong and impactful life."

CRISTAL PUBLISHING CREATION PRIZE

THE FACTORY’S BASEMENT

Produced by: Grifa Filmes (Brazil)
Directed by: Gustavo Ribeiro

An award sponsored by Cristal Publishing
Prize: Grant for an original soundtrack (Value: €3,000)
 

ALHAMBRA STUDIOS POST-PRODUCTION PRIZE

FINDING HOME

Produced by:  Iliade et Films (France), AnimaDocs (Bulgaria)
Directed by: Maria Stanisheva

An award supported by Alhambra Studios
Prize: Post-production support services (Value: €2,500)

STUDENTS CHOICE AWARD

BYE MOM

Produced by: Borgerhoff & Lamberigts TV (Belgium)
Directed by: Ellen Pollard & Marie de Hert

An award in partnership with INA Sup, Master DPAN (Université de La Rochelle), IFFCAM
Honorary award.

"BYE MOM seduced us with its sincerity, tenderness and subtlety. It is a dive into the intimacy of a mother and her disabled daughter. We felt a real attachment to the characters. The emotion and intimacy of the project touched us a lot. The construction of the shots, the editing, the sound, the narration, and the delicacy of a subject as heartbreaking as a goodbye seduced us. The treatment is all in subtlety, the stakes are high and the subject can resonate in each of us: can we prepare ourselves to lose a loved one?"

IMZ AWARD

CELTIC UTOPIA

Produced by: MDEMC (Sweden)
Directed by: Dennis Harvey, Lars Lovén

An award sponsored by IMZ
Prize: 3 Accreditations for Avant Première 2023 (with a total value of €1,500)

"While all of the other pitches represent interesting project, Celtic Utopia tells a powerful story of the search for identity through music, which is an essential feature of the later. We are looking forward to welcoming them to Avant Première 2023!"

MOVIES THAT MATTER AWARD

SHE

Produced by: Antropica S.r.l. (Italy)
Directed by: Parsifal Reparato

A prize sponsored by Movies That Matter
Prize: 2 free accreditations for Movies That Matter 2023 and a 2-night accomodation.

"All projects within the Global Issues pitching session are totally relevant to the society we live in today. Movies that matter awards a project that sheds light on a human rights situation of women where the whole world should be reminded of. We all use our mobile phones constantly and are often unaware of how and by who they are made. The access to the women in the factories, constructing our mobile, are living under horrible conditions. The impact this project can generate, is very important. For that reason movies that matter awards SHE, and is honored to welcome the filmmaker at the end of March in The Hague!"

AJD INDUSTRY DAYS @ AJB DOC AWARD

HARVEST MOON

Produced by: New Productions (Jordan)
Directed by: Rama Ayasraa

A prize sponsored by Al Jazeera Documentary Channel Industry Days at AJB DOC / Al Jazeera Balkans Documentary Film Festival (AJB DOC)
Prize: Free accreditation, travel and accommodation for the 1st AJD Industry days at AJB DOC Film Festival.

"With strong cinematic approach which will reflect on a wonderful characters and their noble idea of preserving tradition and bringing it back to community. A story that will have a global impact in these difficult times for the planet! AJD Industry days @ AJB DOC award goes to the project "Harvest moon"." 

PITCH THE DOC PRIZE

HARVEST MOON

Produced by: New Productions (Jordan)
Directed by: Rama Ayasraa

An award sponsored by Pitch the Doc
Prize: Dedicated curation and support in building international recognition and visibility. (Value: €500)

Jury's word
“We are delighted to award a project that we have been following for some time already, and we deeply appreciate the evolution of its concept. Its fresh, strong voice spotlights an extremely important process for humanity and its future, which takes on even greater significance in the context of the war in Ukraine and the prospect of an escalating food crisis.” Pitch the Doc Prize goes to "The Harvest Moon"!

INVR.SPACE PRIZE

JACOB'S JOURNEY

Produced by: Infinite Frame Media (Canada)
Directed by: Joanne Popinska

A prize sponsored by INVR.SPACE GmbH

Prize: The awarded team will benefit from either Equipment rental (360 Cameras, VR Headsets, Computers, etc.) or Postproduction Services (Stitching, Compositing) or Development (Unity) (Value: €3,000)

 

INSTITUTE OF DOCUMENTARY FILM AWARD

LIBERATION DIARIES

Produced by: Ladoc (Italy)
Directed by: Matteo Parisini

A prize sponsored by Institute of Documentary Film
Prize: Free industry accreditations and pre-scheduled individual meetings with decision makers within the East Doc Platform.