The 16th BOSIFEST - Belgrade International Film Festival of Persons with Disabilities ended with the awarding of awards to the best films in the Yugoslav Film Archive.
Jury member Narcisa Darijević Marković presented the Grand Prix award for the best film of BOSIFEST 2025 to director Marta Gómez for the film "Flying Hands" (Spain).
FLYING HANDS - Grand Prix for the best film
Explanation of the member of the jury Narcisa Darijević Marković
With a striking visual language, this film takes us from urban chaos to harsh mountain landscapes, from the hustle and bustle of the city to the desert torment, revealing the dramatic contrasts of life. On this journey, we follow the brave protagonist who fights for the dignity and right to education of deaf and mute children, in a community that is equally pressed by the burden of social circumstances and the burden of tradition. The mountain peaks of Pakistan, in to their terrifying beauty, they become a metaphor for the weight and monumentality of this struggle that goes beyond a personal story and becomes a universal call for understanding and change. Because of the impressive audiovisual storytelling and the inspiring message about the fight for inclusion and the right to education, the jury decided to award the best film award to the film by directors Marta Gomez and Paula Iglesias, Flying Hands.
The award for the best film was received by director Marta Gomez.
The award for best director went to the film "OTHER" directed by Marija-Magdalena Kočova (Czech Republic).
Jury member Narcisa Darijević Marković's explanation for the best director
Through an intimate portrait of a girl who grows up in the shadow of her sister with autism, this film, from the perspective of the other, brings us the story of the growth of a "glass child" - a healthy child who, due to the parental focus on the sister who needs special care, often remains invisible and suppressed. Instead of dramatic dramaturgical twists, the director chooses the cinematic language of close-ups and subtle moments, which draw us into inner life female protagonists, where quiet looks become important and small gestures are touching. Due to the delicate approach, the depth of the story and the sensitive depiction of a world where love, responsibility and empathy are intertwined, the jury awarded the award for best director to the film directed by Marija-Magdalena Kočova, The Other One.
The award for the best screenplay belongs to the film "Life After", directed by Reid Davenport (USA).
Jury member Narcisa Darijević Marković's reasoning for the best screenplay
Skillfully combining archival materials, interviews and investigative documentary elements, this film builds a layered story that leads the viewer through a complex world of ethical dilemmas, systemic injustices and dramatic personal decisions. The jury awards the film Life After, directed by Reid Davenport, for the screenplay that skilfully includes his fundamental research and builds a layered story about ethical dilemmas and absurdities of human rights, ultimately leading us to reflect and face some of the most difficult questions of human existence.
The award for the best screenplay was received by director Reid Davenport.
The special mention of BOSIFEST 2025 went to the film "Marion or Metamorphosis" directed by Leticia Moreau and Marion Selent (Belgium).
Explanation of jury member Narcisa Darijević Marković
Combining an autobiographical essay, a performative document and a visual diary, Marion or the Metamorphosis innovatively interweaves the archive of personal life and artistic interventions in the frame and turns the experience of illness into a creative act. Due to the original form that erases the boundary between an intimate self-portrait and a broader reflection on the body, vulnerability and vitality, the jury awards the first special award to the film Marion or the Metamorphosis (Marion or the Metamorphosis) directed by Leticia Moro and Marion Selent.
The second Special Award of BOSIFEST 2025 went to the film "Lucas, Endangered Human Species" directed by Elie Laliberte (Canada).
Explanation of jury member Narcisa Darijević Marković
Through an intimate portrait and personal story, Lucas, An Endangered Human Species examines the meaning and meaning of a life that deviates from the norm. Revealing the larger context of hip-hop culture in which the protagonist with Down syndrome finds his place, the film sends a strong and moving message about the value of diversity. The jury decided to reward the immediacy and emotional openness that this film radiates.
The director of BOSIFEST, Darko Ivić, addressed those present at the closing of the festival.
I would like to thank everyone who supported the realization of the Festival.
First of all, I would like to thank all the authors who applied for the competition.
Congratulations to all award winners.
