FIPRESCI Prize

Austria’s most important international film event, as well as one of the oldest and best-known festivals in the German-speaking world, the Viennale offers a program of high quality in a relaxed urban atmosphere in autumn, when Vienna is at its most attractive, and it takes place in the city’s historic center, providing the festival with an international orientation and a distinctive urban flair. In its program, the Viennale shows a selection of new films from all over the globe as well as from Austria, some of them international premieres, showcasing a cross-section of bold film-making which stands apart from the aesthetics of mainstream conventionality and is politically relevant. Retrospectives on relevant aspects of film history are organized every year in collaboration with the Austrian Filmmuseum, and special events and parties are as much part of the festival as interviews, audience discussions and opportunities to meet the many international guests of the festival. Our jury of three members will focus on cross-section young cinema (first or second features in various sections).

GFF has grown into one of the leading cinematic festivals in the MENA region. Drawing on Egypt’s long history as a crossroads of Africa, Europe, and the Arab world, GFF has become a discovery ground for new voices from the Middle East, Africa, and beyond — and a bridge connecting regional filmmakers to the global industry, via its industry arm, CineGouna. In the festival’s 9th edition, El Gouna will host the FIPRESCI jury for the 8th time. Our three member jury (one from Egypt) will award one film selected from the first or second features from three continents (Africa, Asia and Latin America), highlighting around 12–14 diverse films.

FAF is the leading animation festival in the Nordic region and has historically focused on the Nordic-Baltic animation scene. It takes place in the small town of Fredrikstad, Norway, with the municipal cinema as the main venue. In October, Fredrikstad, Norway settles into a calm, mist-tinged autumn atmosphere as the summer crowds fade and the days grow shorter. The medieval Old Town, with its cobblestone streets and star-shaped fortress, feels especially atmospheric under the soft golden light and occasional drizzle. The festival showcases over 100 short and feature films in various program sections and highlight the animation scene of Northern Europe. A variety of activities towards a growing audience, such as seminars, exhibitions, workshops, meetings with filmmakers, 1:1 meetings with industry figures, a pitching competition and ceremonies are part of the festival. A dedicated competition program for Nordic-Baltic films is a key part of the festival. Our three members jury will give an award to the Global Competition Short Film and Nordic-Baltic Short Film.