66th Thessaloniki International Film Festival

Jury Statements:

Best International Competition Film: Karla

“The FIPRESCI jury awards its International Competition prize to Karla, a powerful social drama based on a true story, of a 12-year-old girl who charges her father with sexual abuse and must face the judicial system alone. In her debut, director Christina Tournatzés confidently visualizes the story from the child’s point of view, yet reminds us that the victim is sidelined by society. All of this is seamlessly expressed in the performance of Elise Krieps, capturing so much of the character’s trauma and determination through her eloquent eyes.”

Best Greek Film That Had Its Premiere at TIFF: Bearcave

“The FIPRESCI prize goes to Bearcave, an unconventional love story staged in a rural part of Greece, a film fueled by the directness of the actors, the complexity of the central relationship, and the originality of the filmmakers’ approach. Its power—and its exhilaration—lies in the evolution from old traditions to a new definition of romance and family, conveyed by the natural world, musical choices, and above all the mysterious image of the bearcave, reminding us of the power of that which lies inside, even if unseen.”