The jury
Ladislav Volko (Slovakia), Kira Taszman (Germany), Lukasz Dawid Knap (Poland)
Awarded films
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The Tale of Silyan by
Tamara Kotevska
(North Macedonia, USA, 2025, 80 min.)
Jury Statement:
Once upon a time, a young man was cursed by his father, transformed into a bird, and driven from his home. In this film, a tragic fairy tale becomes a metaphor for the transformation of rural labor systems and the involuntary migration that follows. It convincingly blends striking, magical imagery with social trauma while introducing a unique pair of protagonists: a man and a stork. Through its portrayal of fractured families and an unusual friendship, the film ultimately conveys a message of hope — sometimes a fairy tale can triumph over harsh reality.
The FIPRESCI Prize is awarded to The Tale of Silyan by Tamara Kotevska.