Grand Prix at ZagrebDox Awarded to Iranian Film 'The Fox Under the Pink Moon'

The 22nd ZagrebDox International Documentary Film Festival has concluded, celebrating a diverse range of compelling stories from around the globe. The prestigious Grand Prix, the festival's highest honor, was awarded to the Iranian film 'The Fox Under the Pink Moon,' directed by Mehrdad Oskoueija and Soraya Akhlaghi. The jury lauded the film for its 'strong and poetic' nature, highlighting its masterful use of formal elements to explore a current global issue through the raw and intimate perspective of an unforgettable character. Soraya Akhlaghi's honest portrayal of her struggle is expected to leave a lasting impact on audiences.

Mehrdad Oskoueija, in a video message, emphasized the award's significance, particularly noting that many of his colleagues involved in the film are currently living amidst war. He articulated the profound role of documentary film as a witness, a repository of memory, and a form of poetry, expressing hope that 'The Fox Under the Pink Moon' would convey a message of peace and hope across borders. This sentiment resonates deeply, underscoring the power of cinema to bridge divides and foster understanding, especially in times of conflict.

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A strong and poetic film created through a fascinating collaboration. All the formal elements of the film have a clear purpose in showing a current global theme through the raw and intimate perspective of an unforgettable character. Soraya's honest portrait of her struggle will be remembered for a long time.

In the Regional Competition, the Grand Prix was presented to Petre Seliškar's 'The Mountain Will Not Move,' recognized for its atmospheric depiction of a vanishing tradition and the tender bonds between its characters. The Small Seal for Best Short Film went to Martin Herra's 'Omama.' Special mentions were also given to Natalie Koniarz's 'Silver' in the International competition and Sebastijan Borovčak's 'Mirna dolina' in the Regional competition, further highlighting the rich tapestry of talent and storytelling showcased at this year's festival. ZagrebDox continues to be a vital platform for documentary filmmakers, fostering dialogue and critical engagement with the world's most pressing issues.

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Documentary film is witness, memory, and poetry. We hope that this film will convey a poetic message of peace and hope across borders.