_{Still: Paikar by Dawood Hilmandi}

Paikar by Dawood Hilmandi and produced by BALDR was awarded no less than three times. The IDFA Award for Best First Feature, the FIPRESCI Award and the Special Mention in the Best Dutch Film Competition went to the feature documentary. After fleeing his home as a boy for freedom in the West, Afghan-Dutch filmmaker Dawood Hilmandi returns years later to confront his father and explore the meaning of freedom. Hilmandi talked to See NL in the run up to the festival, read the full interview here. Taskovski Films is on board for sales.  

The IDFA Award for Best Dutch Film went to Maasja Ooms for My Word Against Mine (Prod. Cerutti Film). The documentary offers a fascinating insight into the lives of voice hearers who decide to listen to the enemy in their heads. Masja Ooms discussed here work with See NL earlier, read the full interview here.

A Special Mention in the IDFA Competition for Short Documentary went to Dreams for a Better Past directed by Albert Kuhn and coproduced by Idle Eye.  Kuhn investigates his father’s silence and fragmented family history, weaving archives, letters, and memory into a cinematic search for how unspoken stories echo through generations. Sales and festival distribution are handled by Marvin & Wayne.   

To have a look at the full jury reports click here.