This year’s programme showcases powerful works by recent female filmmakers who offer unique perspectives on today’s world. These voices often call for empathy, compassion, and open-mindedness. A perfect example is Agnieszka Zwiefka’s Silent Trees, a compelling documentary that presents a coming-of-age story set against the backdrop of the global refugee crisis. Two distinguished debut features delve into the high school setting—a space where young minds are formed. In Excursion, award-winning writer-director Una Gunjak explores the challenges faced by teenage girls in the Balkans, particularly within Bosnian society, while Without Air, by Katalin Moldovai, takes viewers to a small-town Transylvanian high school, where an absurd scandal surrounds a progressive teacher. Another striking debut, Behind the Haystacks by Asimina Proedrou, offers a compelling genre-driven interpretation of Greek tragedy. One of the Balkans’ biggest stars, Mirjana Karanovic, will present her film Mother Mara, a poignant story of loss and self-discovery, which she directed, co-wrote, and stars in. Lastly, the award-winning Lithuanian romantic drama Slow provides an unconventional exploration of (a)sexuality. Beyond these titles, the program features many more remarkable works by female filmmakers, addressing a wide range of vital issues and shedding light on stories that resonate deeply with contemporary audiences.

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  Behind the Haystacks
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  Excursion
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  Mother Mara
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  Silent Trees
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  Slow
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  Without Air