2025 Awards

The International Documentary Jury is represented by photographer Luvia Lazo, filmmaker and artist Mohamed Jabaly and activist Nathan Law.

FIFDH Geneva Grand Award

The Brink of Dreams by Nada Riyadh Ayman El Amir

In a conservative town in southern Egypt, a group of young girls rebel to form a street theatre troupe. The film follows their coming of age, their dreams and their fears, shedding light on the gender inequalities they face.

Endowed with CHF 10,000 – Offered by the City and State of Geneva
Awarded by the International Documentary Jury

“This poignant film follows the aspirations of five young Egyptian women seeking freedom—freedom threatened by traditions and restrictions imposed in their village. Rich in cinematic creativity, it tackles sensitive issues such as forced marriage and sexual harassment, exposing how women’s rights remain precarious in the region. The film fully embodies the spirit of socially engaged documentary: it informs, bears witness to reality, and compels audiences to consider new ways of building a better world.”

FIFDH Gilda Vieira de Mello Award, in honor of her son Sergio Vieira de Mello

Khartoum by Anas Saeed, Rawia Alhag, Ibrahim Snoopy Ahmad, Timeea Mohamed Ahmed & Phil Cox

In a highly charged political climate, five filmmakers meet five Sudanese citizens in search of freedom. Using their phones, they capture a city descending into civil war and follow its exiled population.

Endowed with CHF 5,000 – Offered by the Barbara Hendricks Foundation for Peace and Reconciliation
Awarded by the International Documentary Jury

“We commend Khartoum for giving Sudanese filmmakers a voice at a time when listening to underrepresented perspectives is more vital than ever. The team’s determination to complete this project—despite limited resources and scant international visibility—is remarkable. Through creative, well-crafted artistic choices and a sincere narrative, especially in the children’s viewpoint, deeply affected by the ongoing conflicts in Sudan, the film helps us better grasp the impact of war on human lives.”

Youth Jury Award – Documentary

Writing Hawa, de Najiba Noori et Rasul Noori

In Afghanistan, Hawa finds her independence by learning to read and write. But with the Taliban’s return to power, her dreams—like those of many women—collapse. Through this film, director Najiba Noori pays tribute to her mother’s arduous journey.

Endowed with CHF 1,000 – Offered by Peace Brigades International (PBI)
Awarded by the Youth Documentary Jury: Lisa Arisaldi Risaldi, Yamen Bilani, Inès Bonhote, Omer Kaan Dalyan, Lionel Dupanloup, and Néïs Fernandez

“We present this award to a documentary that reveals one woman’s resilience in the face of an ever more patriarchal Afghan society, where the most basic human rights—freedom, equality, education, and more—are being trampled. These rights may seem assured in our own context, but they are more threatened than ever by surging extremism. By inviting us into their words, laughter, and tears, the film immerses us in the intimacy of a single family whose story reflects so many others. The gentle images juxtaposed with the film’s harrowing backdrop deliver a powerful, essential message.“

The International Fiction Jury is composed of artist and filmmaker Baloji, filmmaker and photographer Azra Deniz Okyay, producer Elisa Fernanda Pirir and Thierry Oppikofer, representative of the Barbour Foundation.

FIFDH Fiction Grand Award

Santosh de Sandhya Suri

When her husband dies, Santosh inherits his position in the police force, as Indian law allows. She soon finds herself investigating the murder of a young girl and plunging into a sordid affair alongside the charismatic Inspector Sharma.

Endowed with CHF 10,000 – Offered by the Hélène and Victor Barbour Foundation
Awarded by the International Fiction Jury

“Imbued with flawless integrity and undeniable talent, this film explores India’s complex social realities: injustice, collective violence—deliberate or not—, gender and class inequalities. The heroine’s journey, both personal and social, is depicted with exceptional nuance, turning vulnerability into moral strength and inspiring deep empathy in viewers, all while avoiding any hint of victimisation. Exquisitely refined, this debut feature by Indian director Sandhya Suri delivers a luminous message of human dignity.“

Special Mentions

Praising the high standard of this year’s eight Fiction selections, the jury awards special mentions to two features: Cosmos by Germinal Roaux—an authentic letter of hope and love to humanity, elevated by mesmerising cinematography—and Sugar Island by Johanné Gómez Terrero, a heart-rending manifesto for justice with a dazzling direction.

Youth Jury Award – Fiction

In the Land of Brothers by Alireza Ghasemi & Raha Amirfazli

Amid the US invasion, Mohammad, Leila, and Qasem—three members of an extended Afghan family—try to start over in Iran as refugees, unaware that decades will pass before they feel “at home”.

Endowed with CHF 1,000 – Offered by the Eduki Foundation
Awarded by the Youth Fiction Jury: Ethan De Oliveira, Mélusine Faure, Aurele Guyon Riviere, Gaspard Stoll, Camilia Von Wyss et Areg Sultanyan

“This profoundly moving fiction, distinguished by remarkable aesthetics, held our full attention. Through its work on sound, direction, and staging, the storytelling captivates. The striking harmony between content and form is evident: here, imagery resonates more powerfully than words, immersing us in an original, innovative approach to the theme of migration—a subject as timely as it is crucial. Regardless of gender, age, or background, each character affects us with the force of their emotions and the honesty of their experiences, awakening a deep sense of empathy. To highlight their courage, solidarity, and hope, we have chosen to honour this masterfully realised film.“

The International Creative Documentary Jury is represented by Fabrice Boulé (Caritas Switzerland), Laurence Hoenig (Médecins Sans Frontières), Michael Ineichen (Amnesty International Switzerland), Olivier Peter (OMCT) and Marion Petrocchi (Helvetas).

Vision for Human Rights Award

There is Another Way by Stephen Apkon

Members of Combatants for Peace—Israelis and Palestinians—work together to foster non-violence, convinced that reconciliation is not only possible but essential. The question remains, however: is it truly realistic?

Endowed with CHF 5,000
Awarded by the Focus Jury

“This film adopts a profoundly humane perspective, generating a strong emotional impact. It gives voice to victims and witnesses of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict without succumbing to hatred or calls for vengeance, showing that—even amid suffering—it is possible to reject barbarity and stand up for peace and human rights. It also urges us to protect and expand dialogue between Israeli and Palestinian civil society, including, if necessary, abroad—in Switzerland, for example.“

StoryBoard Impact Award

Children of Honey by Jigar Ganatra & Immanuel Musa Marco

Endowed with CHF 10,000.
Awarded by The Storyboard Collective.

“Tonight, we wish to highlight the power of friendship and the importance of truly listening to young people in uncertain times, not only in the West but globally. In this context, words, languages, traditions, and the communities preserving them are more essential than ever. Indeed, far too often we learn of the tragic extinction and loss of Indigenous cultures, especially in the Americas. The passion and joie de vivre of the Hadza people shine as a beacon of hope, demonstrating their commitment to preserving their heritage. As the film continues its production journey, its impact campaign is likewise urgent and promising, not only for the Hadza community but for the world at large.“

Swiss Focus Impact Award

Nathalie by Tamara Milosevic and produced by Recycled TV.

Endowed with CHF 2,500.
Awarded to a project presented during the Swiss Focus.

“The film follows Nathalie, a single mother who has been battling debt for years, with little chance of escape. It reminds us that in a wealthy country like Switzerland, this can happen to anyone. Through its impact campaign—starting in Switzerland—it aims to raise public awareness and put pressure on political parties to find solutions. Internationally, it has the potential to expose the issue on a wider stage.“

Sublimages Impact Award

Traces by Alisa Kovalenko & Marysia Nikitiuk

This award provides one Impact Days 2025 project with a full film translation and subtitle creation in one of four languages: English, French, Spanish, or Portuguese. Awarded by Sublimages.

“One film particularly resonated with us because of the remarkable courage of its directors and the crucial theme they address in their work. It holds strong potential for international distribution, aided by the possibility of translation and subtitling into a third language.“

IN CORRECTIONAL FACILITIES

La Brenaz Jury Award

Life is Beautiful by Mohamed Jabaly

Stunned to be displaced, Mohamed is forced to confront what it means to be a stateless person – a label he resists. “Life is Beautiful” is an insider’s take on how to persevere and ultimately succeed in the struggle for self-determination

“The La Brenaz Jury awards its prize to Life is Beautiful. It is a well-rounded film in which Mohamed, as a Palestinian and a filmmaker, strives for recognition. The jury praises his unwavering perseverance, his resilience, his ability to keep smiling despite difficulties, and his generosity in conveying a positive message to humanity.“

Champ-Dollon Jury Award 

Riverboom by Claude Baechtold

Riverboom is the odyssey of three young reporters in Afghanistan, shortly after the attacks of 11 September 2001. Miles away from Kabul and with a camera bought at the market, Claude Baechtold will film the adventures of Serge, a moralist journalist and workaholic, and Paolo, a photographer as jovial as he is oblivious. ‘Riverboom’ is a story of encounters, serendipity and the unexpected.
One day, Claude Baechtold receives a call from Serge Michel. The journalist asked him to accompany him by car to Kabul.

“The Champ-Dollon Jury presents its prize to Riverboom. This film blends friendship, information, risk, adventure, self-deprecation, and humour. It dismantles prejudices and preconceptions, showcasing every facet of Afghan society.“

IN HOSPITALS
The FIFDH is collaborating with the Maison de l’enfance et de l’adolescence (MEA) on a Convergences jury workshop.

Convergences Award

Flying Hands by Marta Gomez & Paula Iglesias

There are people who don’t accept the idea of a lost fight. Women who question the tradition and cultural inertia that violate their rights. The protagonist of Flying Hands is one of them. This is the story of Aniqa Bano ,a woman who learnt how to listen to the silence. Flying Hands is a story of commitment, fight for integration and equal opportunities.

“The Convergences Prize goes to Flying Hands. The jury commends its stunning imagery and landscapes, as well as its moving portrayal of the reality facing deaf and hard-of-hearing people in Pakistan.“