Two projects developed during the second cycle of the iMEdD Incubator were among those honored with awards at the Thessaloniki International Documentary Festival.
The documentary “EXILE(S), Stories of an Island” by Giorgos Iliopoulos received three distinctions: the ERT Award, the FIPRESCI Award for a Greek feature-length documentary participating in one of the festival’s competition sections, and a Special Mention from the Council of Europe’s Human Rights in Motion Award.
Accepting the ERT Award, the director said:
“I would like to thank ERT for supporting the project. I am also deeply grateful to the people of the Festival who have supported the project from the beginning until today. Their presence is essential. This is a very difficult time to make films: anyone who manages to make one is already a winner. Congratulations to everyone, and thank you very much.”
In its citation, the FIPRESCI jury described the film as a perceptive analysis of an exceptionally complex reality, praising its nuanced approach to a difficult history and a troubled present. The jury highlighted the documentary’s objective and multifaceted perspective on the tragedies of the past and the fragility of the present, noting how the director conveys the heavy legacy weighing on an Aegean island through the modest testimonies of its residents. Avoiding hasty judgments and gradually revealing a long history of violence, injustice, and destruction, the film portrays the profound sadness of a once-vibrant community while reflecting on the consequences of political authorities’ failure to respect an international treaty.
Speaking on behalf of the jury, Stefanos Dalasis referred to the important role of FIPRESCI—the International Federation of Film Critics—which in 2025 marked 100 years of contribution to the development of cinematic art.
Another project developed through the iMEdD Incubator, “Where Shadows Rest” by Marianna Oikonomou, received the Best Film Award from the Youth Jury, composed of students from the Film School of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki.
In its citation, the Youth Jury praised the film’s direction and cinematography for focusing on the mythological identity of Elefsina and the mysterious shipwrecks hidden in the darkness of its seabed. Narratively, as the film follows the organization of the opening ceremony of Eleusis 2023 European Capital of Culture, the mystery gradually expands into the depths of the human psyche, raising questions about the relationship between humans, nature, mythology, and the past.
Check out all the awards of the 28th TiDF here
