Celebrating the 20th South East European Film Festival
The 20th edition of the South East European Film Festival (SEEfest) concluded recently in Los Angeles, highlighting outstanding cinematic contributions from the region. This year’s festival, which ran from April 30 to May 7, reunited film enthusiasts and creatives to present awards recognizing both jury and audience favorites.
Award Winners at SEEfest 2025
Grand Jury Prize for Best Feature Film
DJ Ahmet, directed by North Macedonian filmmaker Georgi M. Unkovski, stood out by winning the Grand Jury Prize. The film has been acclaimed for its emotional storytelling, presenting a coming-of-age narrative set in a Yuruk village in North Macedonia. The jury praised the film’s cinematography, stating:
“A lyrical coming of age story set in a Yuruk village in North Macedonia – manages to be both deeply relatable and rapturously original.” – Jury Statement
Audience Awards
DJ Ahmet also garnered the Audience Award, in addition to the Cinema Without Borders’ “Bridging the Borders” award. The film had previously premiered at Sundance, securing a Special Jury Award for Creative Vision.
Best Ensemble Award
The ensemble cast of The New Year That Never Came, directed by Bogdan Mureșanu, earned recognition for its exceptional performances. The jury highlighted the film’s vivid storytelling, set against the backdrop of the Romanian revolution, stating:
“It’s a gorgeous film with a remarkable ensemble of performers.” – Jury Statement
Best Documentary Film
At the Door of the House, Who Will Come Knocking, directed by Maja Novaković, was honored as Best Documentary Film. The film’s evocative imagery and emotional depth impressed jurors, who stated:
“How can a film with hardly any plot or dialogue grab you by the lapels and not let go? See this film and find out!” – Jury Statement
Additional Recognitions
Best Feature Documentary
The Audience Award in the feature documentary category went to Nasty, a compelling portrayal of tennis legend Ilie Nastase. Directed by a team of Romanian filmmakers, this documentary captures the essence of Nastase’s rebellious spirit in sports.
The Experience and Legacy of SEEfest
Founded in 2006 by cultural entrepreneur Vera Mijojlić, SEEfest has become a vital platform for showcasing films from South and Eastern Europe. This year’s festival experienced a robust turnout, celebrating creative talent from 20 countries across the region.
With a vibrant lineup of films and a focus on storytelling that resonates universally, SEEfest continues to foster an appreciation for diverse narratives and cultural exchange.
2025 SEEfest Prize Winners Summary:
- Best Feature Film, Grand Jury Prize: DJ Ahmet
- Best Ensemble: The New Year That Never Came
- Best Documentary Film: At the Door of the House, Who Will Come Knocking
- Best Cinematography in a Feature Film: Supermarket
- Best Short Fiction: Choice
- Best Documentary Short: Zastava Brothers