by Gjergji Agolli, Virginia Marcolini, Anna Vullo, Alice Capitani
The Balkan region is unsettled: its geopolitical, historical and cultural coordinates meet and collide, especially for those who live in these spaces. And from this rich diversity and this shared past and individual future a vague and often stereotyped imagery of these places was born.
This year’s geographical focus (Balkans focus) is dedicated to the polyphonic Balkan cinema and aims to showcase the varied elements that shape Balkan identity. While remembering a shared history, the focus intends to encompass contemporary stories and aesthetics, using a visual language that blends documentary, fiction, and formal experimentation. This selection aims to give back a colourful imagery that goes beyond a grey and tough representation, by highlighting gestures, places, and gazes of these territories.
Short films featured in the Balkans focus:
Αβανταζ (Avantaz), Christos Tatsis, Greece, 2025, mocumentary, 18′
Beli Dani (Bright Summer Days), Nevena Desivojevic, Serbia, 2026, experimental fiction, 15′
Čovjek Koji Nije Mogao Šutjeti (The Man Who Could Not Remain Silent), Nebojša Slijepčević, Croatia, 2024, fiction, 14′
I Accidentally Stepped on a Flower, Eneos Çarka, Stivi Imami, Albania, 2025, experimental, 17′
It’s Quiet Now, Flaka Kokolli, North Macedonia, 2026, animation, 6′
Krahët e Punëtoreve (Workers’ Wings), Ilir Hasanaj, Kosovo, 2024, experimental documentary, 19′