Festival
After five days of screenings, workshops, master classes and get-togethers of festival guests and participants, the closing ceremony of the International Festival of Ethnological Film took place on December 8th at the Ethnographic Museum in Belgrade. 
 
The jury of the 33rd International Festival of Ethnological Film in Belgrade, comprised of Sandra Perović, film critic and television author, Dejan Petrović, director and producer, and Miroslav Đurđević, film and TV producer, were present for the closing ceremony to declare the awards. 
 
The Festival Jury has decided to award the following films: 
 
Special Mention for the Contribution to Intangible Cultural Heritage: 
Tales of Men – directed by Anantha Krishnan, Мonica Bustamante, Boton Püsök, Charlotte Müller, Hungary.
With a simple choice of topic and minimalist directorial approach, the directing team brings us a story about masculinity, identity, tradition, and the culture of the Hungarian people. Due to the original, humorous, and emotionally told story, the jury decided to award this achievement with a special mention.
The “Dobrivoje Pantelić” Award for Best Film About Indigenous Cultures in Own Production:
Wind’s Heritage – directed by Nasim Soheili, Iran
By portraying an old man, the last miller whose mills are powered by windmills scattered across the Iranian desert, the film leads us to reflect on transience, but also on persistence and steadfastness in the face of all challenges. The wide shots of the desert, contrasted with close-ups of the old man’s weathered face, testify to the exquisitness of the ancient Persians, as well as to the dedication and greatness of the individual. Observationally, through brilliant cinematography and thoughtful use of sound effects, the director conveys the unique atmosphere of the place, while also proving her understanding of the essence of short-form filmmaking, founded on brevity, conciseness, and minimalism.
 
Best Student Film Award: 
Minding Sand – directed by Laura van Erp, the Netherlands
Exceptionally skilled in directing scenes with a documentary approach, the director immersed us in an authentic and powerful story about current issues of natural resource exploitation, intertwining ecological, social, and human aspects, creating an incredibly emotional film achievement that leaves no one indifferent.
Award for Best International Film: 
The Tree Climber – directed by Marco La Gala, Italy
Using a naturalistic approach, the author draws the viewer into the beauty of the rural landscapes of Italy – the gnarled bark of trees and the golden light of the Mediterranean serve as both a backdrop and a metaphor for themes of endurance and change. The minimalist approach allows the wisdom of the protagonist and the subtle rhythms of their actions in the story to come to the forefront, creating a kind of meditative cinematic experience.
 
Award for Best National Film:
The Planet Sljivova – directed by Vladimir Perović, Serbia
Observing the beautiful nature and the idyllic daily life of the villagers in the village of Šljivova, one might think it is possible to live peacefully, like in a fairy tale. Yet, in a gradual and subtle fashion, through the counterpoint of the imagery and the villagers' confessions, the director prompts us to critically reconsider what we have seen and experienced. The mastery of the author in gaining the trust of the interlocutors and drawing out their most sincere thoughts and feelings, as well as perfectly complementing them with the visuals, is evident in this exceptional documentary.
The main award – “Grand Prix Dragoslav Antonijević”:
Black Gold – directed by Takashi Sugimoto, Portugal/Japan
Through the story about the significance of long female hair in Indian culture, this visually impressive film combines the thematic focus of the festival with the highest cinematic standards. By blending simple aesthetics with the vivid yet raw beauty of rural India, the author illuminates the rich cultural, visual, and thematic layers, exploring the complex relationship between faith, sacrifice, and trade.
The main award, the “Grand Prix Dragoslav Antonijević” was accepted on behalf of the author by the ambassador of Portugal, his excellency José Rui Velez Caroço.