The Thessaloniki International Documentary Festival unveiled the winners of its 28th edition on March 15, with Polish documentary Closure by Michał Marczak taking the top honor in the International Competition.

During the awards ceremony, hosted by Greek Program Coordinator Vassilis Terzopoulos, the festival highlighted the importance of documentary filmmaking in capturing truth in a turbulent global climate, emphasizing its role in reflecting the realities of the modern world.

Closure was awarded the International Competition Golden Alexander, which includes a €12,000 cash prize and automatic eligibility for submission to the Academy Awards in the Documentary Feature category. The jury praised the film for its deeply immersive storytelling and emotional portrayal of a father’s inner life. Marczak noted the significance of returning to Thessaloniki after previously presenting the project at the Agora Pitching Forum.

The International Competition Silver Alexander, accompanied by €5.000, went to Birds of War by Janay Boulos and Abd Alkader Habak, recognized for its portrayal of resilience and humanity amid conflict. Special mentions were awarded to The Beauty of Errors by Jukka Kärkkäinen and Around Paradise by Yulia Lokshina.

In the Newcomers Competition, the Golden Alexander “Dimitri Eipides” and €10.000 prize went to At No Cost by Mary Bouli, an intimate exploration of bodily autonomy and personal agency. The Silver Alexander was awarded to Replica by Chouwa Liang, which examines modern relationships and virtual intimacy.

The Film Forward Competition, dedicated to innovative documentary forms, awarded its Golden Alexander and €6.000 prize to Dear Future by Christiana Cheiranagnostaki. The Silver Alexander went to Level by Carlos Mora Fuentes and Anna Berkhof for its visually poetic approach to nature and human connection.

In the Immersive: All Around Cinema section, which focuses on extended reality storytelling, the Golden Alexander and €2.000 prize was awarded to Another Place by Domenico Singha Pedroli. The jury commended the project for its effective use of immersive technology to explore contemporary social themes, highlighting its strong integration of sound, visuals, and interactivity.