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Special mention for the best acting
Mira
Director: Marie Limkilde
Denmark, 2025
Jury: Aimei Zuo, Marten Kukk, Tristan Sebastian Haddad
Jury comment: “We really wanted to give a special award to all the actors in the film, but especially to Ellen Edith Pultz-Hansen, who played Mira — it was truly a difficult role, and she had to express an enormous range of emotions. She is an amazing actress, and we wish her a great career ahead!”
JUST FILM YOUTH JURY BEST FILM AWARD
Wheelie
Director: Isis Mihrimah Cabolet
Netherlands, 2025
Jury comment: “The film’s vivid visual language and dynamic soundtrack create a moving portrait of a young man's harsh fate, guiding the audience through shock, sorrow, grief, and joy. The lead actor’s powerful transformation forges a deep empathetic connection, drawing us wholeheartedly into their journey. The film offers a rare glimpse into the everyday life of a person with a disability and brings forward a topic too often left in the background. The Grand Prize of the Just Film competition goes to “Wheelie.”
Special mention
The Pupil
Director: Karin Junger
Netherlands, Belgium
2025
Jury comment: “The film stands out for its sensitive and realistic portrayal of a serious subject that cannot — and should not — be overlooked. Its honest and nuanced approach brings attention to an issue that, unfortunately, remains painfully relevant. A Special Mention goes to “The Pupil.”
The Pupil will be screened on Sunday, 23 November at 14.45 at Apollo Kino Plaza.
JUST FILM ECFA (European Children Film Association) AWARD
Mira
Director: Marie Limkilde
Denmark, 2025
Jury: Nora Lakos, Janne Vierth, Alfred Sesma
Jury comment: This film depicts the thrill of the closeness in a beautiful friendship, the heartache when our protagonist steps over boundaries, both her own and the ones of them around her, in the futile struggle to save the friendship, and the bittersweet insight that it is over, as it used to be.
The script is wonderfully warm and humorous in a way that doesn’t sweep strong feelings under the carpet. The direction is sensitive with a great sense for details, both in relationships, in visuals and in the work with the wonderful cast.
Animated parts comment on the story in a subtle way that gives us insights into the mind and heart of the main character, without spelling it out.
It’s a film for anyone who has lost love in any form, but it never wavers from the perspective of an audience at an age where nothing in the world is more important than your friends.
JUST FILM GRAND PRIX, the winner receives the award worth €3,000.
They Call Me Danka
Director: Dovile Gasiunaite
Lithuania, 2025
Jury: Jen Skinner, Nuria Aidelman, Meel Paliale
Jury comment: “A complex portrayal of a girl navigating adulthood in difficult circumstances. It gives the floor to voices we do not hear from and the opportunity for us to spend time with them.
We chose this film because of the way the film maker relates to the character, to her presence and her evolution. The way she films and works with the sound is powerful, taking care of the main character of Danka in a respectful and tender way.
The performance of the lead actor had a magnetism that took us with her, to share her journey.”
They Call Me Danka will be screened on Saturday 22 November at 12.45 at Apollo Kino Plaza
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