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There is always a glimmer of possibility within the impossible, inviting us to see stories from a different perspective: the perspective of hope. The hope that change can happen, that life can truly be felt through the energy that emerges when we face real challenges with courage, determination, commitment and dedication, despite every obstacle.
“The impossible things” is not only the theme of the 56th edition of the Giffoni Film Festival: it is the common thread running through the emotions of the #jurors, who rewarded stories showing that there is always a key, sometimes well hidden, ready to unlock the closed doors of each person’s life, from the youngest to the oldest.
This is because the Giffoni Film Festival has the extraordinary ability to sit beside young people in what could be called the “seat of emotions”, guiding them through a genuine journey of self-discovery. Throughout the festival, every participant truly feels at the centre of attention: a safe haven where even life’s deepest pain can be faced with courage. The competing films offered a sensitive reflection of young people’s experiences. Asked not only to judge but also to open the doors to their own daily lives, the jurors allowed a ray of light to enter, helping them look at the present with fresh eyes and greater awareness. In choosing the winning films, they were guided by the stories in which they recognised themselves. Stories proving that the greatest opportunities often arise from challenges that seem impossible to overcome.
The winning films of this year’s #GiffoniFilmFestival embody all of this: the value of teamwork, the courage to dare and push beyond one’s limits, and the resilience of those who refuse to surrender in the face of adversity.
AWARD-WINNING FEATURE FILMS
The Elements +6 jury awarded “Garuda – Dare to Dream” (Indonesia), directed by Ronny Gani, written by Sofia Lo and Makbul Mubarak, and edited by Aline Jusria. The film tells the story of a 13-year-old boy with asthma who dreams of playing for the Indonesian national football team and, against all odds, succeeds. Set in a magical atmosphere that conceals a powerful message, the film reminds audiences that magic reveals itself only to those willing to see it. The #jurors enthusiastically welcomed the film during a screening attended by the director. Gani explained that he chose an asthmatic protagonist to deliver a message of hope: “No one is born a winner, but we can all become one by pushing beyond our limits”.
The Elements +10 jury watched “Just Call Me Frida” (Germany) together with director Katja Benrath, who shared an inspiring message: “Live your life, follow your dreams with courage, because death surrounds us all and we must never be afraid to truly live”. The film, which won the Gryphon Award, was written by Anne Gröger, photographed by Valentin Selmke, and edited by Ulf Albert. It follows Samuel, a boy who has spent years in hospital because of an autoimmune disease. He meets Frida, the Little Grim Reaper, who must first learn about life before she can become Death—and Samuel is the one destined to teach her. Although he fears the world beyond the hospital, he must accompany Frida on a journey of discovery in order to free himself from her.
It is always easier to make fun of someone than to take responsibility for your own mistakes. “The Altar Boys” (Poland) deeply moved the Generator +13 jury, earning the category’s top prize. Directed and written by Piotr Domalewski, with cinematography by Piotr Sobociński Jr. and editing by Agnieszka Glińska, the film follows a group of teenage altar boys frustrated by the indifference of adults and the Church towards social injustice. They devise an unconventional plan to restore morality to their neighbourhood, only to discover how thin the line between good and evil can be.
For director Ivan Pavljutskov, the protagonist of “Morten” (Estonia/Lithuania), winner of the Generator +15 section, represents “a journey of discovery and self-awareness”. Together with the #jurors—who ultimately awarded the film—he reflected on a moving story of friendship and personal growth. Fifteen-year-old Morten lives with his unemployed uncle on a rundown farm while his mother works abroad to secure a better future. Isolated from his classmates and ashamed of his circumstances, he escapes into photography, using an old camera as his only way to understand the world around him. Everything changes when two girls unexpectedly enter his life. The screenplay was written by Reeli Reinaus, with cinematography by Ants Tammik and editing by Ricardas Matacius.
Reflection, memory and the power of words intertwine in “You Believe in Angels, Mr. Drowak?” (Germany/Switzerland), which won the Generator +18 section after an emotional discussion between the audience and director Nicolas Steiner. Written by Bettina Gundermann, photographed by Markus Nestroy, and edited by Kaya Inan, the film follows Lena, who applies to become a writing tutor for a social initiative called “The Office”. She discovers that her only student is Hugo Drowak, a formerly homeless man with extraordinary talent. Yet the more Hugo writes, the more memories and demons from his past begin to resurface. The film also received the Gaetano Del Mauro Memorial Award for Best Cinematography.
The Gex Doc jury awarded “One in a Million” (Germany), directed, written and photographed by Itab Azzam and Jack MacInnes, with editing by Alec Rossiter and Iain Pettifer-Moth. Filmed over the course of ten years, the documentary follows Israa from childhood to adulthood, tracing her remarkable journey from Syria to Germany and back through a deeply personal account of war, exile and loss, while exploring the search for identity and belonging.
SHORT FILMS
The Elements +3 jury honoured “Snorri, catch me if you candy!” (Germany), directed by Thierry Marchand, as Best Short Film. This charming 3D animated film follows a tiny blue octopus desperately trying to catch a giant lollipop, with hilarious results. Through talking animals, everyday heroes, magical worlds and miniature adventures, the Elements +3 selection once again celebrated childhood as a space of endless discovery, where every experience becomes an opportunity to better understand ourselves, others and the world around us.
The Parental Experience award went to “Where we sit together” (Taiwan), directed by Joshua Yang. The short tells the story of Fang, a ten-year-old girl who lives in a cramped apartment without a dining table. During a friend’s birthday dinner, she experiences for the first time the warmth and sense of belonging that comes from sharing a meal together.
The Elements +6 jury awarded “The little Hotel Detective” (Netherlands), directed by Julia van Braak. The story follows 11-year-old Billie as she tries to uncover the identity of a mysterious inspector whose visit could force her mother’s small hotel to close.
The Elements +10 jury selected “Il Murales del Campione” (The Champion’s Mural) (Italy), directed by Massimiliano Pacifico, as Best Short Film. While a film production company prepares a documentary about murals dedicated to Diego Armando Maradona, auditions begin to find the young actor who will play the leading role.
SPECIAL AWARDS
The Gryphon Awards were not the only honours presented at #Giffoni56. The festival also bestowed a series of prestigious Special Awards, presented by partners and associations collaborating with Giffoni, recognising films distinguished by their artistic excellence, educational value and social impact.
The 2026 Zecchino d’Oro Award for Best Original Score in the Elements +3 – Short Films section went to “Il Gatto Inverno” (The Winter Cat) (Italy), directed by Aurora Cesarini, Silvia Sabbatini and Marta Zanoni, for its delicate and emotionally rich soundtrack.
The 2026 CONAI Fenice Special Award, in the Elements +6 – Short Films section, was presented to “Alby – The Last Tree” (Italy), directed by Alessandro Parrello, for transforming a fairy tale into a powerful environmental education message that highlights the role of younger generations in creating change through everyday actions.
The 2026 Lete Special Award went to “Garuda: Dare to Dream” (Indonesia) by Ronny Gani, honoured for authentically portraying the courage to pursue one’s dreams through commitment, determination and teamwork.
The 2026 Ecopneus Special Award recognised “Splish Splash Forever!” (Switzerland), directed by Natascha Beller, for turning a story of collective renewal into a powerful metaphor for recycling and regeneration.
The 2026 ECFA Special Award – Best European Film for Children was presented to “Mira” (Denmark), directed by Marie Limkilde.
The 2026 ACEC Award, in the Generator +15 section, went to “Nipster” (Sweden), directed by Sunniva Eir Tangvik Kveum, for its originality, narrative rhythm and nuanced exploration of complex issues without judging its characters.
“Morten” by Ivan Pavljutskov received two further honours. The 2026 CONOU Special Award celebrated its sensitive portrayal of vulnerability and personal rebirth, while the 2026 CGS – Percorsi Creativi Award for the Generator +15 section recognised its coming-of-age narrative, emotional resonance for teenage audiences, and the outstanding quality of its direction, cinematography and soundtrack.
Finally, the 2026 CGS – Percorsi Creativi Award for the Generator +18 section went to “You Believe in Angels, Mr. Drowak?” by Nicolas Steiner (Germany/Switzerland), praised for addressing themes such as loneliness, remorse and self-destruction through a powerful dystopian lens and for its striking visual style and expressive direction.