Blue Heron, the contemplative and emotionally charged debut by Canadian-Hungarian director Sophy Romvari, claimed the prestigious Kingfisher Award at the 36th Ljubljana International Film Festival. The jury praised the film for its meticulous pacing and its ability to transform a deeply personal family story into a universal cinematic experience, calling it “a deeply moving work of art” rendered with exceptional precision and courage.
The jury’s special mention went to A Sad and Beautiful World by Lebanese filmmaker Cyril Aris, which also captured the Audience Dragon Award.
The panel highlighted the film’s poignant depiction of life under constant threat and political uncertainty, commending its clarity, emotional depth, and exploration of love and loss in a fractured region.
LIFFe’s awards extended to Slovenian cinema as well. An Orange from Jaffa by Mohammed Almughanni was named Best Short Film, while Slovenian director Jakob Krese received a special mention for Ceasefire. Ester Ivakič earned the FIPRESCI Award for her feature debut Ida Who Sang So Badly Even the Dead Rose Up and Joined Her in Song, celebrated for its sensitive portrayal of childhood and magical realism. The Slovenian Art Cinema Association Award went to Sergei Loznitsa’s historical drama Two Prosecutors, recognized for its timeless relevance and powerful parallels with current global events.
