AWARDS AND STATEMENTS 15th StopTrik International film festival
STOPTRIK 2025 MARIBOR AUDIENCE GRAND PRIX STOP MOTION ANIMATION
Detlev, dir. Ferdinand Ehrhardt, prod. Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg
2024, Germany, 12’50’’
The Girl Who Cried Pearls / La jeune fille qui pleurait des perles / Dekle, ki je jokalo bisere
dir. Maciek Szczerbowski, Chris Lavis, prod. NFB National Film Board of Canada, 2025, Canada, 17'28''
STOPTRIK 2025 MARIBOR AUDIENCE GRAND PRIX BORDERLANDS
Sewing Machine / Õmblusmasin / Šivalni stroj,
dir. Ülo Pikkov, prod. Silmviburlane, 2024
Estonia, 16'38''
STOPTRIK 2025 MARIBOR STUDENTS JURY
Maribor Student Jury: Melita Sandrin, Lucija Klauž, Kristjan Matjašič
Stop motion animation AWARD
On Weary Wings Go By / Linnud läinud / Ko ptice odlete, dir. Anu-Laura Tuttelberg, prod. Fork Film, ART SHOT, Moon Birds Studios, 2024, Estonia, Lithuania, 11'
The jury selected the film because it believes that, by exploring the movement of various materials captured on analog film and animated in nature, it stands out in its experimentation with the medium of stop-motion animation. In addition, through the design of the puppets, framing, and sound, it skillfully and precisely establishes an atmosphere, thus closely linking the form with a series of intertwined themes: the circularity of nature and life, and the interdependence of different species, where humans are just one among many, and winter heralds the end of the cycle.
Stop motion animation SPECIAL MENTION
Occhio, dir. Giulia Falciani, prod. Film University Babelsberg KONRAD WOLF, 2024, Germany, 6'06''
The jury gives special mention to the film Occhio. The film is distinguished by its detailed exploration and depiction of psychological spaces that refer to anatomical images of the interior of the body and it's delicate parts, successfully evoking a physical response from the viewer and conveying a sense of anxiety brought on by hyperfixation on (non-functioning) bodily functions. Visually, it is certainly a repulsive work, but within the context of the film, disgust loses its negative connotations, as its visceral nature further emphasises the humorous atmosphere of the film.
Borderlands AWARD
Dark Globe / Mračna obla, dir. Donato Sansone, prod. Base Zero, 2024, Italy, France, 3'18''
The jury selected Dark Globe as the winner of the Borderlands category. This three-minute comic-style animation embodies the essence of action films. The story has an apocalyptic feel, which foreshadows humanity's self-destruction and its almost inevitable doom. With its combination of neck-breaking pace, excessive violence, and a touch of transhumanism, it brings to mind the works of John Carpenter and Paul Verhoeven, creating an entertaining experience that ends just at the right moment.
Borderlands SPECIAL MENIONS
Sewing Machine / Õmblusmasin / Šivalni stroj, dir. Ülo Pikkov, prod. Silmviburlane, 2024, Estonia, 16'38''
The jury awards a special mention in the borderlands category to the film Šivalni stroj (Sewing Machine). Through the skillful use of archival footage from the region, it takes the viewer through the events of the city with an intimate narrative, capturing the feelings of uncertainty and anxiety of individuals in wartime, highlighting the randomness of individual fates, and presenting a complex view of historical events.
STOPTRIK 2025 MARIBOR YOUNG AUDIENCE GRAND PRIX (group age 6-8 years old)
Bobel's Kitchen / Boblova kuhinja, dir. Fiona Rolland, prod. Atelier de production de La Cambre, 2024, Belgium, 10’25’’
STOPTRIK 2025 MARIBOR YOUNG AUDIENCE GRAND PRIX (group age 9-11 years old)
The Night Boots / Les Bottes de la Nuit / Nočni škornji, dir. Pierre-Luc Granjon, prod. Am Stram Gram, 2024, France, 12’21”
STOPTRIK 2025 MARIBOR YOUNG AUDIENCE GRAND PRIX (group age 12-14 years old)
Freak of Nature / Spaka, dir. Alexandra Lermer, 2024, Germany, 08’16’’