Anna Jackova

Winners of One World 2024: Awarded Films Amplify Women’s Voices

Bratislava, October 25, 2024 – The film Is There Any Place for Me, Please? by Jarmila Štuková earned top recognition from the international jury of the One World festival, winning the main award at Friday’s ceremony on October 25. Festival attendees have one more chance to see it on Sunday, October 27, along with a live appearance by the newly awarded director. The Slovak film Gray Zone also received two honors. Screenings at Kino Lumière will continue until Sunday, October 27, and selected films will be available online for an additional seven days.

“I honestly have no idea what I look like,” says Martina, the main protagonist of Is There Any Place for Me, a documentary following her life after a devastating acid attack by her former partner. Director Jarmila Štuková’s film documents Martina’s journey as she rebuilds her life and identity from scratch.

“The director of this courageous film tells a survival story through an intimate and skillfully crafted portrait of her protagonist, exploring the dark and painful consequences of a horrific crime that is spreading across various countries and often goes unreported. The film conveys a powerful message, showing that resilience and hope can overcome even what once seemed irreversible,” stated the international jury, who selected the winners in the Slovak and Czech Human Rights section.

This year’s jury included Catalan filmmaker, critic, and researcher Anna Petrus; Polish director and producer Maciek Hamela; and Viera Čákanyová, the director of last year’s winning film. Eight films from Slovakia and the Czech Republic competed in the Human Rights section.

Director Jarmila Štuková received a €2,000 cash prize from the law firm Detvai Ludik Malý, along with a unique sculpture created by artist Mária Tóthová.

Double Honors for Gray Zone

The Slovak film Gray Zone, directed by Daniela Meressy Rusnoková, offers an intimate look at the experience of premature birth, portraying babies who come into the world in the so-called “gray zone” as extremely underdeveloped. From the very first second, the film pulls viewers into the shock experienced by women who give birth prematurely—a trauma that can shape their entire lives. The film gradually reveals the significant challenges faced by mothers and families of preterm babies with health complications, as well as bereaved parents, single parents, and other vulnerable groups in Slovakia.

“Gray Zone addresses the crucial but often overlooked topic of perinatal grief and the care required for premature infants and their parents. These families, particularly single mothers, face numerous challenges, which are often compounded by the lack of systemic support from Slovak state institutions and potentially those in other countries. Thoughtfully edited, the film conveys a deeply sincere and impactful personal message that reflects broader social issues,” stated the jury, awarding it the Special Recognition in the Slovak and Czech Human Rights section.

The creators of Gray Zone received a book package from the main media partner, Aktuality.sk, as well as a media support voucher valued at €5,000.

In addition to the Special Recognition, Gray Zone received the DAFilms.sk Award. “Our curators were captivated by the film’s intimate and authentic atmosphere, which invites viewers into the daily struggles of families with disabled children. The film uses a unique artistic approach to open the doors to these often-overlooked lives, encouraging the audience to engage with these stories,” explained Dorota Zacharová, curator of DAFilms.sk. The winning film will receive online distribution and digital marketing worth €1,000 on the DAFilms.sk platform.

Both winning films, Is There Any Place for Me and Gray Zone, will be available online starting October 30 through the festival’s selection on the One World website and DAFilms.sk.

Campaign for Change Award

This year, the festival also presented the special REPowerEU Award for the Best Campaign for Change, created during the accompanying Days of Change event, which aims to support artists in creating works that bring about positive societal change.

The REPowerEU Award went to the film World of Walls by director Lucia Kašová. The campaign associated with the film resonates strongly with the urgent challenges of the climate crisis and society’s apathy toward future generations. Set in an unspecified country devastated by natural disasters, the film highlights the alarming disparity between a privileged elite living in secure, luxurious neighborhoods and the rest of the population struggling with resource scarcity.

“This dystopian vision urges immediate action on environmental issues, aiming to prevent a future that could become reality. The campaign utilizes innovative tools and new partnerships to inspire action among state representatives, individuals, and communities, emphasizing the urgency of protecting our planet,” explained Eva Pavlovičová, coordinator of the Days of Change event.

The winning film receives a €5,000 prize to support its campaign for change.*

The Festival Continues

The award ceremony does not mark the end of One World. Screenings and engaging side programs at Kino Lumière will continue until Sunday, October 27. The full program is available on the festival website.

After the festival, ten films will be available online from October 28 to November 3 on the One World website and DAFilms.sk:

• I Will Not Succumb to Hate
• Who Am I Not
• Against the Current
• The Silence of Trees
• Incompatible with Life
• I Am the River, the River Is Me
• The Unknown Wilderness
• The Taste of Mango
• Nice Ladies
• Our Land, Our Freedom

The online selection is viewable exclusively with a special CINEPASS ONLINE, offered at three price levels: €3, €20, and €30, allowing viewers to select their preferred amount.

The festival is financially supported by the Audiovisual Fund, with main organization by the nonprofit People in Peril.

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The REPowerEU Award is presented by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister for the Recovery and Resilience Plan. Funded through the green chapter of the REPowerEU plan, it aims to reduce our impact on the planet without compromising our quality of life.