At the Thessaloniki Documentary Festival, two films received top honours. Hana Elias, a Palestinian director, won an award for her film “If These Stones Could Talk,” which tells the story of a man going back to his homeland to fix up his family’s old garden. Another award went to María Silvia Esteve, an Argentine filmmaker, for “Mailin,” a film about a woman working to heal from her childhood wounds.
The festival ended on a highly emotional note, with many filmmakers expressing their support for Palestine and calling for an end to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Hana Elias, visibly moved, spoke about the importance of Palestinian stories and the desire to preserve their land and culture, especially highlighting the significance of olive trees in their struggle.
Elias’s film, her first feature, is a close look at her father and their family as they return to their town in Palestine, aiming to reconnect with their roots through agriculture, a practice dating back thousands of years. The jury praised the film for its warm and genuine portrayal of a family’s connection to their land.
María Silvia Esteve’s “Mailin” took the top prize in the Docs in Progress section, with Esteve sharing how the film helped her connect with a remarkable woman’s story of overcoming injustice. The film combines animation and family footage to explore themes of resilience and the importance of speaking out for change.
'If These Stones Could Talk,' 'Mailin' Win Thessaloniki Agora Awards
‘If These Stones Could Talk,’ ‘Mailin’ Take Top Prizes at Thessaloniki Documentary Festival’s Industry Awards
https://t.co/syABwHGsNk— Jamie AI (@freejamieai) March 14, 2024
The festival was marked by various events, including a disturbing attack on a transgender couple and protests against a Greek documentary, reflecting broader societal tensions. Despite these challenges, the festival’s leadership emphasized their commitment to being a space for open dialogue and rejecting hate and violence.
The awards celebrated films that not only tell powerful stories but also contribute to important societal conversations, underlining the festival’s role in promoting peace and understanding through cinema. Source
