Two juries and the audience agreed on the winning films of the 17th Mediterranean Film Festival Split. The festival award The Fishhook for Best Feature Film from the "Mediterranean" programme and a cash prize of 2,000 euros were awarded to the Egyptian film "Voy! Voy! Voy!" directed by Omar Hilal. The same film also received the highest ratings from the FMFS audience.

- "Voy! Voy! Voy!" stands out with its originality, excellent performances, and the director's ability to weave a story that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. The talented Hilal offers a refreshingly unique narrative inspired by almost unbelievable real-life events, skillfully balancing humor and drama to create a dark comedy that addresses difficult topics of immigration and personal ambition. The film's intriguing story, combined with an intelligent script and an outstanding cast, guarantees an enjoyable experience while simultaneously tackling serious subthemes of migration, social challenges, and personal integrity. We believe this film will find its way to theaters and the hearts of audiences everywhere," stated the jury, which included Fatima Djoumer, Director of Europa Cinemas, and Jelena Vojvoda and Boban Stefanović from the Cinema Network of Croatia and Serbia.

In the jury selecting the best "Fishook" in the short Mediterranean films programme were animator Hana Tintor, screenwriter Nikola Kuprešanin, and last year's winner, director Ivan Efendić. The FMFS Fishhook for the best "Ješka" and a cash prize of 3,000 euros was awarded to the film "Žarko, You Will Spoil The Child!" by brothers Veljko and Milivoj Popović. The same film also received an additional 1,000 euros as the audience's choice award.

- "This animated film distinguishes itself with its original animation, drawing on the already stylistically recognizable illustrations of Tisja Kljaković Braić, the author of the original work. However, where it truly shines is in its humor, deeply rooted in the local culture, the warm and touching relationships between the characters, and the skillful portrayal of the spirit of the times in Split, now we can say, of the distant and somewhat forgotten 1980s. The film intertwines personal and authentic historical testimony in which entire generations of viewers can recognize and see themselves, giving it a universal value," stated the jury.

-"Watching the film in the ambiance of the Bačvice Open-air Cinema in front of our family, friends, and fellow citizens was already a wonderful experience for us. Being awarded by that same audience, knowing that the local audience is the most important and often the most critical, is the fulfillment of the ambition with which we embarked on making this film. When that sentiment from the audience is then confirmed by the expert jury, there is nothing more to say but a big thank you! Thank you to the audience, the jury, and the organizers," said Veljko Popović after the double victory.

Youth Jury consist of Martina Bunjevčević, Karolina Sušić, Ena Kljaković Šantić, Luka Jukić, and Karlo Bušić, who selected the Italian film "Enea" directed by Pietro Castellitto as the best among those viewed.

- "This film stood out from the others with its striking cinematic expression and colorful array of characters. 'Enea,' with its talented actors and captivating story, leaves a strong visual impression on the viewer thanks to its dynamic shots and a range of aesthetic elements that create a unique experience for the audience," explained the young film enthusiasts in their decision.

17th FMFS AWARDS

FMFS-a Fishhook for the best feature film from the "Mediterranean" programme and 2 000 euros monetary award
"Voy! Voy! Voy!" - Omar Hilal (Egypt)

Audience award for the best feature film
"Voy! Voy! Voy!" - Omar Hilal (Egypt)

Festivala Fishhook for the best “Ješka“, Mediterranean short film and 3 000 euros monetary award
"Žarko, You Will Spoil The Child!" - Veljko and Milivoj Popović (Croatia)

Audience award for the best short film “Ješka“ and 1 000 euros monetary award
"Žarko, You Will Spoil The Child!" - Veljko and Milivoj Popović (Croatia)

Youth Jury award
"Enea" - Pietro Casttellito (Italy)

Audience award for the best feature film from the "Parangal" and "The Other Side of the Mediterranean" programmes and distribution support valued at 1000 euros