The main pitching award for the best pitch, in the amount of 3,000 EUR, was presented to Chui Thermal by writer and director Larissa Murai (Brazil). The Sayonara Film Award, supporting the creation of a festival and distribution strategy, went to Children of Suad by writer and director Moatasem Taha (Czech Republic, Palestine), while the European Short Pitch consulting prize was awarded to Dreaming With You by Alberte Parnuuna (Greenland). In addition, a special mention was given to Empty House by writer and director Sheida Sheikhha (Czech Republic, Iran) and produced by Apoorva Satish (Off Beat Films / Czech Republic, India).
Held at VERN' University from 30 June to 2 July, with the event culminating in the pitching forum on 3 July 2025 at Kaptol Boutique Cinema in Zagreb, this year’s edition brought together emerging filmmakers from across Europe and beyond. Over the course of the workshop, participants worked intensively under the expert guidance of our distinguished mentor Roshanak Behesht Nedjad, refining their stories and preparing to present them to an international audience and jury.
The winners of this special 10th edition of Let’s Pitch Some Shorts! have been revealed, celebrating exceptional projects that captivated the jury with their originality, emotional depth, and distinctive artistic voices. This milestone edition once again highlighted the power of short films to transcend borders, shed light on underrepresented stories, and spark meaningful conversations.
Reflecting on this milestone edition, Martina Petrović, Head of the Creative Europe MEDIA Desk Croatia, shared:
This is above all a celebration: of emerging voices, of stories that transcend borders and challenge our perspectives, and of meaningful connections forged through cinema. It is a testament to the power of creating inclusive, nurturing spaces where new talent and diverse narratives can truly flourish.
After the conclusion of the workshop, with the pitching forum serving as the culmination of the event, the jury — composed of Julie Rousson (Euro Connection / Clermont-Ferrand Short Film Market), Adam Selo (Sayonara Film), Mile Božičević (scriptwriter), and Julie Marnay (European Short Pitch) — announced the winners:
The main prize for the best pitch in the amount of 3,000 EUR was awarded to the short film Chui Thermal by writer and director Larissa Murai (Brazil) and with the following explanation:
What ultimately led us to select the winner was not only its originality, but also the way the story compels us to confront our deepest fears and societal taboos surrounding beauty and age, all presented through a unique and striking aesthetic.
A special mention was given to the short film Empty House written and directed by Sheida Sheikhha (Czech Republic, Iran) and produced by Apoorva Satish (Off Beat Films / Czech Republic, Iran) with the following explanation:
We wished to give a special mention to a project that powerfully resonates in today’s context, presented through a clear and precise pitch by its director and producer.
The award for developing a festival and distribution strategy under the auspices of Sayonara Film was awarded to the short film Children of Suad by Moatasem Taha (Czech Republic, Iran) and with the following explanation:
This film truly touches the heart with its gentle yet humorous portrayal of connection, resilience, and hope in the face of loss. It beautifully celebrates empathy and the strength of community through a simple, yet deeply moving story told through the pets we all cherish.
The prize for consultancy services under the auspices of European Short Pitch was awarded to the short film Dreaming With You by writer and director Alberte Parnuuna (Greenland) and with the following explanation:
A touching and deeply personal project that evokes memories of forgotten and stolen heritage, all conveyed through a strong and distinctive artistic voice.
A heartfelt thank you goes to all the participants for their dedication, creativity, and inspiring stories. A very special thank you also to our wonderful mentor, Roshanak Behesht Nedjad, whose expert guidance, warmth, and generous sharing of knowledge gave every participant the opportunity to present themselves and their projects in the best possible light.
We extend our deepest gratitude to all our partners for their steadfast support and collaboration: the Creative Europe MEDIA Desks from Cyprus, Czech Republic Denmark, Montenegro and Serbia, together with the Film Center of Montenegro, Arts Council Malta, the Organisation for European Programmes and Cultural Relations in Cyprus, the Greenland Film Makers Association (Film.gl), as well as Kaptol Boutique Cinema for hosting our pitching forum and VERN’ University for providing a welcoming space for our workshop sessions.
As we look back on these days filled with creativity and meaningful exchange, we are reminded once again of the importance of fostering inclusive spaces where new talent and diverse narratives can truly flourish and grow.
Thank you all for being part of this journey — let’s continue to pitch, connect, and tell new stories together!