The Stockholm International Film Festival has presented its awards for 2025, with Best Cinematography going to Evgenia Alexandrova AFC for her “colour-saturated and retro-scented cinematography” in Brazil’s Oscar submission The Secret Agent.
Tereza Nvotová’s Father took home the Bronze Horse for Best Film, with the Slovak feature said to have made a strong and lasting impression on the Stockholm International Film Festival jury, managing to take home two major awards at this year’s festival.
SIFF said: “With its masterful depiction of the aftermath of parenthood’s deepest fears, Father is therefore awarded Best Film.
“Best Screenplay also goes to Father, where director and screenwriter Tereza Nvotová, together with Dusan Budzak, has crafted a story that both grabs hold and lingers.”
The award for Best Director went to Mascha Schilinski for her work on the acclaimed film Sound of Falling, while the role of I-Ann in the warm film Left-Handed Girl saw Shih Yuan Ma receive the award for Best Actress, while Best Actor went to Harry Melling for his role as the love-hungry Colin in the queer drama Pillion.
Best Documentary went to the powerful Ukrainian war portrayal 2000 Meters to Andriivka by Oscar-winning director Mstyslav Chernov, and the international film critics’ jury FIPRESCI named No Other Choice by renowned South Korean director Park Chan-wook as Best Film.
The award for Best Debut went to Iraqi director Hasan Hadi for the acclaimed The President’s Cake, while actor Nils Wetterholm, most recently seen in The Dance Club, was crowned this year’s TV4 Rising Star.
On Father winning the Bronze Horse, the jury added: “This unflinching story – inspired by real events – invites us into a family’s collapse and offers a devastating study in guilt and the complexity of forgiveness.
“The lead actor delivers unforgettable realism and raw vulnerability. With long, intense takes and a camera that sometimes feels like a silent witness, the film forces us to ask whether absolution – legal or moral – is ever possible.
“For its fearless storytelling, its endlessly unpredictable dramatic progression, gripping performances and masterful artistry, the award for Best Film goes to Father.”
More information is available on the SIFF website.
