Rotterdam, Netherlands – “Fiume O Morte!” a compelling docu-drama by Croatian director Igor Bezinović, clinched the prestigious Tiger Award at the 2025 International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR). This film stood out among a host of nominations to secure a €40,000 prize, establishing Bezinović as a leading voice in the contemporary cinema landscape. The festival celebrated emerging filmmakers, further emphasizing its commitment to innovative storytelling in film.
The winning film, a production collaboration among Croatia, Italy, and Slovenia, delves into the complex history of Rijeka, formerly known as Fiume. Using a hybrid of documentary and dramatic recreation with the assistance of local residents, Bezinović explores the turbulent national identity shifts that have marked the city since World War I. The jury lauded the film for its playful yet profound narrative that serves as a reflection of contemporary societal issues including nationalism and fascism, stirring a dialogue on the inherent dangers of these ideologies.
Beyond the prestigious Tiger Award, the festival also honored other notable works. Sammy Baloji’s “L’Arbre De l’Authenticité” delved into the haunting colonial history of the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Tim Ellrich’s German drama “Im Haus Meiner Eltern” portrayed the emotional toll of caregiving within a family. Both films received special jury awards, showcasing the diversity of themes explored in this year’s IFFR.
The Big Screen competition, another highlight of the festival, melds popular, classic, and arthouse elements, promoting films that resonate with a broader audience while supporting local distribution in the Netherlands. This year, “Raptures,” a Swedish-Finnish drama by Jon Blåhed, won the Big Screen Award. The film, shot in Meänkieli—a minority language—examines the gripping struggle of a Christian woman against her husband’s extreme religious sect, challenging viewers with its intense narrative and stunning cinematography.
Additional industry prizes were announced, highlighting the works of global filmmakers including Georgian director Uta Beria’s “Tear Gas,” which stood out by winning two of the nine IFFR Pro prizes.
As the festival continues to unfold, the anticipation builds for the announcement of the audience award, set to be revealed on February 8. The competitive edge and diverse selections of films underscore IFFR’s role as a crucial platform for filmmakers to showcase their innovative projects and for audiences to engage with groundbreaking cinematic works.
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