Mallorca, Spain — Amid the scenic allure of Mallorca, the sixth MajorDocs – Mallorca Documentary Film Festival concluded with Raúl Alaejos nabbing the prestigious Jury Award for his thought-provoking film “Objeto de estudio.” The festival, which ran from October 1-5, highlighted innovative cinematic narratives that explore delicate interactions between filmmakers and their subjects.
“Objeto de estudio” emerges as a standout, not only clinching a €1,500 prize but also earning accolades for its unique approach to storytelling. The jury, comprising artist Marta Azparren, filmmaker Macià Florit, and Christine Camdessus, the artistic director of FIPADOC, praised the film for its profound engagement with its characters and setting, culminating in a reflective piece on authorship and reality.
Adding to the festival’s highlights, “The Undergrowth” by Macu Machín received a Special Mention. The film intricately delves into the lives of three sisters on the island of La Palma, grappling with family inheritance against the looming threat of a volcanic eruption. The jury commended Machín for her adept handling of a classic tragedy setup, capturing the essence of intimate cinema within a documentary framework.
Audience preferences shone through as “Kix,” directed by David Mikulán and Bálint Réves, was voted as the festival’s best film. This stark coming-of-age narrative set in Budapest paints a gripping portrait of youth and disenchantment, securing a broadcast deal with regional television network IB3.
The festival also debuted a Balearic short films section, spotlighting local talent. “Charlie, últimas palabras,” directed by Anthony Neitzke, won the best title for its compassionate exploration of aging, while José Aragón’s “Valeria, Gerard, Gery” received a special mention.
On a professional scale, the MajorDocs Pitch Award went to “The Path that Walks (Nar’hi enan)” by Efthymia Zymvragaki. The film, which details a personal and cultural journey, impressed the jury and earned recognition alongside other notable pitches like “Level” by Anna Berkhof and Carlos Mora and “Como dos extrañas” by Carolina Astudillo.
The festival’s growth was underscored by a significant increase in attendance, with 3,000 people participating in various screenings, educational programs, and community engagements—a 50% increase from the previous year. Over 1,000 students participated in the festival’s Educa programme, and the Comunitats programme doubled its participant count compared to 2023.
The success of this edition was further enriched by contributions from over twenty professionals from the Balearic Islands and beyond, who engaged in master classes, panel discussions, and talks that deepened the festival’s impact and breadth.
In wrapping up another successful year, MajorDocs solidified its role not just as a platform for documentary cinema, but as a vibrant forum for dialogue and discovery, setting a high bar for documentary filmmaking on the international stage. As the curtains closed, the array of films and discussions left an indelible mark on attendees, promising even greater explorations in future editions.