08/06/2023 - At the world's longest-running children’s and youth film festival, 132 competition titles explored themes of courage, identity and history, yielding a slew of European winners

The Zlín Film Festival (1-7 June), the world's oldest international film festival for children’s and youth movies, has wrapped its 63rd edition (see the news) with an awards gala. The jury, comprising both experts and children, announced their picks from among a vibrant slate of 132 films. European efforts dominated the awards ceremony.

The top honour, the Golden Slipper for Best Feature Film for Children, was awarded to the German film What the Finn?! - A Summer of Surprises. Directed by Stefan Westerwelle, the family-friendly road movie based on Martin Muser's award-winning novel follows a lonely ten-year-old boy named Finn who, while navigating his parents' divorce, embarks on an unexpected adventure and encounters colourful characters, as they learn about courage and self-confidence. In the category for junior audiences, the British flick Scrapper [+see also:
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The Golden Slipper for Best Feature Film for Youth went to the Polish-Israeli-German co-production Delegation [+see also:
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Norwegian director Kajsa Næss took home two awards for her hand-drawn feature Titina [+see also:
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The 64th edition of the Zlín Film Festival is scheduled to unspool from 30 May-5 June 2024.

Here is the full list of award winners:

Golden Slipper for Best Feature Film in the Children’s Category
What the Finn?! – A Summer of Surprises – Stefan Westerwelle (Germany)

Karel Zeman Award – Special Recognition for Best Visual Concept in a Feature Film in the Children’s Category
Titina [+see also:
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Golden Slipper for Best Feature Film in the Junior Category
Scrapper [+see also:
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Golden Slipper for Best Feature Film in the Youth Category
Delegation [+see also:
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Special Jury Prize for a Feature Film in the Junior and Youth Category
Forever – Anders Hazelius (Sweden)

Golden Slipper for Best Short Animation for Children
Crab – Piotr Chmielewski (Poland/France)

Hermína Týrlová Award for Best Short Animation for Children up to 6 Years of Age
Pond – Lena von Döhren, Eva Rust (Switzerland)
Special Mention for Short Animation for Children
Pig – Jorn Leeuwerink (Netherlands)

Award of the Children’s Jury for Best Feature Film in the Children’s Category
Titina - Kajsa Næss

Award of the Youth Jury for Best Feature Film in the Junior and Youth Category
Sweet As – Jub Clerc (Australia)

Zlín Dog Award for Best Student Film
Of Kisses and Capes – Elena Weiss (Germany)

Golden Slipper for Outstanding Contribution to Children's and Youth Cinematography
Zlata Adamovská
Pavel Nový

Non-statutory awards

Europe Award – the European Children’s Film Association Award for Best European Documentary Film for Young Audiences
We Will Not Fade Away [+see also:
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Ecumenical Jury Award for Best Feature Film in the Junior and Youth Category
Juniors [+see also:
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Golden Apple – the City of Zlín Audience Award for Best Feature Film in the Children’s, Junior and Youth Category
Forever – Anders Hazelius

ČT:D Audience Award for Best Short Animation for Children
Polar – Leonis Levy, Laura Al Bayati, Morgane Michel, Sara Briand, Sélène Bentz, Alice Hobadam, Fanny Martin (France)