14/03/2025 - We take a closer look at five projects presented at the Greek event that have scooped some of its most significant awards

A total of 33 projects were selected across four different sections – Pitching Forum, Docs in Progress, Agora XR Lab and Agora Boost – at the Thessaloniki International Documentary Festival’s Agora, which runs from 7-15 March this year. Following the announcement of the winners on 12 March (see the news), we provide a detailed breakdown of five projects that won some of the most important awards at this major industry event.

Thessaloniki Pitching Forum

IEFTA Award for Best Documentary in Development
Highways of Hope – Alexa Bakony (Hungary)
Producers: Gábor Tibor Osváth, Veronika Gál (Filmfabriq)
Highways of Hope follows 21-year-old Gulnaz, a Muslim woman from India, as she navigates the highways of Europe working as a truck driver. Throughout her journey, Gulnaz challenges societal expectations and explores personal freedom, financial independence and the pursuit of her dream – to become a photographer. The story also touches on her self-discovery, her longings and her relationship with her father, who raised her alone. Directed by Alexa Bakony (Colors of Tobi [+see also:
film review
trailer
interview: Alexa Bakony
film profile]), the project aims to combine observational storytelling with an interesting visual language to offer a poetic portrayal of Gulnaz's coming-of-age road experience. Currently in early development, the project is seeking international co-producers, broadcasters and festival support.

Special Mention and Onassis Film Award
Bugboy – Lucas Paleocrassas (Greece/Denmark/France)
Producers: Rea Apostolides, Yuri Averof (Anemon Productions)
Bugboy is a coming-of-age documentary that explores the relationship between a teenager and an insect, highlighting the transformative power of nature. Sixteen-year-old George has struggled with social connection owing to his misaligned eyes and his parents' divorce, which has led to his withdrawal from others. However, he finds solace in the hidden world of insects. When a cricket named Isabella enters his life, George begins to view himself in a new light, questioning whether he, too, can demonstrate courage. Directed by Lucas Paleocrassas (Final Year), the film documents George's journey of self-discovery over three years. Supported by the Hellenic Film and Audiovisual Center – Creative Greece, the Danish Film Institute and ARTE, Bugboy is in advanced production, and is currently seeking sales agents, pre-sales, distribution and impact partners.

ERT – Thessaloniki Pitching Forum Award
Mama Klorin – Doreida Xhogu (Greece)
Producer: Mina Dreki (Marni Films)
Mama Klorin examines themes of identity, migration and the unseen labour of the women who clean the world. Directed by debutant Doreida Xhogu, an artist and cleaner herself, the film weaves together personal narratives of resilience and dignity. It begins with the story of Xhogu’s own mother and broadens its scope to include other women within the workforce that sustains Greek society. The film adopts a "home video" aesthetic, transitioning between Skopelos villas, Athens hospitals and the artist’s studio, where everyday objects of labour are reimagined through clay, transforming work into art and advocacy. The project blurs the lines between documentary and personal storytelling. Currently in early development, it is seeking co-producers, funding and festival support ahead of a planned late 2026 release.

Docs in Progress

2|35 Post-Production Main Award
Magma – Mia Bendrimia (France/Algeria)
Producer: Kira Simon-Kennedy (Nazar Films)
Magma explores the complex history of a family caught between the fault lines of Algeria’s colonial past. Debuting French-Algerian filmmaker Mia Bendrimia embarks on a personal journey to understand her family's divided ties to both sides of the Algerian War of Independence. As she delves into this history, she uncovers a web of contradictions, silences and unspoken truths. The search for clarity reveals the volatile nature of suppressed memories, which remain unresolved and continue to have an impact on the present. The film combines archival footage, personal testimony and poetic imagery, bridging the personal and political aspects of historical trauma. Currently in post-production, the movie is seeking post-production funding, co-producers and sales agents in preparation for a mid-2025 release.

Hellenic Film and Audiovisual Center – Creative Greece Award
Home Court – Elpida Nikou, Rodrigo Hernandez (Greece/Netherlands/France/Bulgaria)
Producers: Yuri Averof, Rea Apostolides (Anemon Productions)
Home Court is a coming-of-age documentary following Miriam and Gloria, two best friends from Athens with West African heritage, as they pursue their dream of becoming professional basketball players. As rising stars of a junior women’s team, their talent and determination stand out on the court, but their path to success is hindered by their statelessness and lack of Greek citizenship. Spanning four years, the film captures their personal growth, challenges and enduring friendship as they fight for recognition and a sense of belonging. Directors Elpida Nikou and Rodrigo Hernandez (Serigne, Shooting) take an observational and emotionally raw approach, highlighting the broader issues faced by stateless migrants in Europe today. Home Court continues their exploration of identity, perseverance and social justice. Currently in post-production with support from the Hellenic Film and Audiovisual Center – Creative Greece, ERT and the Netherlands Film Fund, the film is seeking sales agents, pre-sales and partners ahead of its 2026 release.