‘ThIIIrd,’ ‘A Field Guide to Coastal Fortifications’ Among Winners at Beldocs

variety.com:

Tara Karajica The 16th edition of Beldocs Intl. Documentary Film Festival has awarded its top prizes to “ThIIIrd,” from Lebanese helmer Karim Kassim, in the International Competition Program, and Tijana Petrović’s “A Field Guide to Coastal Fortifications” in the Serbian competition program. “ThIIIrd” is set in an auto repair shop in Lebanon, which is a haven for people to express their growing despair amidst the economic collapse that surrounds them.

Fest was generally applauded for strong competition selections that, according to the event’s programmer Igor Stanojević, put a special focus on visually striking films and fresh expressions by new authors with around 100 films across 12 programs, including nine world premieres, and a notable presence of female directors.

In the Serbian Competition, Luka Papić and Srđa Vučo’s doc “Invoked” scooped the award for best editing while “Aurora’s Dream” from director Dragana Jovanović picked up the prize for best cinematography.

In the International Competition, the Franco-Belgian doc “Adieu Savuage” from helmer Sergio Guataquira Sarmiento earned the special mention while “Budapest Silo” by Zsófia Paczolay garnered a nod for best short doc, and the “Ardent Other” from director Alice Brygo received a special award.