The 27th edition of connecting cottbus (coco) has just unveiled its prestigious award winners, and the results are in! But wait, there’s a twist… This year’s selections have sparked both celebration and debate among film enthusiasts.
cocoPITCH Winners:
The Inspector’s Debt, a gripping film by Teodora Markova, swept the audience off their feet and earned a whopping €1,500 Audience Award and the Avanpost Award, worth €15,000 in post-production services. But here’s where it gets controversial—some critics argue that the film’s success is more about its emotional appeal than its artistic merit.
Astana Internet Stars, directed by Assel Aushakimova, secured the HAVC Project Development Award, while Attention Whores by Alica Bednáriková won the Producers Network Award for Cannes 2026. These awards recognize the potential of these projects to captivate international audiences.
Exactly What It Seems, directed by Darya Zhuk, was honored with the Phont Dynamic Subtitling Award, a testament to its cross-cultural appeal. Additionally, MIDPOINT script consultancies were awarded to Astana Internet Stars, Attention Whores, and Saros, ensuring their scripts are in top shape.
cocoWIP Winners:
In the cocoWIP category, Is the Sky Blue? by Nikola Ljuca claimed the top prize, the D-Facto Motion Award, worth an impressive €35,000 in services. Meanwhile, The Lion at My Back, directed by Tonia Mishiali, roared its way to the Studio Beep Sound Postproduction Award.
These award-winning films embody coco’s dedication to showcasing diverse and thought-provoking European cinema. But the question remains: Are these awards solely based on artistic excellence, or do they also reflect the industry’s current trends and preferences?
coco AWARD WINNERS 2025:
cocoPITCH:
– Audience Award: The Inspector’s Debt (Bulgaria, Latvia) – A powerful film that left a lasting impression on viewers.
– Avanpost Award: The Inspector’s Debt – This award highlights the film’s potential for international success.
– HAVC Project Development Award: Astana Internet Stars (Kazakhstan) – A promising project with a unique perspective.
– Producers Network Award: Attention Whores (Czech Republic) – Ready to make its mark at Cannes 2026.
– Phont Dynamic Subtitling Award: Exactly What It Seems (Estonia, Poland, USA, the Netherlands) – A film that bridges cultural gaps.
– MIDPOINT Consulting Awards: Astana Internet Stars, Attention Whores, and Saros – Honoring exceptional scripts.
cocoWIP Awards:
– D-Facto Motion WIP Award: Is the Sky Blue? (Serbia) – A deserving winner with a captivating story.
– Studio Beep Sound Postproduction Award: The Lion at My Back (Cyprus) – Ready to roar with enhanced sound.
What do you think about this year’s award winners? Do you agree with the choices, or do you have other films you believe should have been recognized? Share your thoughts and let’s discuss the diverse world of European cinema!