This is the first time I've seen you.

At the main square in Ljutomer on July 13, 2026, the 22nd Grossmann Festival of Fantastic Film and Wine awarded its prizes. The best film according to the jury was Nocturne, directed by Spanish filmmaker Paul Urkijo Alijo. According to the audience vote, the winning film was Nikoli on Theme from Japan, directed by Dave Boyle. Honorary award for the hound was received by Caroline Munro. The best wine was Laški Rizling 2025 from Vina Polanec. The festival presented 53 films this year, with five competing for the Hound Award, four for the Noisy Hound, nine for the Slack Hound, and nine for the Méliès d'Argent. These were judged by panels including: Hound: Caroline Munro, Ana Jurc, Tomaž Gorkič Slack Hound and Méliès d'Argent: Ana Marija Grbić, Julian Richards, Vasja Rovšnik Noisy Hound: Igor Vidmar, Robert Jurak, Živa Jalovec The jury's justifications for their awards included the following. For the Hound Award for Best Feature Film, Nocturne from Spain, 2025, directed by Paul Urkijo Alijo, was recognized for its portrayal of patriarchal violence and religious dogma set against the backdrop of Basque mountains. Through the lens of the 17th century, the film addresses contemporary social issues between genders. The director skillfully handles the theme and light, using expressionist techniques with shadows that reference European classical painting. The visual and meaningful aesthetic of the entire film is extraordinary. Despite the content’s harshness, the director chose not to depict explicit scenes of violence, instead expressing it through the visual narrative of the film. A special mention went to Melancholic from France, 2026, directed by Quarxx. This film presents a fascinating alternative history of France, masking deep piety with sadistic fanaticism, primarily expressed toward the weakest members of society. The story compellingly collides traditional ways of life with technological progress, both driven by fanaticism. The Audience Choice Award went to Nikoli on Theme from Japan, 2026, directed by Dave Boyle. For the Noisy Hound Award for Best Musical Documentary, Without Compromise, Belgrade from Germany and Serbia, 2026, directed by Alexander Baptiste Kaiser, was praised for being an exceptional, current response to the live music scene within a social protest movement. It effectively uses digital technology in editing and production to capture the spirit of participation in live music. The documentary captures the dichotomy of current reality and underground music while committedly documenting the message: “do not lose hope.” A special mention was given to Celtic Utopia from Sweden and Ireland, 2025, directed by Dennis Harvey and Lars Lovén. This Irish film powerfully documents the language of resistance and affirmation, survival, and intergenerational connections of the original, Gaelic language and culture. The Slack Hound Award for Best Short Film was given to King Nothing from Serbia, 2024, directed by Aleksa Gajić. After careful consideration, the jury selected this Serbian film from an outstanding selection of short films due to its satirical celebration of a man’s midlife crisis. The poetic pessimism of dialogue is matched by powerful dark comic visuals showing a post-apocalyptic Belgrade through the mind of a protagonist who has grown tired of his situation. The Silver Méliès Award was given to They Must See It from Spain, 2025, directed by Nacho Solana. The jury unanimously decided to give this year’s Méliès d'Argent to They Must See It. The film reveals false ideals and expectations often associated with parenthood through carefully crafted atmosphere using irony and satire. The director skillfully exceeds the limitations of a modest production with restrained and economical use of cinematic language, creating an intimate and claustrophobic family drama. By maintaining space for different interpretations, the film resonates long after viewing and invites the audience to engage actively with its themes. The Best Wine Hound Award was given to Rumeni Muška.