La película mexicana Muchas, que combina "simplicidad, audacia y profunda humanidad", ganó en Cinehillo

The 28th edition of the Cinehill International Film Festival concluded in Gorski Kotar, Croatia, with the awarding of its main prize to the Mexican film Muhe (translated as Moscas) directed by Fernando Eimbcke. The ceremony took place on July 26, 2026, marking the end of a week-long celebration of cinema held in Fužine, a region known for its cultural significance. The winning film, which explores themes of human connection and family dynamics, was praised for its simplicity, courage, and deep humanity. Muhe, based on the strict daily routines of its protagonist, Olga, follows her life as she faces financial difficulties that force her to rent out her apartment. An unexpected encounter with a man who brings his nine-year-old son into her home disrupts her routine and connects three strangers in a new family unit. The film, which premiered at Berlinale, was described by Croatian media agency Hina as a mature drama focusing on the emotional depth of human relationships and selected families. It was noted for transforming intimate stories into profound reflections on loneliness, connection, empathy, and acceptance of loss. Fernando Eimbcke, born in 1970, has long been recognized for his ability to blend personal narratives with broader social commentary. His work often centers on the complexities of everyday life, and Muhe continues this tradition. The jury for the main prize included Palestinian producer Baher Agbariya, Serbian producer Snežana van Houwelingen, Serbian director Marija Perović, and Croatian director Igor Šeregi. They highlighted the film’s emotional resonance and its unique ability to translate intimate moments into universal truths. Among other notable entries, the film 15 i po by Bosnian director and screenwriter Milivoje Obradović received special mention for its witty and intimate portrayal of an actor grappling with professional, existential, and personal crises. The film’s protagonist decides to take control of the camera, offering a deeply personal perspective. The jury praised the film's nuanced depiction of internal conflict and its bold narrative choices. The Crocorto Award, given to the best short film, went to Držim te by Croatian director Ana Predan. The jury described the film as minimalist yet precise, capturing the emotional bond between two isolated individuals connected through water and the sea, calling it a “filmmaker’s haiku.” The award-winning short was lauded for its poetic approach to storytelling and its ability to evoke deep emotion within a brief runtime. In addition to the main awards, several other films stood out during the festival. Among them was the Slovenian-Iranian co-production L’avant-poste 21 by Swiss director Camille Surdez, which explored themes of friendship and female solidarity. The film sensitively addressed the topic of abortion, presenting it with clarity, strength, and emotional depth. The jury was particularly moved by the film’s honest and heartfelt narrative. Other highlights included the Slovenian-Irish co-production Vojna ščetk (Italian title: La battaglia delle spazzole), directed by Lorenzo Fabbra. This entry was part of the short film program, which featured a range of diverse and thought-provoking works. The jury for the Best Short Film category included Damjan Kozole, a Slovenian filmmaker, alongside Serbian screenwriter Ana Vujadinović and Italian director Aldo Iuliano. Their collective assessment emphasized the importance of authenticity and emotional truth in short-form storytelling. The festival also showcased Slovenian productions such as Zemljo krast, a feature-length film by Žiga Virč, and the documentary OHO Film by Damjan Kozole, produced in collaboration with RTV Slovenia and supported by the Slovenian Film Center. These works reflected the rich cinematic landscape of the region and contributed to the festival’s reputation as a platform for emerging talent and innovative storytelling.